It has been some time since I have seen a production of Jesus Christ Superstar and even longer since I saw it performed in a back to the basics traditional way.  In this the 40^th anniversary of the release of the original rock album with the first Broadway production in 1971 and West End in 1972, director Susie Dumbreck brings together Alhambra Productions, Limelight Productions and The Melodramatics perform Jesus Christ Superstar.  Permission is very rarely given to perform the show which is the third collaboration between Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Ian McInnes

Bobby Mitchell

The Alhambra Theatre has an imposing two level structure centre stage with steps and stairs up to the individual platforms, as the music builds the cast members move on stage from all directions, leading in to Judas’s (Bobby Mitchell) stirring opening number ‘Heaven on Their Minds’. This sets the mood for the rest of the production. During the second musical number ‘What’s the Buzz’ we are introduced to the Apostles, Jesus (Ian McInnes), Mary (Kirsty McLaren) and the ensemble. In ‘Everything’s Alright’ the mood is smoothed by Mary and the women, whilst Judas’s unease is growing, beautifully demonstrated by the direction and choreography of the scene. We are then introduced to Annas (Glenn McGill), Caiaphas (Clark Stewart), Priests (Sean MacBride-Stewart and Ken Chapman) the dark and the brooding conspiracy against Jesus begins to build. The way directors Susie Dumbreck and Graeme Sharpe bring on Pilate (Keith Hendrie) to sing the haunting ‘Pilates Dream’ is a stroke of genius Keith's voice holds the attention whilst the stage empties, leaving him the only focal point. 

The violent contrast between the temple scene and the song which is probably the second best number of the show Mary’s ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, Kirsty McLaren's beautiful voice portrays her anguish, being torn between her love for Jesus and her life so far. The end of act one once again allows Bobby Mitchell as Judas to show both his superb vocals and acting ability whilst he is ‘Damned for All Time/Blood Money’.

Before the second act even starts the cast drift on stage and start setting up for the last supper. After the supper Jesus (Ian McInnes) really gets to show us just exactly what a wide vocal range and pure voice he has ‘Gethsemane’ must be one of the most difficult musical numbers to perform convincingly and Ian does a very good version. Pilate's interactions are more meaningful after seeing his dream in act one. King Herod’s Song, sung by Steven Smyth, is more often seen in a modern context and it is a nice change to see a less frivolous presentation.

One of the scenes I look forward to most is that between Mary, Peter (Ed Littlewood) and the other Apostles singing ‘Could We Start Again Please’ and I thoroughly enjoyed it so much I'd love to see it over again please. Closely followed by Judas’ Death, one of the strongest if shocking moments in the whole show. The best known song in the whole production is probably ‘Superstar’ which manages to bring the general atmosphere up to a high point immediately followed by the Crucifixion which brings us back down. The final few minutes of the show allow us to reflect on the story we have seen and the fact that Jesus remains on the cross throughout the cast bows virtually brings you to tears, if you have not already sobbed your way throughout the performance.

The last few moments prior to the house lights coming up can be a shock to the system.

This whole show itself is a superstar, Susie, Graeme, Musical Director Moray Nairn, Anne Murray Dance Captain along with all the production team, the orchestra and complete ensemble join together in a show that will be remembered for a long time. Avril Scott’s seemingly simple, yet imposing set withheld unexpected surprises culminating in the full size cross.

The only difference between this Production and those in the West End or Broadway is that this amazing cast are doing this for the love of performance and not being paid.

Each of the three separate entities joined together for this production have their own websites The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline www.alhambradunfermline.com, Limelight Productions www.thelimelightproductions.co.uk  and The Melodramatics www.themelodramatics.co.uk   

Limelight Productions collaboration with Melodramatics Theatre Company present 'Jesus Christ Superstar' 29th April to 1st May 2010 at The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline Fife 

www.thelimelightproductions.co.uk

www.themelodramatics.co.uk 

www.alhambradunfermline.com