A short one hour journey by train/road from Sydney to experience in a huge 850 seat venue, a magnificent “hipster version” of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with an impressive cast of leads and an effective well-choreographed large ensemble cast of young, passionate performers.
This sung-through musical is a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Originally a rock opera concept album, before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. This musical is a vivid depiction of the political events in the life of Jesus Christ, whilst passionately telling the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, in under 120 minutes with one interval.
Each new production of one of the most successful musical every produced brings with it a new approach. Kyle Stephens has decided to use a “hipster theme”. Kyle believes that the hipster theme fits in well with the Anita theatre venue.
The actors chosen to portray Jesus Christ, Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, Pilate, Peter and King Herod are each outstanding in their performances, and the supporting cast do a wonderful job.
Matthew Nelson is Jesus Christ. This is Matthew’s second show with Kore Productions. His leading lady, Stephanie Josifovski is Mary Magdalene, and she has been studying for a musical theatre degree and works by night as the box office girl at the Anita’s Theatre. Nathaniel Hole is Judas Iscariot. Kore Productions has been seeking some new raw talent and had the pleasure to audition sixteen year old Sam Gabo, as well as members of his talented family. Sam Gabo plays Simon.
The musical cleverly highlights both the political and interpersonal struggles between the disciples, but in particular between Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ. The plot re-interprets the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life, from the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. Judas is depicted as a tragic figure, and modern-day psychology is used to re-interpret the lives of Jesus Christ and his disciples.
There are any number of intentional anachronisms plus ironic allusions to modern life today, especially as the lyrics frequently express contemporary sensibilities and attitudes that are quite inappropriate to the year 33AD.
The production is by arrangement with Origin Theatrical on behalf of the Really Useful Group Limited.
This Kore Production has been co-directed by Kyle Stephens and Mitch Thornton.
Remaining performances at Anita’s Theatre are:-
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2PM
FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST 7.30PM
SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 7.30PM
SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2PM
Anita’s Theatre is a large performing arts venue (art-deco building with old-school charms) at 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW