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Post by creakingstool on Aug 22, 2023 18:06:48 GMT
New to this board but I think this is allowed. Manchester Theatres has an offer for £30 best available seats for this show at The Palace for Mon 11th, Tues 12th, Weds 13th September. I really fancied watching as I haven't seen it before and hear it's very good (I'm fairly new to the theatre bug!) so have taken advantage and got stalls seats for the Tuesday with some friends. Looking forward to seeing Ian McIntosh as Jesus, my daughter and I saw him in We Will Rock You recently as Galileo and thought he was very good. you won't regret it. I've got a ticket for the first night but fully intend to make several return trips as I adore this production. New to this board but I think this is allowed. Manchester Theatres has an offer for £30 best available seats for this show at The Palace for Mon 11th, Tues 12th, Weds 13th September. I really fancied watching as I haven't seen it before and hear it's very good (I'm fairly new to the theatre bug!) so have taken advantage and got stalls seats for the Tuesday with some friends. Looking forward to seeing Ian McIntosh as Jesus, my daughter and I saw him in We Will Rock You recently as Galileo and thought he was very good. Welcome to TheatreBoard and well done for choosing to get an absolute MT classic under your belt! Let us know what you thought of it, good or bad. And telling other members and the thousands of guests who view the forum about offers and deals is very much appreciated! Thanks for the welcome both. I will definitely try and do a review after my visit. Can't wait. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Aug 31, 2023 15:18:18 GMT
Interesting documentary length YouTube vid about the history of the show.
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Post by theatrefan62 on Aug 31, 2023 17:10:51 GMT
Doesn't look like further star casting will be announced for Herod. Timo Tatzbar has been announced as Herod at other venues.
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Post by richey on Sept 11, 2023 19:38:15 GMT
So it's interval at opening night at the Palace and have to say am rather underwhelmed so far. It's lacking the punch of previous incarnations, lots of duff notes and some lacklustre vocals from Jesus and Judas in the opening numbers. Jesus is more boyband member than rock star, will be interesting to see if he can pull off Gethsemane.
Also it all looks very cramped on the Palace stage.
Am in the front row and loads of glitter everywhere already!
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 11, 2023 19:43:50 GMT
Oh dear. That sounds bad.
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Post by danb on Sept 11, 2023 20:07:22 GMT
Gah! Jesus shouldn’t be trying ‘to pull off’“Gethsemane”…it should be a masterclass in acting through song, reinforced by kick ass vocals. 🤦♂️
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Post by richey on Sept 11, 2023 20:43:31 GMT
Ok I may have been a little harsh. It's the first night...
Act 2 definitely picked up the pace. Other than Julian clary who just spoke his words and added his usual ad libs.
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Post by ceebee on Sept 11, 2023 21:14:16 GMT
I usually like Julian Clary and won't be seeing him when I see this in MK, but perhaps that's not a bad thing. Not sure why they felt they needed "star" casting for this - would have thought it could stand on its own two feet quite easily for a tour.
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Post by benny20 on Sept 11, 2023 21:24:42 GMT
Clary was shocking..
Ruined it.
Sound for Judas' vocals also seemed a bit off all night. Not sure if it was the sound mix or his voice or a bit of both
Thought Mary and Jesus were good
Hadnt seen the previous London productions but enjoyed this production
Band sounded good
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Post by richey on Sept 11, 2023 21:47:54 GMT
Clary was shocking.. Ruined it. Sound for Judas' vocals also seemed a bit off all night. Not sure if it was the sound mix or his voice or a bit of both Thought Mary and Jesus were good Hadnt seen the previous London productions but enjoyed this production Band sounded good Yes I think a lot of the first act niggles were down to some bad mixing. I was in the front row and struggled to hear some of them. And not sure what happened at the beginning of the "Christ you know I love you" section but the band were definitely off. I'm putting a lot of it down to being the first night of the tour and as I said above, definitely thought act 2 improved. Will be booking another ticket before it leaves Manchester. |
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 11, 2023 22:17:35 GMT
I was also at the first performance this evening. For context, between Regent’s Park and the Barbican I’ve seen this production 4 times, and I think it is superlative. The work that Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie, Tom Scutt, and Tom Deering have done on this production is phenomenal and I can’t imagine a better version of the show. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that I thought this evening’s performance was fantastic 😂
I agree with other posters that there were a few minor hiccups tonight, which are probably down to it being the first performance and will hopefully be ironed out as the show beds in. Otherwise, I thought that this was an excellent re-working of the production. The design keeps the essence of the Regent’s Park/Barbican set while adapting it for touring venues, the direction and choreography have been recreated faithfully, and mixing issues aside it sounds great.
What’s more, the cast is largely excellent. Ian Mcintosh is sensational in the title role - on a par with Declan Bennett and Rob Tripolino before him. His voice suits the score well and he knows how to use it, picking his moments to really let rip with the rock belt for maximum effect. Likewise, Hannah Richardson brings a personal vocal touch to Mary, as has been the case with the previous actresses who have taken on the role in this production. The supporting cast are all strong, although less distinctive than their predecessors. Perhaps that will come with time.
Shem Omari James clearly has the voice for Judas, but tonight I felt that his performance was not very assured, and I struggled to get much emotion from him. Perhaps that’s just first night nerves and his performance will deepen once the tour has settled in, but I felt that among the leading cast he was the weakest link. Julian Clary plays Julian Clary, as expected, and while he need only walk on stage to get a laugh from the audience, his droll style doesn’t quite fit here. I can’t help but wonder whether the actor who is playing the role in Mr Clary’s absence will play it along the same lines, or if he’ll revert to the more crazed and flamboyant version of the character as embodied by e.g. Peter Caulfield and Sam Buttery. I think the latter is probably more effective.
Anyway, I would thoroughly recommend seeing this tour if it’s coming near you. If I wasn’t so busy over the next two weeks I would return multiple times. Based on his performance as Simon this evening, I think the alternate Judas might be one to watch, so if anyone sees him in the role please do post your thoughts!
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Post by richey on Sept 12, 2023 18:12:32 GMT
I was also at the first performance this evening. For context, between Regent’s Park and the Barbican I’ve seen this production 4 times, and I think it is superlative. The work that Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie, Tom Scutt, and Tom Deering have done on this production is phenomenal and I can’t imagine a better version of the show. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that I thought this evening’s performance was fantastic 😂 I agree with other posters that there were a few minor hiccups tonight, which are probably down to it being the first performance and will hopefully be ironed out as the show beds in. Otherwise, I thought that this was an excellent re-working of the production. The design keeps the essence of the Regent’s Park/Barbican set while adapting it for touring venues, the direction and choreography have been recreated faithfully, and mixing issues aside it sounds great. What’s more, the cast is largely excellent. Ian Mcintosh is sensational in the title role - on a par with Declan Bennett and Rob Tripolino before him. His voice suits the score well and he knows how to use it, picking his moments to really let rip with the rock belt for maximum effect. Likewise, Hannah Richardson brings a personal vocal touch to Mary, as has been the case with the previous actresses who have taken on the role in this production. The supporting cast are all strong, although less distinctive than their predecessors. Perhaps that will come with time. Shem Omari James clearly has the voice for Judas, but tonight I felt that his performance was not very assured, and I struggled to get much emotion from him. Perhaps that’s just first night nerves and his performance will deepen once the tour has settled in, but I felt that among the leading cast he was the weakest link. Julian Clary plays Julian Clary, as expected, and while he need only walk on stage to get a laugh from the audience, his droll style doesn’t quite fit here. I can’t help but wonder whether the actor who is playing the role in Mr Clary’s absence will play it along the same lines, or if he’ll revert to the more crazed and flamboyant version of the character as embodied by e.g. Peter Caulfield and Sam Buttery. I think the latter is probably more effective. Anyway, I would thoroughly recommend seeing this tour if it’s coming near you. If I wasn’t so busy over the next two weeks I would return multiple times. Based on his performance as Simon this evening, I think the alternate Judas might be one to watch, so if anyone sees him in the role please do post your thoughts! I'd seen it at The Barbican and then OAT when it returned post-covid. One thing that struck me last night was the final few seconds (sorry not sure how to post spoiler via my mobile) which wasn't how I remembered it at The Barbican. Do you remember if it is the same or has this moment been added? |
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Post by ceebee on Sept 12, 2023 18:38:45 GMT
I was also at the first performance this evening. For context, between Regent’s Park and the Barbican I’ve seen this production 4 times, and I think it is superlative. The work that Tim Sheader, Drew McOnie, Tom Scutt, and Tom Deering have done on this production is phenomenal and I can’t imagine a better version of the show. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that I thought this evening’s performance was fantastic 😂 I agree with other posters that there were a few minor hiccups tonight, which are probably down to it being the first performance and will hopefully be ironed out as the show beds in. Otherwise, I thought that this was an excellent re-working of the production. The design keeps the essence of the Regent’s Park/Barbican set while adapting it for touring venues, the direction and choreography have been recreated faithfully, and mixing issues aside it sounds great. What’s more, the cast is largely excellent. Ian Mcintosh is sensational in the title role - on a par with Declan Bennett and Rob Tripolino before him. His voice suits the score well and he knows how to use it, picking his moments to really let rip with the rock belt for maximum effect. Likewise, Hannah Richardson brings a personal vocal touch to Mary, as has been the case with the previous actresses who have taken on the role in this production. The supporting cast are all strong, although less distinctive than their predecessors. Perhaps that will come with time. Shem Omari James clearly has the voice for Judas, but tonight I felt that his performance was not very assured, and I struggled to get much emotion from him. Perhaps that’s just first night nerves and his performance will deepen once the tour has settled in, but I felt that among the leading cast he was the weakest link. Julian Clary plays Julian Clary, as expected, and while he need only walk on stage to get a laugh from the audience, his droll style doesn’t quite fit here. I can’t help but wonder whether the actor who is playing the role in Mr Clary’s absence will play it along the same lines, or if he’ll revert to the more crazed and flamboyant version of the character as embodied by e.g. Peter Caulfield and Sam Buttery. I think the latter is probably more effective. Anyway, I would thoroughly recommend seeing this tour if it’s coming near you. If I wasn’t so busy over the next two weeks I would return multiple times. Based on his performance as Simon this evening, I think the alternate Judas might be one to watch, so if anyone sees him in the role please do post your thoughts! I'd seen it at The Barbican and then OAT when it returned post-covid. One thing that struck me last night was the final few seconds (sorry not sure how to post spoiler via my mobile) which wasn't how I remembered it at The Barbican. Do you remember if it is the same or has this moment been added? As I recall, this production has had three slightly different endings so far all centering around Jesus "returning to the fold" and sitting on the steps of the set. |
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 12, 2023 20:56:09 GMT
I'd seen it at The Barbican and then OAT when it returned post-covid. One thing that struck me last night was the final few seconds (sorry not sure how to post spoiler via my mobile) which wasn't how I remembered it at The Barbican. Do you remember if it is the same or has this moment been added? I *think* this production does the same as at the Barbican, but I’m not sure. It’s definitely not a completely new moment, but I can’t remember exactly how it’s been done before - ceebee seems to remember better than I do. |
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Post by ceebee on Sept 13, 2023 9:17:41 GMT
I haven't seen this one yet but the Barbican ending was subtly different to the OAT ending. Not in a huge way.
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Post by max on Sept 13, 2023 12:06:00 GMT
Has anyone seen stage versions that include the priests singing 'Then We Are Decided' (added for the film), near the beginning?
I first saw JCS when the original London production toured after it had closed in the West End - 1980. It wasn't used then.
An early Kenwright tour did include it - which is the only time I've seen it on stage.
I think it's useful - for political context.
I'd even say that during the Overture it might be useful to hear fragments of Jesus's teachings - rather than just see him mouthing to an engaged and loving crowd.
I suppose I'm asking - is Jesus still a 'superstar' in 2023 UK? Or could audiences do with a bit more information?
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Post by BVM on Sept 14, 2023 13:56:39 GMT
Is the set from this much reduced from the Barbican? I’d kind of expected it to be the same.
Fairly sure the “scaffolding” that made up most of the set was 2 “L” shapes covering sides and back of stage with a gap in the middle for fake trees/foliage and the cross.
From the Manchester pics I’ve seen it looks like it’s just in a line at back of stage rather than L shaped?!
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Post by danb on Sept 14, 2023 16:02:44 GMT
Has anyone seen stage versions that include the priests singing 'Then We Are Decided' (added for the film), near the beginning? I first saw JCS when the original London production toured after it had closed in the West End - 1980. It wasn't used then. An early Kenwright tour did include it - which is the only time I've seen it on stage. I think it's useful - for political context. I'd even say that during the Overture it might be useful to hear fragments of Jesus's teachings - rather than just see him mouthing to an engaged and loving crowd. I suppose I'm asking - is Jesus still a 'superstar' in 2023 UK? Or could audiences do with a bit more information? The Lyceum version made the Priests machinations & pov perfectly clear wIthout the need for an additional song. I think that by the fact that this show is still performed, inspired by ‘the greatest story ever told’ people have more than enough background material. The piece certainly shouldn’t be dumbed down to appease those who require spoon feeding. |
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Post by jgblunners on Sept 14, 2023 22:02:59 GMT
Is the set from this much reduced from the Barbican? I’d kind of expected it to be the same. Fairly sure the “scaffolding” that made up most of the set was 2 “L” shapes covering sides and back of stage with a gap in the middle for fake trees/foliage and the cross. From the Manchester pics I’ve seen it looks like it’s just in a line at back of stage rather than L shaped?! You’re right that the two structures are just rectangular rather than L-shaped. They fill the width of the stage though, with only a small gap between. Compared to the Barbican/Open Air - yes, it’s reduced. However there’s no way those sets would have fitted into many touring venues. I think what they’ve got is a good balance between preserving the look of the set and making it adaptable to stages of various sizes. |
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Post by BVM on Sept 15, 2023 7:48:48 GMT
Is the set from this much reduced from the Barbican? I’d kind of expected it to be the same. Fairly sure the “scaffolding” that made up most of the set was 2 “L” shapes covering sides and back of stage with a gap in the middle for fake trees/foliage and the cross. From the Manchester pics I’ve seen it looks like it’s just in a line at back of stage rather than L shaped?! You’re right that the two structures are just rectangular rather than L-shaped. They fill the width of the stage though, with only a small gap between. Compared to the Barbican/Open Air - yes, it’s reduced. However there’s no way those sets would have fitted into many touring venues. I think what they’ve got is a good balance between preserving the look of the set and making it adaptable to stages of various sizes. Thanks very much! Good to hear it's a good balance. Yes for some reason thought would be exactly the same as Barbican as thought that set would be floating around somewhere (though perhaps it went to USA for their national tour?!). I thought Barbican would be pretty straightforward to tour. Though in retrospect that Barbican stage is huge, and that set was simple but big so guess in terms of one week sit downs in smaller theatres that was never going to work. Anyway, going tomorrow in Manchester and can't wait :-) |
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Post by richey on Sept 19, 2023 21:59:11 GMT
Saw it again tonight. Brilliant performances from all concerned (except Clary who was still dreadful). Last week's niggles were obviously first night nerves. Shem was far more confident from the start and could hear all his lines this time. Ian is really growing into the role, he gave an incredible performance of Gethsemane which was definitely up there with some of the best I've seen.
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Post by toomasj on Sept 19, 2023 22:00:35 GMT
Saw it again tonight. Brilliant performances from all concerned (except Clary who was still dreadful). Last week's niggles were obviously first night nerves. Shem was far more confident from the start and could hear all his lines this time. Ian is really growing into the role, he gave an incredible performance of Gethsemane which was definitely up there with some of the best I've seen. Were all of Clary’s “ad-libs” the same? |
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Post by richey on Sept 19, 2023 22:25:11 GMT
Saw it again tonight. Brilliant performances from all concerned (except Clary who was still dreadful). Last week's niggles were obviously first night nerves. Shem was far more confident from the start and could hear all his lines this time. Ian is really growing into the role, he gave an incredible performance of Gethsemane which was definitely up there with some of the best I've seen. Were all of Clary’s “ad-libs” the same? Yes as far as I can remember. Didn't get many laughs. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Sept 21, 2023 11:56:50 GMT
I was supposed to go last night but I’m not well at the moment so had to dip out, however I thought I’d give you the feedback from my group… brace yourselves.
“Brutal editing on the dancing and reconfigured lighting could have made a massive difference”
”Mary - lame. Like something from Britain’s Got Talent”
”Julian Clary was an embarrassment though some audience members seemed to love it”
“Was trying to be ‘street’ but looked more like it was from the local comprehensive”
”Costumes from Primark hoodies and joggers department”
There’s more but that gives you the gist. I don’t think they were fully on board. Not disappointed that I couldn’t make it after that!
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Sept 21, 2023 16:38:10 GMT
can we collectively decide to retire "lame" as a derogatory term?
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