Jesus Christ Superstar - Regents Park Open Air / Barbican

[Dr Tom]

Maybe it is the emotion built upon inside me from not seeing theatre for months, but I thought that was really good. And this is from someone who didn't completely get the production in its previous iterations.

The venue was well organised. It seems really empty with every second row closed off (and there were definitely seats sold where no one turned up), but the atmosphere shone through. No queue for unisex toilets. Plenty of hand sanitiser. Efficient temporary checks and mask checks for entry.

The staging works really well. The cast all stay 2m apart spread across the stepped stage, but there are still a few times when they move around and cross over. A lot more is done through imagery as the actors can't physically touch.

The two male leads really shone through. I wish they'd posted the rest of the cast list, not just the leads, I was just too far back to work everyone out. The solo seats aren't all that good frankly, but I think we knew that anyway.

I did get moist eyes a few times, which isn't a good idea when you're wearing a mask and glasses.

Okay, there is one thing I'd change. The audience! I couldn't believe it, six drops of rain the ponchos were on and umbrellas were out. The people right in front of me (well two rows in front) had their umbrella, which blocked off a chunk of the stage. As did the people to my left, who clearly didn't want to be there, continually talking to one another and checking their phones (with the very obvious bright lights once it had got dark). Plenty of others who couldn't wait to take their mask off when the show started (or even before).

The actors didn't even seem to notice the rain. Two very light scatterings, neither of which lasted more than thirty seconds. And there were people who then kept holding umbrellas for the rest of the evening.

I appreciate I don't know what ushers should do when social distancing is in force, but it's just frustrating.

One other change is I wish they'd spotlight the person singing. Often the spotlight just stays on the lead and it is very hard to tell from the seats nearer the back.

Still, don't let that fool you, I did really enjoy it and even walked the four miles or so home with a smile on my fact (and it didn't rain during the walk!).

[robertb213]

Really glad to hear people enjoyed this tonight. And can I just say that reading about bad audience behaviour again has brought a massive smile to my face! It's been too long! 😂

[alison]

Aug 14, 2020 21:45:28 GMT Dr Tom said:

Maybe it is the emotion built upon inside me from not seeing theatre for months, but I thought that was really good. And this is from someone who didn't completely get the production in its previous iterations.

The venue was well organised. It seems really empty with every second row closed off (and there were definitely seats sold where no one turned up), but the atmosphere shone through. No queue for unisex toilets. Plenty of hand sanitiser. Efficient temporary checks and mask checks for entry.

The staging works really well. The cast all stay 2m apart spread across the stepped stage, but there are still a few times when they move around and cross over. A lot more is done through imagery as the actors can't physically touch.

The two male leads really shone through. I wish they'd posted the rest of the cast list, not just the leads, I was just too far back to work everyone out. The solo seats aren't all that good frankly, but I think we knew that anyway.

I did get moist eyes a few times, which isn't a good idea when you're wearing a mask and glasses.

Okay, there is one thing I'd change. The audience! I couldn't believe it, six drops of rain the ponchos were on and umbrellas were out. The people right in front of me (well two rows in front) had their umbrella, which blocked off a chunk of the stage. As did the people to my left, who clearly didn't want to be there, continually talking to one another and checking their phones (with the very obvious bright lights once it had got dark). Plenty of others who couldn't wait to take their mask off when the show started (or even before).

The actors didn't even seem to notice the rain. Two very light scatterings, neither of which lasted more than thirty seconds. And there were people who then kept holding umbrellas for the rest of the evening.

I appreciate I don't know what ushers should do when social distancing is in force, but it's just frustrating.

One other change is I wish they'd spotlight the person singing. Often the spotlight just stays on the lead and it is very hard to tell from the seats nearer the back.

Still, don't let that fool you, I did really enjoy it and even walked the four miles or so home with a smile on my fact (and it didn't rain during the walk!).

For reference for anyone who wants to see it, the full cast board is in what I think is its normal spot towards the right end of the bar as you come down the ramp.  It doesn't have changeable slots for all the other roles but lists everyone in the company with their roles and who they cover.  From past experience, when there's an understudy on at the Open Air they put up a notice board right as you enter at the top of the ramp, I would assume they'll do that this time if any of the covers go on.

I have a photo of the full board if you want to see it, Dr Tom.

[Deleted]

Aug 14, 2020 21:11:36 GMT alison said:

WOW. That was incredible.

Two very small showers, otherwise dry - and the mist was beautiful with the lighting effects.

They’ve managed to keep almost all my favourite moments, and for the ones they couldn’t they’ve got very worthy replacements. In one case I might like it better than the original. And the kiss - very cleverly done!

Will post spoilers tomorrow if people want to know but right now I’m on my train home exhausted but happy. I cried, grinned like a loon, and cried some more - at least my mask hid it from everyone!

So glad you had an amazing time
Reading your post brought a tear to MY eyes!

[alison]

Okay, show spoilers galore below.  If you don't want to know everything I can remember right now, don't look.

SPOILER: Click to show

During the overture, the entire company walk on one at a time with scarves pulled over their faces. At the peak of the overture (you know the bit, where the Superstar theme comes in), they all pull their coverings down as one. It doesn't sound like a lot to describe, but watching it was bloody emotional.

A lot of the choreography is still there in some form, although obviously much of the blocking has been changed. The cast are distanced at all times, but that certainly doesn't mean they're all standing in the same place. They've used the steps really well to stagger people.

Loads of my favourite things from the original production are still there - the silver paint, the clever uses of microphone cords, the dancing priests and their double headed staffs. Even the glitter for the 39 lashes is still in use, although only one person throws it at Jesus. Everyone has their own props for the most part, the ensemble do move them around sometimes with clever uses of gloves, scarves and other pieces of fabric to avoid multiple people touching them directly.

A few particular moments that had to be changed:

- The kiss. Jesus sits on the steps right downstage, with Judas sitting a few steps above in line with him. They mime the action - Judas kissing the air, Jesus reacting - and at the moment of the kiss Jesus smears a little of the silver paint on his cheek where the kiss would have been. Honestly it was perfect imo.

- Judas's death. He still has the red corded microphone to represent the rope, but instead of "hanging" it at the end, he rips the cord to sever the connection. I like the original a little better, but it works well.

- The crown of thorns. Instead of Judas appearing from behind Jesus at the start of Superstar to put the crown on his head, instead he walks on with the blood money chest (I assume it's a separate prop but you know what I mean) and offers it to Jesus. Jesus turns his back to the audience, drops the mic and cord tying his wrists into the chest and lifts the crown high before putting it on himself.

- The crucifixion. Jesus is put up on a cross at the back of the stage, but he does it himself. The final visual of the show involves using the lights embedded in the steps to display a cross in the middle of the stage, ending with Jesus and Judas sitting on the steps either side.

[ruby]

So excited for this but have to wait until 26 Sept now. Glad everyone who's been so far is enjoying it.

[Dr Tom]

I wonder who is on this afternoon? Can’t see anything on Twitter.

Presumably the other set of leads?

[digne]

Yes, looks like the other set is on:

[richey]

Looks like there's a show stop for rain, judging by a post I've just seen on Instagram. Hope it's not rained off!

[Dr Tom]

Aug 15, 2020 19:52:09 GMT richey said:

Looks like there's a show stop for rain, judging by a post I've just seen on Instagram. Hope it's not rained off!

Any news what combination is on tonight?

It was horrible a couple of miles down the road between about 6:30pm and 8:30pm, calmed down after that. Hopefully they were able to continue.

[digne]

Aug 15, 2020 20:32:49 GMT Dr Tom said:

Aug 15, 2020 19:52:09 GMT richey said:

Looks like there's a show stop for rain, judging by a post I've just seen on Instagram. Hope it's not rained off!

Any news what combination is on tonight?

It was horrible a couple of miles down the road between about 6:30pm and 8:30pm, calmed down after that. Hopefully they were able to continue.

The first set again for the evening, according to twitter.

[ceebee]

I have a highly sought after (excellent view) single seat row K available for Saturday 22 August evening performance if anybody is interested.

Please message me if you'd like it. Weather likely to be pleasantly warm and rain-free. I'm going but will be sitting elsewhere as now going with a friend. 

If nobody on this site wants it I will return it to OAT to be sold as this performance is now sold out.  (I figure that fellow theatre lovers on this site deserve first refusal.)

[Deleted]

Very very tempted, but I’m viewing a house in Devon (!!!?? Hello !!!) that weekend.

Shall we begin trying to predict who’s on when? Do we think they’ll rotate the core cast? Or is it fixed?

[Deleted]

So myself and a friend were lucky to see the opening night of this on Friday.

The problem with the OAT is that you spend the whole week before looking at the weather. And indeed heavy rain was forecast for Friday so I really was trying to reign in my excitement just in case. But thank heavens the show did go on. Some light spots at the start. Heavier for Judas Betrayal/Last Supper and a few spots at the end, but they all passed.

Onto the show - sensational! To call it a concert really doesn't do it justice. Yes the set is not as lavish as the previous one (they use the Evita stairs) and the lighting is awesome, but not quite as epic. But this is more than semi staged. 3/4 staged I'd say - is that a thing? They keep very strict social distancing from each other all the way through. But the bulk of the original direction remains, Drew McOnie's epic flowing choreography was there almost in it's entirety and it still packs a big dramatic punch.

Most important of all though, the band were incredible, the leads (we had Declan, Tyrone and Anouska) gave everything they had and sounded wonderful and the ensemble constantly framing the action were fabulous. I know a criticism in the past was that the ensemble were too busy and could distract focus from the leads at times. I think if you thought that before you still might. But I love McOnie's choreo so much it didn't bother me.

And as for having a live sung through ALW musical back in my life - was just the soul nourishment I needed after the last 6 months. I have now booked to go 4 more times! And I honestly can't wait.

As for the theatre well all respect to them they have done a fantastic job in getting this up in such a short amount of time. And clearly thought a lot about protecting everyone. One way systems, masks, new loos etc etc. Was actually nice to not be overcrowded too. I'll be in the minority but if a show is great, I don't lose too much atmosphere from a non full auditorium. No massive head to see past with an iPhone screen in view when you do. No coughing, talking, eating behind you. No elbowing from left or right! What's not to love? (I know it's not a commercial long term solution but while it's here I'll enjoy the extra comfort!)

For an outdoor venue I did feel there was slight overkill on all the safety measures. But as the first back they clearly wanted to leave no stone unturned and take no risks. So good on them.

Indoor next please ;-)

[ceebee]

Reminder: Fantastic 1x Single seat ticket Row K available for Sat 22 August PM performance. If you want it, message me asap as I will give it back to the box office otherwise.

[richey]

Aug 16, 2020 20:08:25 GMT ceebee said:

Reminder: Fantastic 1x Single seat ticket Row K available for Sat 22 August PM performance. If you want it, message me asap as I will give it back to the box office otherwise.

is it for matinee or evening?

[Deleted]

Based on Twitter reports, tonight’s performance was cut short because of the insane weather here. Ricardo Afonso on.

[richey]

Aug 16, 2020 21:32:35 GMT @happysooz said:

Based on Twitter reports, tonight’s performance was cut short because of the insane weather here. Ricardo Afonso on.

saw similar on Instagram. The rain looked awful

[digne]

"A little bit of a downpour"

[akh]

Sunday, 16th August, 7:30 show. Off to a good start, just thinking how lucky we were when half way through It Don’t Know How to Love Him, around 8:10 it started spotting rain. After a few minutes it was torrential. Thunder, lightning, hail and rain. A man came on after a few minutes to stop the show but the cast didn’t realise initially and carried on. The mics must be waterproof as they were soaking but still carried on singing and dancing. They stopped and after a few minutes we were told that we could shelter by the bar if we wanted. We were told that they were expecting it to stop soon but after an hour they gave up and cancelled the show. A real shame as it was great.

As for the show, It was more like a show than a concert as they were dancing at a social distance. It was really good, a real effort by people to get things going again. It was sad , however, that the audience was so small. Every other row was closed as well as Row A & B at the front. Everyone had to wear masks and there was lots of hand sanitizer around. I have been shielding but felt safe otherwise would have left. So well done to everyone involved.

[ceebee]

Aug 16, 2020 20:14:44 GMT richey said:

Aug 16, 2020 20:08:25 GMT ceebee said:

Reminder: Fantastic 1x Single seat ticket Row K available for Sat 22 August PM performance. If you want it, message me asap as I will give it back to the box office otherwise.

is it for matinee or evening?

It's for the evening performance, 7.30pm start.

[ceebee]

Single seat in row K for Saturday 22 Aug evening performance available through Regent's Park OAT Box Office; it will be on sale as soon as they upload to their system, so worth keeping an eye on their booking site if you want it.

[xanady]

Really sorry to hear about the bad weather wrecking things...the creatives and cast must be pulling their hair out in despair...forecast for this week isn’t great either

[digne]

Half an hour in, we're having a rain break tonight as well. Hopefully the rain will ease up...

[Dr Tom]

Have they switched around the combinations of leads at any of the shows so far (or is it still the same groups of three as in the first two shows)?