Jesus Christ Superstar |
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Chairman's Chat by Ray Fisher
This is HAODS’ first Rock Musical and has been somewhat of a challenge! I hope that you will agree that we have risen to this challenge, and that we have produced a great show.
I went around a few of the “departments” of HAODS and asked, “what is the worst and the best thing about this show”
Costumes said, worst – making 37 leper costumes all in drab grey and best – being ready 3 weeks before the 1 st night.
Stage crew said, worst – making the cross and best – the Monday morning after the show.
Brian Steel said, worst – It’s a vast amount of work for the MD (no dialogue, non-stop music, requires FOUR CDs to record the chorus rehearsal tracks) and best – the show is exciting, vibrant and full of original musical vitality.
Yvonne Chadwell said, worst – Losing a lighting designer 8 weeks before the show after a year of planning and best – working with a team of professionals and very professional amateurs (in all departments – on and off stage) on a show that is so different and challenging. (Having a set designer and lighting designer that really know their stuff has been so interesting).
My comments would be, worst – trying to find something interesting for this bit of the programme and best – being involved with such an exciting show.
The Story
From His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through to His death at the hands of Pontius Pilate, Jesus Christ Superstar is an epic telling of the last seven days of Jesus of Nazareth, the story of men and women driven to their fate by forces beyond control.
As powerful and compelling today as the day it was written, Jesus Christ Superstar has a hard, brutal edge, which both startles and thrills audiences, offering a musical range, from powerful rock rhythms to tender ballads.
The musical caused a furore when it first hit the world 30 years ago as a recorded rock opera. – Some found it sacrilegious. Jesus Christ Superstar first came to the stage in July 1971 in Pittsburgh. Later that year in New York, the stage show thrilled audiences, and the show has attained the status of theatrical legend. The 1998 London production marked the show’s revival in the UK , and now HAODS is proud and thrilled to be bringing this show to a Horsham audience.
The Review
There are few better written mainstream musicals than Jesus Christ Superstar and you will see few more expertly produced amateur performances than Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (HAODS) production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic (November 9).
Reproductions of this play hinge on the crucifixion scene and HAODS interpretation of Christ’s dying moments is such a stunning climax that the last few scenes of the show whimper out in comparison.
The performances from Damian Macdonald as Judas and Steve Cox as Pontius Pilate are two of the strongest amateur musical performances I have seen at the Capitol and, indeed, anywhere in West Sussex.
In fact the only criticisms that can be levelled at this impressive production relate to ghosts in the sound system that too often interrupted the action with their squeals and murmurs.
The minimalist set dreamt up by young Horsham designer Louise Watson is picked out perfectly by some moody lighting and gives the play a fittingly professional backdrop.
But the play is really held together by the fantastically well-organised large group harmonies that map Christ’s fall from his march into Jerusalem to his public execution at the hand of the people who welcomed him.
Tim Raw – West Sussex County Times
The Cast
| Principle Cast | ||
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Jesus |
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Mark Freeman |
Judas |
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Damian McDonald |
Mary |
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Siobhan McMahon |
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Peter |
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Kevin Summers |
Simon |
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Philip Chadwell |
Caiaphas |
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Peter Bellord |
Annas |
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Gustavo Fryatt |
Herod |
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Tim Shepherd |
Pilate |
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Steve Cox |
Andrew |
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Anthony Garman |
John |
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Howard Collis |
Thomas |
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Mark Birdseye |
Matthew |
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Vernon Jennings |
James |
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David Thomas |
Thaddeus |
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Ken Mitcham |
Nathaniel |
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Chris Hampton |
Philip |
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Ken Taylor |
Bartholomew |
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Tim Shepherd |
Howard Collis Gregor
Thomson
Mark Birdseye Mark Jones
Superstar
Lynn Andrews Claire Banks
Debby Crunden Jackie Shepherd
Angels Hostesses
Sheryl Hill Jane
O’Sullivan
Emily Gilbert Katherine
Taylor
Herod’s Harem
Frankie Brindle Debby Crunden
Maid, Woman & Man by the Fire Mary,
Mother of Jesus
Lynn Andrews Elesa Bussey
Judas Singers
Children
Millie Aiton Nick
Chadwell
Amy Snowden Jamie Spiers
The Production Crew
Production Team
Director & Choreographer ~ Yvonne Chadwell
Musical Director ~ Brian D Steel
Set Design & Scenic Artist ~ Louise Watson
Lighting Design ~ Mike Medway
Production Manager ~ Howard Collis
Front of House Manager ~ Hugh Addy
Stage Manager ~ Tim Lawrence
Deputy Stage Manager ~ Andrew Shepherd
Lighting Board Operator ~ Tim Lawrence
Follow Spot Operators ~ Keith Greenwood ~ Tim Ayres
Sound Operator ~ Steve McEvoy
Properties Manager ~ Steff Dance
Costumes ~ Esther Betts
~ Barbara Gumbrill ~ Alison Shapley
Box Office Manager ~ Jean Salmon
Publicity & Programme ~ Juliet Sumner
Photography ~ Ray Fisher
Stage Crew
Tony Francis
Andrew Shepherd
David Fuller Brian Greenwood
Duncan Morton Peter Shapley
Properties Crew
Hugh Addy
Alix Chadwell
Amy Parker
Rehearsal Pianist
Iris Holmes
Green Room Steward
Carrie Collis
