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West Otago Theatrical Society’s Jesus Christ Superstar opened in Tapanui on 26 June, the show’s first outing here in 26 years, and from what I saw at last week’s media preview, it’s worth catching.
Director Margie Rea has built the look of the show around an "out of the box" idea, with costumes made from single pieces of material, echoing the boxy shape of early Jewish buildings. It’s a simple, considered choice, and it pays off: without a big set to distract you, the focus stays on the story and the cast telling it.
That cast carries real weight. Darren Kelly’s Jesus carries doubt under the role the whole way through, rather than saving it for the garden scene alone. Victoria Kelly’s Mary gives "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" genuine feeling rather than just secure singing, and Craig Wadsworth is the strongest piece of acting on stage as Pilate. Scott Mitchell’s Judas earns his final scene, with anguish that was obvious enough to bring silence over the room, and Rob Hall’s King Herod, played as a puppet, is a nice touch too.
It’s a simple, well-lit, well-choreographed show that trusts its cast rather than leaning on spectacle. If you only make it to one community show in West Otago this winter, make it this one.
Jesus Christ Superstar runs June 26 to July 4 at the West Otago Community Centre, Tapanui. Tickets at iticket.co.nz.
- Review by Torrone Smith