I had never seen the show JC Superstar until last Thursday and what a surprise. This show was exciting to watch, great to listen to and very emotive, I left with watery eyes on both nights (I went back last night to see it again).
This show was not perfect, but none ever are, it was alive and entertaining, the music was excellent (albeit a little loud at times at the expense of some of the cast during a quiet part of their singing). Eddie Stowers as Pontius Pilate stole the show for my wife, we both agreed he delivered his part with such genuine passion and excellent timing. For me, I found Andrew Dobosz to be superb, his energy and ability to 'live' his part was just a joy to watch. Daniel Mitton was a very believable Jesus, the range of his voice was excellent and his attention to detail, faultless. I loved Julie Fedele's voice, her portrayal as Mary was first class and Paul Treasure as Herod, dare I say it... was a treasure, certainly the audience favorite. Ted Simpson, so tall with such a deep voice, David Wallace who has an excellent voice and Callum Presbury who looked every bit the intimidating villian.
The whole cast were of a very high standard, for me I loved the scene with the lepers, as I watched them appear from everywhere I marvelled at how well they performed from the opener who sung about their eyes whilst stumbling so convincingly over the plinth to the one who appeared dragging himself down the stairs of the auditorium singing about his lack of leg power, this guy used his arms all the time and not his legs once (I understand this was Clint, difficult to tell under those bandages).
This was the point about this show, it was polished, everyone had worked hard, they been taught well and encouraged. Take the scene where they were in the night club, everything looked natural, from the pole dancers to the lap dancer, the club members all worked well together, it looked so real.
I know the story of Jesus but I was still shocked at the scene with the cross and Daniel Mitton's cry as the crown of thorns was pressed on his head. When the nails were driven into his wrists/hands one young audience member in front of me shrieked in horror... how could you applaud at the end of this, I'm sure many in the audience were in mild shock. But eventually the audience did applaud for we had been treated to a most enjoyable show, hat's off to all who were involved and to the vision of Peter Clark, a very clever man. Treat yourself, go and see this feast and listen to what will be talked about as the best thing to happen in Perth for some time.

Having seen this production I feel I am qualified to offer a comment on the production, not pass judgment as Walter Plinge does. Here we have a person that not only condemns from afar but is willing to admit to it??
Well the trouble with arguing with idiots is that people watching may not be able to tell the difference. So on that note I sign off, wishing all in the show a wonderful season. The performance I saw was energetic, vital, brave, rewarding, visually challenging and overall entertaining. Excellent theatre.

Its interesting that people who continue to post hegative comments on various threads throughout these forums seem to always be posting anonymously. Tells you something I think. Why not have the guts to post as who you are rather than some unseen entity. What do you have to hide?

What can I say about such small minded people, once again posting anonymously because they are too gutless to identify themselves with their worthless comments. Enough said. People always want to put down other people for some bizarre reason of which I dont understand, seems as though the whole world is going mad these days.

Go and see it and then feel free to comment, or if you make the choice not to see it which is your right, then shutup, stop complaining and carrying on about something you know nothing about and go and get a life!!!

This is my first ever post and have been encouraged to write due to 'Walter Plinge's criticism without the courtesy of actually bothering to see the show. Yes I do 'know'(vaguely} some of the other people in the show and my partner is in the chorus. I know how much hard work and effort all the cast and crew have put into rehearsals (not to mention 'theatre widows'!!!). JCSS is not a show I particularly like but having seen it on Friday was amazed at the effort and creativity I witnessed. Not everyone 'held' all their notes all the time, but as in my subject line - isn't this an amateur show that all concerned with have tried their hardest to make it worthwhile for the public to go and watch. The least that 'reviewer's' can do is offer the courtesy of actually seeing the show prior to comment. I

As a member of the cast, I say to all the "Walter Plinges" out there. If you haven't seen the show, call 94841133 and make your own judgements. Don't just go on what you have heard. I have found that even positive reviews affect first impressions.

My friends and I had the great pleasure of being in the audience for Marloo Theatre’s latest production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Peter Clark, as a newcomer to direction of musical theatre, has succeeded admirably in putting his own special interpretation on this timeless story. I particularly liked his choice of closing the show with the reflective ‘Could We Start Again Please’ rather than the razzle dazzle of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. The live band, under the direction of Kate McIntosh, was fantastic. The improvisations in the crucifixion scene were particularly wonderful – see and hear for yourself. This is amateur theatre at it’s best. The costumes (Nyree Hughes) were simplistic in the main, but very effective. Obviously much research has been done (Pilate wearing a kilt) and particularly symbolic was the wearing of black armbands by the men after the crucifixion scene. The hesitancy of the audience to applaud is testament to the powerful performances of the cast. I have seen the show many times and am still moved by the story. I wouldn’t dare to single out a particular performer – they were all wonderful. Congratulations to you all !!! I shall certainly see the show again

Jasper

Top show

Winston George

I would like to thank everyone involved in Darlington Theatre Players' production of Jesus Christ Superstar. I am one of the many who have seen the show, and loved it, right from the overture to the curtain call. To whoever it was who doesnt want to see the show because of what he or she heard, I pity your inability to form your own opinions. As an amateur actor myself, I couldn't help wishing that I was part of the show. Well done to all, and chookas for the rest of the season.

FIRST OF ALL.... JCS cast & crew.... congratulations on a brilliant production. It's one show where you feel overcome with all kinds of emotion. I had to turn away during the lashing as it came across slightly too real and upset me some. (And I'm sure I'm one of the most non-religious people in Perth.)

Now, Roger-ed..... I'm slightly confused..... are you FOR or AGAINST community/amateur theatre? (Call it what you choose)

Would you rather NOT have theatre groups in the community area to provide the local community with a production performed and produced by it's community members?

And what difference does it make if we call it amateur or community? Seriously...? As long as people who want to perform in theatre get an opportunity to do so and as long as people who enjoy watching theatre get the opportunity to do so, what does it really matter.

Roger-ed... and I honesetly don't mean this to sound nasty, but your comments sound like you have a few issues....? Apologise, if you don't, but you sound like a jilted ex-theatre lover. Like the post before you explained... theatre is meant to be fun.

And I will glady admit that I'm gutless, because I don't want to sign my name.

$25 a ticket.
100 seats.
20 shows.

Equals $50,000

Where does all the money go?

Insurance would be a huge cost, because you'd have to get public liability for a large cast, perhaps Workcover type insurance (volunteers don't often get insured under the same policy as those taking a fee), they may need insurance for props, set, storage (many am groups store sets to use for later performances) and building insurance.

A professional puppeteer I talked to recently said he spends about $20 000 on a set alone. That is one performer, a small crew, 30 puppets, a huge tourable set, AND he has government funding and other sponsorship.

It's not cheap, and anyone who thinks that doing amateur shows means that it is cheaper to produce than a professional show needs better information.

The Prompt Copy Store
www.store.thepromptcopy.com

Sticky Apple Legs
www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs

Puppets in Melbourne
www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne

Treading the Boards
www.treadingtheboards.thepromptcopy.com

Not to mention the fact that the $50,000 is only based on the show selling all tickets to every show at full price - no comps and no concessions.

I was at the show the first Thursday and there were only about 20 of us there.

The full houses make up for the not so full.

Black box anyone?!
been a long time since a thread has descended into a s''tfest so magnificently.
Hey people- chill. (as much as I enjoy the to ing and fro ing!)
and can we hear some more about the play? I for one have been too busy to get up there, and would love to hear more about one of my favourite shows.

Nev

It's the simple things stupid...

Great show. Well done everyone.

well this is fun isn't it!!
now i have seen the show and i've gotta say it was great, it had it's flaws but what show doesn't! gotta say the band was insane!!
see it for yourself!!

p.s labrug have you seen the show??, i'd love to hear your opinion of it, your reviews in the past have been good.

Having been involved with Marloos' J.C. SUPERSTAR from concept thru rehearsals to production and working as part of the back stage crew I have seen the show many times but only from the side or the rear. I knew this was a terrific show but did not realise how BRILLIANT this show was until I saw it from the front as part of the paying audience last Friday.
To see the show as a whole, rather than piecemeal from the side,is a moving theatrical experience.This is a raw, edgy production that pulls no punches,it's emotional and it's moving; no-one escapes unscathed.
Friends I came with left either stunned into silence or
laughing nervously, afraid/embarrased to admit they had been touched by a 'musical play '.If theatre is supposed to push the boundaries, this play certainly exceeds expectations.
I'am only sorry that those involved in this production, the players, will be unable to avail themselves of this experience as we the audience see it, their individual parts creating a much bigger whole.
To be in that space sharing the torment of Jesus, from the haranguing of the crowds to his flogging at the hands of Pilate, seeing him flinch with every one of the 39 lashes,
his body quivering as he hangs on that cross, till he succumbs and gives up his soul, all to the accompaniment of raucous rock music,is a very personal and evocative experience.
Only see this play if you think you can handle it, its one night out that will stay with you for a very long time.
THE SHARPEYE

Thank you to dedicated cast, crew, band, critics, supporters and followers of this show. The feedback has been overwhelming - if not a little entertaining at times. Almost 2,000 people came to see the show during the past 5 weeks and in some way we have either entertained, touched, moved or created a reaction/thought process. We have done what we came to do.........

My belief that quality theatre is created by those involved in the process (whatever the role) and born of a commitment to support, believe and dedicate to the cause; has been reassured with this production. All those who opened their eyes and smiled, all those who cried and smile and all those who just smiled.

Till the next time ........"move on, there's nothing to see here"

Warm regards
WKTT