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The State -
5/21/2004
Review of ‘Superstar’ misses the mark
By LAMONTTE M. LUKER, PH.D.
Professor of Hebrew Scriptures
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
I
object to Jeffrey Day’s harsh review of Workshop Theatre’s “Jesus
Christ Superstar.” It is not anti-Semitic, as everyone in the play
is Jewish except the Romans. The black garb of the moneychangers
represents the international business community and power
structure, and almost all in the cast take part in the “flogging”
symbolizing the Christian doctrine that we all killed
Christ.
Judas
was not the only one wearing leather pants; Pilate did also,
illustrating that Judas was in league with the Roman leader.
Dressing the rest of the disciples in tank tops displayed them as
rather naive let’s-love-one-another followers in contrast to Judas,
the independent and critical thinker — a theme true to the original
Rice-Webber recording of the opera.
The
minimalist set is perfect for this theater, allowing the focus to
be on the action and the actors, who consistently delighted me with
their fresh interpretations of their roles.
I
have seen many productions of this play over the past 30 years; I
find this one to be one of the most original, perhaps the finest,
and I went to see it again.
The State -
6/1/2004
‘Superstar’
review unduly harsh
By EVELYN CLARY
I have attended
performances, played leading and chorus roles, assisted directors
and costumers, and volunteered at Columbia College, Town, Workshop
and Trustus theaters. I have also read Jeffery Day’s reviews. I
liked his May 7 article on “Jesus Christ Superstar” but disagreed
with his review the following day because it includes factual
errors. Day says he has never seen a production in which Jesus was
flogged or covered with blood by the chorus. He must not have seen
the 2000 movie, which includes those
scenes.
The show was
terrific. Christopher Cockerell is an intensly sensitive Judas who
brings a smooth vocal tone to the role and does not miss notes. Day
missed the intelligence and emotion that Timothy Robertson uses in
playing Jesus. He also missed the beauty that Kristin Abbott brings
to the role of Mary Magdelene. By the way, since the disappearance
of castrati, it is acceptable and often neccessary to sing pop in
falsetto — for which Day criticizes
Robertson.
Day was right to
applaud the band, but failed to acknowledge the chorus, an
energetic group of supportive players. The show is a testament to
Scott Blanks’ solid directoral vision. Participants in community
theater vary in age and experience, and most are not paid for the
hours they invest in rehearsals and performances. I have not always
liked every actor in every role, but have yet to see a show with
more failings than strong points.
I am proud of
community theater. I am not proud of needlessly harsh reviews that
raise baseless accusations of anti-Semitism, poor taste and bad
singing.
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