From the very start this has been a production that has been the talk of the town, and few wanted to see its end which has now arrived. A reviewing and reliving of the play is therefore in order!

Jerome L. De Silva and the Workshop Players revived Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical by Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber over the last ten days, from the 4^th to the 13^th at the Lionel Wendt.

The following were cast in lead roles on the night I watched the show, 11^th Friday: Rehan Almeida (Jesus) and Gehan Blok(Judas), Achera Ratnavale as Mary Magdalene, Mario De Soyza (Pilate) and Shehan Wijemanne (Herod), Dino Corera (Annas) and Sachintha Dias(Caiaphas), Pasan Ranaweera (Simon) and Geethika Cooray (Peter). It is a given then, that my observations are specific to the night I watched the musical.

I personally felt Judas stole the show! He articulated in song and expression as much and well as one would have through discourse. Maybe the singing wasn’t entirely flawless, but it was largely stirring as far as audiences were concerned and very ardent on the part of the actor. The battle within Judas, the intense confusion, the ensuing questioning and misdirection were very much tangible.   

The character of Jesus was very sincerely played. Vehement in his anger in the “the Temple” scene, and downright genuine in his anguish at the Gethsemane, it was a character that was well rendered, and I believe was a personal preference of so many in the audience.   

Achera who played Mary Magdalene proved an excellent singer, scoring points as she moved audiences with some disarming solos.   

Not all members of the core cast were particularly good singers, and considering the fact that it is a musical, this might decide the fate of some crucial, if not lengthy scenes, and it sets off a potential risk in casting choices. The success of such scenes being largely dependent on some solos, the momentum seemed temporarily suspended during some not-altogether-perfect moments.

Conversely, a lot of effort and enthusiasm had catapulted those few to improved standards at length and accordingly, recognition remains due. On the night I watched, the ensemble was very much audible and feisty but was not coherent throughout, making it difficult to follow at most points, unless of course when the lines were recurrent.  

Apart from those I’ve already mentioned, a personal favourite would be, “This Jesus Must Die” by the high priests – it had a haunting ring and a disturbingly morbid feel to it, echoing the nature of their intentions. Peter’s denial building up in to “Could We Start Again" joined in by Mary (and Judas at its tail end) was one of the most poignant scenes in the play, as Peter’s repentance was very convincingly portrayed by Geethika. Mario de Soyza, who played Pilate throughout the run, falls in the list of actors who effortlessly executed their roles.  Sachintha (Caiaphas) was another one of them.

This production of Jesus Christ Superstar by the Workshop Players has shown itself to be extremely popular, more clearly evinced by the necessity to have two matinee shows after selling out. Such interest extended beyond regular theatre-goers, and reached people who rarely darkened the doorways of the Wendt, eliciting the popularity of the story, Jerome and his team, the artistes. The crowds seemed to be largely satisfied, and even euphoric to be able to be part of the experience.

However criticism wasn’t entirely absent and we’ve tried our best to convey a holistic perspective as possible via audience comments. To have undertaken a musical of such calibre is in itself commendable. The level and consistency of commitment and hard-work required alone deserved all those standing ovations! What would possibly be the best of amateur rock-operas here, Jesus Christ Superstar stands testimony to Jerome’s and the Workshop Players’ prowess, to say the least or most. There’s much for the team to be proud of.

COMMENTS

HERE’S A COMPILATION OF AUDIENCE COMMENTS – WE OBTAINED A CROSS SECTION OF COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE WHO WATCHED THE SHOW ACROSS THE SPAN OF THE TEN DAY RUN, TO COVER AS MANY DIFFERENT SHOWS AS POSSIBLE. 

The cast and crew had clearly worked very hard to put on a disciplined and visually appealing performance. The singing wasn't as good as it should have been though. Some solos couldn't be heard clearly, especially in the first half, and some cast members are evidently better actors than singers. – Anonymous (5^th Saturday)

It was a refreshingly convincing and well-rounded performance by Mario de Soysa. Also, Herod, played by Dominic was effective. I would also like to add that the vocalists were good and the general stage design and lighting was brilliant (I expected the latter aspect to be good, as it seems to be their forte) Chrishantha de Silva was Jesus and Suresh was Judas.

The singing capabilities of the individual actors who played lead roles were commendable, but I strongly felt that more attention and detail could have been given to the development of their characters. The ensemble was fabulous and very effective. And as a whole the production was a reflection of the talent that exists in Sri Lanka. – SABREENA (6^th Sunday) 

Amazing show! Chrisantha de Silva's “Gethsemane” was packed with emotion and was deeply moving; Suresh's rendition of Judas' death was very compelling and true to emotion; Amandhi Caldera's “I don't know how to love him” took our breath away and was as if time stood still; great base work from the priests, Mario hit some amazing notes. Outstanding cameos too. Absolutely loved it! - ANGELO PEREIRA (Sunday 6^th)

Purely amazing! Yes, in the first half the voices were a bit muffled but second half they nailed it!
All in all awesome show. I was really impressed with the overall talent. I watched again on the 11^th and felt Gehan Blok was more clearer/audible than Suresh, although I loved Suresh's rock voice - DILHAN (Monday 7^th & Friday 11^th)

Enjoyed watching JCS last night. Congratulations to everyone involved on a wonderful production! Apart from the good performances, I thought the lighting in particular was spectacular! – YOHAN FERREIRA (9^th Wednesday)

“The show was spectacular. The combination of CC and Suresh was just amazing. As usual Uncle Jerome has picked the perfect cast and executed the show brilliantly.

Only negative was that Judas' suicide could have been portrayed in a more believable and effective manner. Other than for that the show was superb. Kudos especially to Suresh” – NISHU (Thursday 10^th)     

What a really super, star studded performance! The singing was divine! Congratulations to Rehan Almeida and Gehan Blok – simply brilliant! Use of the stage space, set changes, sound effects/lights was perfect. The crucifixion scene was the highlight for me and kudos to Jerome and the entire team for a job well done. The standing ovation you received was truly heartfelt. Even all the rest of the players and the ensemble cast were excellent. – SHEWANTHA (Friday 11^th)

Excellent production! The cast did a super job. They deserved the standing ovation we gave them. – Indu and Sanwada Dharmasena

CC, Suresh and Amandhi played leads the night I watched. This is by far the best stage production I’ve watched. From the acting to the lights and sounds it was perfect. My only criticism is that sometimes the words couldn’t be understood. But the expression helped understand the story. Also felt like the relationship between Jesus and Mary was exaggerated, but that’s my personal opinion of the script and I understand that it was just a play! All in all it was a perfect balance of serious emotions with a little bit of humour. – JITHENDRI (Saturday 12^th night)

A well directed dynamic production. The events of the life story of Jesus were depicted well in a contemporary context with music and dance. Amazing choreography which kept the audience mesmerized all the way. To be honest I liked every single bit of it – SHENELLE (Sunday 13^th matinee)

Gehan Blok's acting and singing were both outstanding. His portrayal of the doubts, frustration and despair of Judas was credible and poignant. Rehan Almeida's rendition of Gethsemane was an absolute tear jerker. He sang it with so much passion and fervor, that the audience stilled to capture every nuance of the song. His voice was strong and his diction good; he really lived the role, and, one almost forgot that it was a stage show. Mary Magdalene played by Kavitha Gunasekera was a disappointment, as she didn't hit those high notes accurately. She did better on "could we start again please" but the ending was weak.  Of course I was comparing Amandhi (whom I watched on the 10^th) who was outstanding in pitch and control and had a lovely voice.Her acting was also not spectacular. Accolades to Jerome and the Workshop Players. He didn’t speak or announce his next endeavour, like he did at the finale of Evita last year, but we hope to see more musicals and drama of a high standard from him and his team of thespians, next year too! Colombo would not be the same, without such fine productions. - SHARLENE (13^th Sunday night)

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan

Pix by Manoj Rathnayake