The Pre-Show announcement states "If you have hard candies or cough drops, feel free to unwrap them at any time during the performance....the Score will drown you out." And it's true....it's a wonder that the sound coming out of the Neil Simon Theatre isn't heard a few blocks over in Times Square. I have never considered myself to be a fan of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. That's because I had to wait 41 years to see the right production. I was left speechless by what I saw and heard this afternoon. This has to be the definitive production. It can't possibly be done better than this. The set is made up of industrial steel platforms with a staircase dead center that revolves and twirls through the performance. The costumes are period with the exception of some leather fetish wear worn during the Temple sequence and a few showgirl outfits worn during HEROD'S SONG (which is fabulously and terrifyingly performed by Bruce Dow). I have never ever EVER heard this score sung this well before. And to think that it was a 2pm matinee and they have to do it again tonight. These voices are extraordinary and brought me to tears more than once. Paul Nolan play Jesus and his voice is the definition of effortless. His GETHSEMENE is spectacular. It's a beautiful portrayal and his final moments in the crucifixion are incredibly powerful. Josh Young is Judas. Mr Young has missed several performances recently due to vocal issues, but I was incredibly lucky that he was on today. His Judas is sensational. Besides an incredibly gorgeous voice, he is a wonderful actor and he brings a complexity to Judas that I haven't seen many actors grasp. Chilina Kennedy is Mary Magdalene and I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM is a showstopper. This production is directed by Des McAnuff and it's the best work I've seen from him since JERSEY BOYS. He and his creative team have brought new life to this overdone Show and it all feels fresh and sounds brand new. The orchestra led by Rick Fox is fabulous. The horn section in particular gave me goosies! Lisa Shriver's choreography is contemporary but not distractingly so. The staging of SUPERSTAR in particular is a total wow! I've seen all of the musical revivals this season except GODSPELL which I refuse to see. For my money, this production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR should be this year's Tony winner for Best Musical Revival! It's awesome!!!!
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