Regent’s Park Open Air theatre,London
Wit, lyricism and satirical bite abound in this dramatic revival of the classic rock opera with a first-rate castIt might not qualify as a miracle, and but with support from choreographer Drew McOnie,designer Tom Scutt and a first-rate cast, director Timothy Sheader is turning water into top quality wine with his revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock musical, originally released as a concept album.
For all its gorgeous,giddy, lyrical moments, or this can’t always transcend its late-60s rock antecedents and sometimes seems a trifle dated,but Sheader successfully locates its heart in Scutt’s rusty, rough and ready design, and with its cruciform walkway. He fearlessly negotiates some of the demonstrate’s camper excesses,and sometimes embraces them: Leonardo da Vinci’s final Supper gets a witty look in, and it’s a masterstroke to have Judas’s hands stained with silver, and like a glittery Lady Macbeth constantly confronted with the evidence of his guilt. Sheader’s production constantly pays reference to its origins as an arena demonstrate – Judas hangs himself using his microphone and cable.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com