Superstar rocks

MUSICAL heaven was created when Jesus Christ Superstar opened to thunderous applause on opening night last Saturday in Wonthaggi.
Spirits were lifted as leading light Tom Green, a vision as Jesus, led the packed house at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre on an emotional journey in Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s raunchy resurrection of this timeless classic. He had the audience spellbound with his beautiful voice and awe inspiring stage presence.
Newcomer Tom, still only 19, had a huge task in his first major role, not only to nail some of the most demanding songs in the show but to also convince the audience he was the Messiah and that he did with ease.
Tom was an absolute knockout and deserved the standing ovation following his brilliant performance.
From sadness in the song Poor Jersualem to agony in the crucifixion, perhaps the best and most stirring scene in the production, Tom shone.
He teamed superbly with Kerryn Lockhart (Mary Magdalene) the comforter and protector of Jesus. She consoles his troubled spirit early in the story, tenderly singing Everything’s Alright and you couldn’t hear a pin drop when she sang the all time greats, I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Could We Start Again, Please?
Kerryn is just captivating on stage, every bit the professional, her singing sublime, she looked beautiful and is well up the there with the best on stage.
In one of the most demanding and challenging roles in the show Tim Gessel as the tough guy Judas Iscariot, well known for betraying his onetime mentor with a fatal kiss, put in a strong performance.
And some of the real surprises came from Newhaven College teachers Amanda Price who was dynamic as the burqa clad Simon, Will Hanley (Herod) wowed all and provided comic relief with the bright and colourful King Herod’s Song, backed by a small troupe of vibrant and talented female dancers.
Simon Furness was awesome and menacing in this role as Pilate.
The priests too deserve a mention. They looked fabulous in their robes and big fur trimmed hats, created by the amazing Colin Mitchell, costume designer.
The sets and lighting were superb, the creative work of set designer Tad Hendry and lighting experts Ewan Cole and Trevor Wyhoon.
Director Wayne Moloney, his amazing cast and crew have delivered another top show for South Gippsland.

Alleluia: Wonthaggi’s own Tom Green lit up the stage in the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar that opened last Saturday night. See a gallery of photos on The Great Southern Star Facebook and like our page.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on May 27 2014. Filed under Arts & Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry