Stratford Festival

[canmark]

Since the Jesus Christ Superstar thread seems to have disappeared, I've created a new thread for Stratford productions.

Saw JCS a couple of weeks ago and, although I can't give it an unqualified rave, I thought it was a very solid and a very enjoyable production.

Paul Nolan's Jesus was well sung (loved his Gethsemane and his high-pitched rock wail), but he wasn't a very charismatic Jesus--someone who could lead and inspire a band of followers, much less a 'nation.' I wish Josh Young unleashed his voice more: rather than a conflicted Judas, he was a controlled Judas, moping around the perifery. He hit all the notes (and has an appealing voice and pretty face), but lacked edge. Likewise, Chilina Kennedy's Mary Magdalene was capably sung, but lacked yearning. Her pretty, doe-eyed expression made her seem more a fan girl than a devoted disciple. 

The standout for me was Bruce Dow's Herod. He has only one scene, one song, but what he does with it. Both menacing and camp, he is funny and scary in his singing and acting. His Herod is a bully who enjoys mocking others. Meanwhile, his fey posse of sychophants prance around the stage beneath a Vegas-sized illuminated "H". Wonderfully over the top.

The industrial-looking set (with a catwalk running around 3 sides) reminded me a bit of Next to Normal, and I yearned for Kevin Adams-style lighting (the actual lighting was otherwise fine). The production works well when it's over the top (the Herod number or the title song, where Jesus is raised on a platform in front of a large illuminated cross) or anachronistic (the contemporary style choreography in the Simon Zealotes number was amusing) and I wouldn't mind seeing them do more of that in the transfer. It's a rock musical, and it does well with a lot of flash and jazz.

I saw a weekday matinee and the audience seemed to be 90% seniors , with a couple of high school groups sitting in the cheap seats at the back. Although there was a slow-to-their-feet standing ovation at the end, the audience response wasn't particularly strong.

[Leonardo2]

Is it just me, or is their 2012 season totally weak? I mean, Charlie Brown? At Stratford?!

[canmark]

Their musical selections may have been determined in part by the absence of many of their younger stars (Paul Nolan, Josh Young, Chilina Kennedy) owing to the Broadway transfer of Jesus Christ Superstar.

And what they ARE offering would obviously appeal to their largely senior audience (and families): the old warhorse 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

The 1999 Broadway revival of Charlie Brown did have some notable Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked), Anthony Rapp (Rent), BD Wong (M. Butterfly) and Roger Bart (The Producers). Here's a video of Cheno in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6SFdtmFK7E

[Justaguy2]

There's also a new Canadian musical called Wanderlust (no relation to the current film) at the Tom Patterson. That should be interesting. And a new Christopher Plummer one man show. After his Oscar win that should be a tough ticket to get.