My "JCS" Review, 10/23/04, Minneapolis

Posted: 10/23/04 at 6:38pm

Hey everyone!! Some of you wanted to know my thoughts on the current tour of "JCS". I just got back and here are my thoughts while they're still fresh in memory.

If any of you have seen the recent filmed version for PBS with Glenn Carter, the staging is similar to that. The cross blinded the audience (literally) when it appeared at the end of the Overture. There were some great inside things as well, with the temple scene utilizing Wall Street-like Stock Market marquees (Inclome was on there, and names that reminded me of email or chat group posters... example, rentactr. The cast was very young and energetic and they looked like they were having a blast up there.

Lawrence Clayton portrayed 'Judas' and the minute he opened his mouth to sing "Heaven On Their Minds", this big, enveloping sound came out, and the audience gave him the ovation worthy of it. He commanded the role in a very skillful way. I saw him as the weary follower, and when he finally realizes the outcome of his actions, he fell to his knees with a sob. He truly owned "Superstar", and I like the fact that he didn't embellish a lot of his notes as I've heard others do. He let the music speak for itself.

Eric Kunze as Jesus: It was a ten year reunion for him and me. I joked with him at the stage door that I saw him ten years ago at the very theatre when I was 19 for "Miss Saigon", now I'm 29 and here for "JCS", and he said, "I'll come back in another ten years when you're 39 and I'm hopefully still alive". He gave Jesus a compassionate approach. I enjoyed the fact that he made Jesus more human. For those of us who are Christians, we tend to read of him as aloof and standoffish, but Jesus was human, with feelings, etc. His vocals soared and "Gethsemane" rocked the house, getting a thunderous ovation, and a standing o for Mr. Kunze at the end.

Natalie Toro as "Mary Magdalene". I don't know what someone on this board was smoking when they said she was awful in this role. She turned the role of "Mary" (and now I'm taking this from the magic hippie bus movie) from a whiny, no emotion singer, to a woman with deep concern for this man, and you heard it in her voice. I was in row E and watched her intently. She has "IT" and I recommend you get her CD. I met her at the stage door and she called me "sweetie" 5 times, and she was so gracious to help take pics as well... so we're like this now.

Lawson Skala as "Caiaphas"... oh my god... the man is tall and has a bass voice that reaches beyond the floor and a sweet man at the stage door-- the opposite of the character!! Raymond Patterson as "Pilate".... did he sing the h*** out of that part!! Daniel Guzman as "Herod".... now that's what I call a role... come in, sing a showstopping number, walk off (it's like "Les Miz" but without dying after you're number), and a great guy at the stage door. Rocky Rodriguez was the understudy for "Annas" and he has a tenor voice from the stratosphere.

Everyone involved with the show did a wonderful job, and I've never left the theatre feeling more excited. If you get a chance, please see the production. It's so worth it, and they were taking donations for BC/EFA... so go them!!!

And if any of the cast and crew are reading this... thank you for making my Saturday afternoon a much happier one!! I wish you much success with the rest of the tour, and your life both personal and professional!! God Bless You All!!

Peace,
Paul

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 7:39pm

Cool review. Glad to see Eric and Natalie have still got "it". 10 years from now...hmm...any predictions, Paul? Wow, Eric must've been pretty young when he was doing Miss Saigon. He's only about 32/33 now, isn't he?

[bronxboundexpress]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 9:36pm

I saw this production. It was good but I wish I hadn't missed the original London revival which was much different.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 9:57pm

Is the difference mostly in the sets/costumes, or more in the approach that the actors took to their characters?

[LesMizazz]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 10:32pm

Wow, I'm really jealous that you got to see Rocky Rodriguez as Annas! I've seen him in the ensemble several times and would love to have been able to see him in a bigger part!

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 12:52am

I cannot wait to see this show!

[Michael Strathmore]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 1:04am

The show is making a pit stop in Toronto next month, and your review now makes me curious to check it out.

But I have to say, I'm always wary of these damned touring shows. They can virtually put of a ****ter for a production and it won't matter worth a damn cause the majority of tickets are sold before the first curtain.

We'll see. Can't see paying top-dollar for it, though. Maybe rush seats or something...

--M--

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 1:07am

He gave Jesus a compassionate approach? That is a really interesting acting choice for that character.

[PotterVixen]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 5:01pm

I saw this tour right when Eric replaced Bach. I thought the cast was amazing. Can you post the pictures that you took at the stage door? I'd love to see what Eric looks like when he's not in Jesus gear. :)

[EVIE]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 7:24pm

LUCKY YOU!! I would love to see the show again. I hope it comes back to California soon....

Hey Buckleyfan: Is there a new souvenir brochure w/pics of Eric Kunze or still the old one w/Bach?

Posted: 10/24/04 at 7:40pm

Evie,

The souvenir book is the one with Bach in it. I was really disappointed with that, but oh well.. *some* of the current cast members are pictured in there, but not a whole lot.

I may email ClearChannel and see if they will be updating the brochure.

I will post stage door pics once I get them developed if anyone wants to see them. They truly were an awesome cast.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 8:03pm

"""He gave Jesus a compassionate approach? That is a really interesting acting choice for that character. """

well considering Glenn Carter was sleep walking through it and Bach was rockin the role,, I'd say that it's about time they got someone who did the role with dignity and compassion.

[PotterVixen]

Posted: 11/16/04 at 11:31pm

I am still waiting for stage door pictures

I googled the tour to see what other reviews were out there, and came across this link in case anyone is interested. You can play the video of Eric and Natalie talking about the show, etc.

https://www.news8austin.com/content/living/center_stage/?ArID=123224&SecID=286

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/16/04 at 11:47pm

Wow. They (especially Judas) sounds AMAZING!!! I love this show to death (It is on my top 3 favorite musicals) and I would love to see that touring company.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 11/16/04 at 11:53pm

Coincidently, I just got back from that production like, an hour ago. The tour came to IU where I go to school. Eric Kunze and Natalie Toro were both excellent. Judas was an understudy--Todd something who usually plays Simon. He was actually the best one!

It was a very strange production though--the whole pseudo-modern thing, the Darth Vader-like costumes for the priests...I think the show should be done "period," but that's just me.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 11/17/04 at 9:34am

I am seeing this show on Sunday. I will write a review.