ROCKING THE PASSION

RISE: In this rehearsal shot, the people surround an overwhelmed Jesus, played by Tahi Paenga, in the Gisborne Centrestage upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Picture supplied

by Mark Peters

Gisborne actor/director James Packman was so persistent in his quest for rights to stage the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, his name reached composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s office in London.

Packman had made regular inquiries to Australasian company Origin Theatrical but to no avail.

“If a professional company tours it, you generally can’t do the show,” says Packman.

“It’s one of those shows where the rights are rarely available because it’s always touring somewhere.”

When he eventually contacted the London office he was told they had heard he was seeking rights. Packman’s perseverance paid off; the rights to stage the show in Gisborne landed in his inbox shortly afterwards.

Co-directed by Packman and partner LJ Mill, the Gisborne Centrestage production is now well into its rehearsal season.

The popular rock opera is loosely based on the Passion, the few days before Christ’s crucifixion and ends before his resurrection. Lyricist Tim Rice’s libretto reveals the innermost workings of Christ’s mind — his exaltation, anger, isolation, hurt and confusion — and much of the plot centres on Judas Iscariot’s path to betrayal of the Saviour.

The show opens with Judas’ growing concern that Jesus’ followers will be seen as a threat to the Roman Empire. Priests Caiaphas, Annas and others confer and agree Jesus and his movement must be crushed.

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem where he is disgusted to find the temple filled with merchants and moneylenders.

He struggles to heal the many people who seek his healing touch and Mary Magdalene helps to calm him down.

After telling the Romans Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane the following night, Judas is rewarded with 30 pieces of silver for his betrayal.

In the garden, Judas identifies Jesus to Roman soldiers with a kiss on the cheek. Jesus is arrested, sent to Jewish high priest Caiaphas, then to Pontius Pilate, governor of the Roman province of Judaea, and finally to King Herod who seals his fate on the cross.

“Jesus Christ Superstar has been our favourite show forever,” says Packman.

“I saw a Gisborne Boys’ High School production in 1983 or ‘84. I was at Gisborne Intermediate at the time. It’s been in my mind ever since.”

Packman and Mill were impressed with a boundary-pushing 2016 production of the show they saw in Tauranga.

“The way they went against type appealed to us. We’re also producing a different take from what people might expect. It’s not a swords and sandals show.”

With the metropolitan setting styled in Baz Luhrmann’s romantic crime movie, Romeo and Juliet, in the back of their minds, the stage design for the Centrestage production has an industrial look, says Mill.

“It’s an urban landscape with a skid-row feel.”

Actor/singer Andrew Stevens has built a centrepiece that has never been used in a show before, says Packman.

“We had an idea of what we wanted for the set from the start. It’s basic but there are a lot of moving parts.”

Some of Gisborne’s most seasoned performers make up the principals of the 24-strong cast. Tahi Paenga takes the lead role as Jesus while Walter Walsh plays King Herod. Described in one review as Gisborne’s Robert de Niro, Lawrence Mulligan tackles the role of Judas in this production. Amelia Williams plays Mary Magdalene, Andrew Stevens is Pilate, and Paul Stewart has been cast at Caiaphas.

While most of the cast will be costumed in street-wear, the priests will be garbed in suits, says Mill.

“They’re all in in black, they’re like Priests Incorporated.”

“Since the first rehearsal, everyone has got on well,” says Packman.

“It’s a show with no drama,” he laughs.

Not quite. There have been emotional moments during rehearsal.

“Jesus and Judas were singing The Last Supper,” says Mill.

“They got to a heated moment and both teared up.

“And the other night” says Packman, “when Tahi performed his big solo, some of the chorus ladies had a bit of a sob.”

So, lots of drama. It’s that kind of rock opera. Full of passion.

Jesus Christ Superstar, War Memorial Theatre, April 27 – May 6. Tickets $27.50 - $40+bf. Opening night special, $33+bf. From Gisborne iSite or online from Ticketek at tinyurl.com/4c8z72hp