Unlikely Combination of Rock Music and the Life of Jesus Takes Center Stage in Jesus Christ Superstar
by Ally Landis - South Anchorage High School/Alaska Pacific University
Rock music, Jesus, and a Broadway musical may seem like an unlikely combination, but it works in Jesus Christ Superstar. The musical is definitely different than any other, and it brings the story of Jesus into a modern day context with songs like “What’s the Buzz” and “Could We Start Again, Please.”
Tuesday night in the Atwood Theatre, the Anchorage Concert Association presented the musical, directed by Dallett Norris and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. The rock musical tells the story of “the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth."
Right away it is clear that this is a rock musical. The first scene opens with an electric guitar solo and a slow motion fighting scene followed by a powerful performance by James Delisco as Judas Iscariot.
Delisco did an excellent job of connecting with the audience and portraying Judas’ confusion and anger at Jesus, eventually leading him to betray Jesus. He had a commanding stage presence and the scene in which he hangs himself after betraying Jesus made the audience feel as though they too, were in anguish. On the other hand, Jesus, played by Tim Neeley, was hard to understand at times and his voice sounded a little off. At one part it sounded more like he was screeching than singing. But aside from some scratchy patches in his singing, Neeley’s performance brought the audience to its feet at the end of the performance and was especially powerful during the whipping scene. With each flinch and shriek of pain, Neeley convinced the audience of his role. The only part that seemed forced was during the crucifixion when after gasping “It is finished” several more gasps and shudders continued. Maybe he was dragging out the agony of the death, but it was unclear.
The scenery consists of the lighting effects, a curtain, and a fog machine but it works. With the lack of scenery, focus turns to the choreography. Choreographer Arlene Phillips did an exceptional job of matching the dance routines to the mood of each scene. During “Hosanna” blankets were used as props as the actors waved them around and during the temple scene with people selling all types of things (including themselves) a hanging curtain dropped down on them after Jesus rebukes them. But holes in the curtain allow for the actors to stick out their heads and cry out to Jesus. It was totally unexpected and a little odd to be honest, but it worked well with the song.
The music is powerful, loud, and moving and all the attention of the audience was on the characters, who succeeded in keeping the audience captive. There is something intoxicating about a live orchestra and seeing the life of Jesus acted out right before your eyes. This musical is definitely different, but well worth it. Parents should be warned that it might be too violent for children.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Anchorage Concert Association
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Fiddler on the Roof Strikes the Right Balance
by Ally Landis - South Anchorage High School/Alaska Pacific University
On Thursday night the Alaska Theatre of Youth’s rendition of Fiddler on the Roof was able to strike a balance between the solemn mood and the comedic dialogue dispersed throughout the musical.
The musical, directed by Christian “Hepcat” Heppinstall, Leslie Ward and Oliver Siemens, follows the life of a Jewish family living in Russia in 1905 and the ever-present struggle between tradition and change.
The first song of the first act, Tradition, consisting of Tevye, the main character, and the rest of the townspeople, sets the mood for the rest of the play. While the singing was not the strongest, the argument that broke out in the end about a horse and a mule brought smiles and a few chuckles to the faces of the audience.
The next act portrays Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, three daughters of Tevye, singing about the village matchmaker, Yente. The staging was not as good as it could have been, and at one point the sisters are behind clothes hanging on a clothesline and it was hard to hear them singing. But the sisterly jesting and witty dialogue, such as the sisters talking about their marriage prospects kept the audience engaged. One sister exclaims, “the last one was so old, he had no hair” and another responds with “you want hair, get a monkey.”
The acting is a little stiff at times, such as when Tzeitel and her friend from childhood Motel start to kiss but are interrupted by the entrance of Tevye, but the characters personalities are portrayed well and one could truly see the actors enjoy themselves. At Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding, along with the traditional Jewish dance, some handstands and spin moves take the spotlight.
Along with the more upbeat scenes came the serious ones, such as when Perchik, the fiancé of Hodel, is beaten by the police when he tries to stop them from overturning the house. The scene was performed exceptionally and caused the audience to shudder with the rest of the villagers. The cast did a good job transitioning from somber scenes to more happy scenes and was able to distinguish them from each other to keep the plot moving. Fiddler on the Roof has a fairly complex plot because of the large number of major characters and different events happening throughout the performance. However, it was not difficult to follow the storyline.
The Fiddler on the Roof certainly entertained and managed to develop a more somber plot as well as the humorous side of the characters. There were undoubtedly some rough spots, and the singing was not as strong but the Alaska Theatre of Youth is all about “that turn form an awkward kid into a polished actor,” and the effort put into the musical by the cast members should be recognized.
Fiddler on the Roof is playing December 4-6, 12-13 at 7 p.m. and December 6-7, 13-14 at 2 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.
Alaska Theatre of Youth
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 7 pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Laurence Theatre
by Ally Landis - South Anchorage High School/Alaska Pacific University
On Thursday night the Alaska Theatre of Youth’s rendition of Fiddler on the Roof was able to strike a balance between the solemn mood and the comedic dialogue dispersed throughout the musical.
The musical, directed by Christian “Hepcat” Heppinstall, Leslie Ward and Oliver Siemens, follows the life of a Jewish family living in Russia in 1905 and the ever-present struggle between tradition and change.
The first song of the first act, Tradition, consisting of Tevye, the main character, and the rest of the townspeople, sets the mood for the rest of the play. While the singing was not the strongest, the argument that broke out in the end about a horse and a mule brought smiles and a few chuckles to the faces of the audience.
The next act portrays Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, three daughters of Tevye, singing about the village matchmaker, Yente. The staging was not as good as it could have been, and at one point the sisters are behind clothes hanging on a clothesline and it was hard to hear them singing. But the sisterly jesting and witty dialogue, such as the sisters talking about their marriage prospects kept the audience engaged. One sister exclaims, “the last one was so old, he had no hair” and another responds with “you want hair, get a monkey.”
The acting is a little stiff at times, such as when Tzeitel and her friend from childhood Motel start to kiss but are interrupted by the entrance of Tevye, but the characters personalities are portrayed well and one could truly see the actors enjoy themselves. At Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding, along with the traditional Jewish dance, some handstands and spin moves take the spotlight.
Along with the more upbeat scenes came the serious ones, such as when Perchik, the fiancé of Hodel, is beaten by the police when he tries to stop them from overturning the house. The scene was performed exceptionally and caused the audience to shudder with the rest of the villagers. The cast did a good job transitioning from somber scenes to more happy scenes and was able to distinguish them from each other to keep the plot moving. Fiddler on the Roof has a fairly complex plot because of the large number of major characters and different events happening throughout the performance. However, it was not difficult to follow the storyline.
The Fiddler on the Roof certainly entertained and managed to develop a more somber plot as well as the humorous side of the characters. There were undoubtedly some rough spots, and the singing was not as strong but the Alaska Theatre of Youth is all about “that turn form an awkward kid into a polished actor,” and the effort put into the musical by the cast members should be recognized.
Fiddler on the Roof is playing December 4-6, 12-13 at 7 p.m. and December 6-7, 13-14 at 2 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.
Alaska Theatre of Youth
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 7 pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Laurence Theatre
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Nutcracker Ballet - "the perfect holiday treat..."
by Hannah Swanson - West High School
If you have a sweet tooth during the holidays, George Balanchine’s, The Nutcracker, is a tasty tidbit to start the Christmas season. Oregon Ballet Theatre, in collaboration with Alaska Dance Theatre, performed beautifully with the Anchorage Symphony on Friday afternoon. It was an inspiring, beautiful performance to spark imagination for all ages.
The show began with Marie and Fritz Stahlbaum awaiting their wonderful holiday party. Family and friends soon gathered, and classic partnering dances were performed cleanly. But the climatic end to the party is when Fritz broke Marie’s Nutcracker Doll in a jealous fit. The acting was a fair demonstration, could have been more natural, and not so constricted to straight choreography. Although keeping in mind the children’s age, or lack of performing in front of a large audience. But the small bits of humor, like Fritz pulling on Clara’s hair, or a girl hiding underneath Clara’s dress not wanting to leave, made a personal connection.
Before intermission was the first ballet piece of the show, Waltz of the Snowflakes. This piece is full of crescendos, with crashing cymbals, and fast violins. Balanchine choreography is known for extremely fast footwork, dizzying turns, but having beautiful, soft port de bras, or arms, on the upper body. The spinning of the white dresses, and the falling of snow, was a beautifully performed piece, and is was a wonderful end to the first act.
After the intermission Marie and her Prince were transported to the Palace of the Land of Sweets, where the most delectable portion of the show begins. Spanish Chocolate; arrive in gold character skirts, and demonstrate kicking their feet to touch their heads. Chinese Tea; perform 6 toe touches in a row! German Marzipan, Russian Candy Canes, and Arabian Coffee all perform with mesmerizing footwork, and gravity defying leaps.
Another one of Balanchine’s famous works is the Waltz of the Flowers. Green and pink tulle skirts float like petals, as the Dew Drop Soloist dances between them. Cannons were common in this piece, as the music had repeating chimes of a triangle, or a flute.
But the icing on the cake is the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Their pas de deux showed beauty and power effortlessly. The grand finale of arabesques and lifts had the audience on their feet. Marie and her Prince made their way back home, bidding farewell to the Land of Sweets.
The Nutcracker is a classic, seasonal, favorite for families. It is the perfect treat for Christmas that you don’t have to feel guilty about!
The Nutcracker
Anchorage Concert Association
Friday, November 28 at 2pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall
by Hannah Swanson - West High School
If you have a sweet tooth during the holidays, George Balanchine’s, The Nutcracker, is a tasty tidbit to start the Christmas season. Oregon Ballet Theatre, in collaboration with Alaska Dance Theatre, performed beautifully with the Anchorage Symphony on Friday afternoon. It was an inspiring, beautiful performance to spark imagination for all ages.
The show began with Marie and Fritz Stahlbaum awaiting their wonderful holiday party. Family and friends soon gathered, and classic partnering dances were performed cleanly. But the climatic end to the party is when Fritz broke Marie’s Nutcracker Doll in a jealous fit. The acting was a fair demonstration, could have been more natural, and not so constricted to straight choreography. Although keeping in mind the children’s age, or lack of performing in front of a large audience. But the small bits of humor, like Fritz pulling on Clara’s hair, or a girl hiding underneath Clara’s dress not wanting to leave, made a personal connection.
Before intermission was the first ballet piece of the show, Waltz of the Snowflakes. This piece is full of crescendos, with crashing cymbals, and fast violins. Balanchine choreography is known for extremely fast footwork, dizzying turns, but having beautiful, soft port de bras, or arms, on the upper body. The spinning of the white dresses, and the falling of snow, was a beautifully performed piece, and is was a wonderful end to the first act.
After the intermission Marie and her Prince were transported to the Palace of the Land of Sweets, where the most delectable portion of the show begins. Spanish Chocolate; arrive in gold character skirts, and demonstrate kicking their feet to touch their heads. Chinese Tea; perform 6 toe touches in a row! German Marzipan, Russian Candy Canes, and Arabian Coffee all perform with mesmerizing footwork, and gravity defying leaps.
Another one of Balanchine’s famous works is the Waltz of the Flowers. Green and pink tulle skirts float like petals, as the Dew Drop Soloist dances between them. Cannons were common in this piece, as the music had repeating chimes of a triangle, or a flute.
But the icing on the cake is the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Their pas de deux showed beauty and power effortlessly. The grand finale of arabesques and lifts had the audience on their feet. Marie and her Prince made their way back home, bidding farewell to the Land of Sweets.
The Nutcracker is a classic, seasonal, favorite for families. It is the perfect treat for Christmas that you don’t have to feel guilty about!
The Nutcracker
Anchorage Concert Association
Friday, November 28 at 2pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall
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