Super!
Days have passed. More than half a week, in fact. It was Saturday when I saw Jesus Christ Superstar at the North Shore Music Theatre with Mike and Dave. But the music is still swirling in my head. And images of the stage and costumes (and in one case hair) float around in there as well.
In a word, it was awesome.
The traffic heading north and east on routes 1 and 128 was horrendous. To add to that, I let Mike volunteer to drive. He gets very annoyed at weekend drivers. Perhaps I should have drove. But whatever, we made it to the theatre, parked, and headed up to the building.
The NSMT is an in-the-round theatre. The building is, therefore, round. But it’s not just a cylinder. It is reminiscent of a tent, really… a circus tent. Only, I happen to think this is more exciting than the circus. (Though I do like the circus quite a bit.)
I got our tickets from the appropriate box office window, while dealing with hoards of older ladies and gentlemen who apparently are unaccustomed to waiting in line. I really hope I never get old. Or, when I do, that I don’t become an idiot.
We had to walk most of the way around the building to get to our entrance. We showed our tickets to the usher, who gushed, “Oooh… you got good seats!” We smiled, took a program, and walked down… down… down (not that it was a far walk, there are only about 20 rows of seats total) to the second row.
Sweet!
Mike and Dave did that whole examining the tech stuff thing, while I just fidgeted in anticipation. I shared that I think the most important voices are Judas’ and Caiaphas’ – the show is made by good ones and ruined by bad ones. Mike is constantly trying to convince me that Caiaphas can be tone deaf. He’s wrong.
When the show started, I was almost immediately grinning. Not only was Judas good, but so was Jesus, and for that matter, Mary and the others as well. These people don’t fool around.
Plus, Jesus looked just like any crucifix would have you believe he looked. I kind of wonder if he’ll have trouble getting another part until after he cuts his hair back. “I’m sorry. You’re the right height, and your voice is perfect… But you look too… Jesusey… for this role.”
The priests made a big effort to steal the show. Their hats were like eight miles tall, and they threw silver coins around like crazy people. By the time Caiaphas made his booming entrance, I knew I would be a satisfied customer. There is something about that deep, deep sound that really pleases my ears.
The costumes were almost as exciting. Dave was especially impressed by the authenticity. I was impressed because they were pretty…
And the set! Some day I’ll get to work with a stage that has moving parts and trap doors galore. Sooooo much fun! Plus, with the real rigging, they were able to make the final few scenes, especially “Judas’ Death” and “Trial by Pilate”, almost too realistic. Yes… I sobbed like the little girl that I am.
So… what I’m saying is… the show was good (understatement).
And it’s still rattling around in my head.
And that’s good.
Happy ears, happy eyes, happy brain…
Happy brain sings, “What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a happenin’…”