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Jesus Christ Superstar is the well known rock opera
signed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice; in 1973 it became a movie and
since then has been performed worldwide.
Massimo Piparo is the director of a company which has been acting this
musical, in Italy, for 5 years. Neverthless the new edition is particularly
ambitious: a wonderful cast, a larger budget, an improved orchestra.
Obvioulsy
the show's structure has not been changed, but it was necessary to adapt it
to characteristics of two American stars playing the main roles: Carl
Anderson, as Judas, and Amii Stewart, as Magdalene. They both give a personal
and strong mark to the musical, due to their vocal ability, charisma, and
full knowledge of the score; in effect the show is completely acted and sung
in the original language (with overtitles in Italian).
Piparo's choices are based on the mixture between sacred and
profane which is typical of the play, but some aspects of it have been
modified and got closer to Italian reality, in order to create a tighter tie
with the audience.
The artistic value of the two protagonists has not to reduce the
importance of Italian cast, composed by actors with a long experience in
their roles: Egidio La Gioia, Paride Acacia, Olivia Cinquemani.
The conductor is Angelo Panebianco, while artistic supervision is by
Anderson himself, who played Judas also in 73's film. His personality
seems to have a great influence on this new edition of “Jesus Christ
Superstar”.
Anderson, during a press conference, said that Judas' role is very
tiring and, furthermore, dying every night on stage is particularly annoying.
He would like, one day, to star as Pilat, because that character has a
lighter part, and less sad songs, in comparison with Judas'ones.
Amii Stewart, on her own, returns to theatre, where he started her
career; she is a wonderful singer and this play seems just done for her vocal
attitude.
Italian public will hardly have the chance to see again a cast like
this; actually American companies which usually tour in Europe are often
overstimated.
In conclusion: an opportunity not to miss for Italian
public.
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