Music Blog Romania

Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Bucharest

12.Jul

(C)2006 Mihai Radulescu - http://mtx.haos.roWho would have thought that the first Romanian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” would be staged by a group of students from professor Florin Zamfirescu’s class at the National University of Drama and Cinematography “I. L. Caragiale” (UNATC) in Bucharest, lead by professor Adrian Pintea? Well, it’s true ;)

I guess most of you have already seen one of the movies with the same title from 1973 or 2000, or have at least listened to a recording of it. This modern opera is a masterpiece – the more you listen to it, the more you begin to understand and love it. But anyway, this is not my main point here ;).

The first time I went to see the show at the Arcub Theater (because I have to admit I already went three times and, who knows, maybe I’ll go again ;) ) I was completely blown away. I imagined the show would be ok – but nothing more. Yes, I had the preconception that it can’t be exceptional, because I knew the actors were only students, still preparing for their big acting careers. But I was so wrong: nothing can beat a year of hard work, the professionalism of all the people involved, these students’ optimism and great attitude, their talent and – most of all – their unspoiled enthusiasm. Combine all of that with a modern opera as brilliant and as powerful as Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” and I guess it’s obvious that they can’t go wrong.

Most of all, I would have never guessed that young people preparing at UNATC can have such great voices – I would have thought that their acting skills are their biggest asset, but it’s obvious that they have a lot more to show. From this point of view I would totally mention the two leading actors who play the roles of Jesus (Daniel Dobre) and Judas (Dan Rădulescu) – some of their songs gave me serious goose bumps ;). Mihai Niţă (in the roles of Peter and Herod), Darius Daradici (Caiaphas) and Marius Miron (Pilate) are also very good.

However, I think that the greatest merit of the show lies most of all in the excellent interaction between the actors – you will most likely find several of them very gifted but you will probably be the most impressed by the way their group songs turn out, so uplifting and powerful.

Oh, and they dance really cool, the orchestra (Conservatory students) sounds very professional and the costumes and scenery are also very appropriate. Need I say more? ;)

Big “congrats” to them all – for their hard work and accomplishment of a difficult project – but most of all for the great feeling that they manage to translate to the audience.

 

If you haven’t seen it yet, there are four more shows left, on the 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th of july, at 19.00. The address of the Arcub Theater is Batistei str., nr. 14.

Enjoy ;) I know I definitely have.

You can find some of mtx’s pics of the show on his blog, on my blog or on the official website of the project.

 

Jesus Christ Superstar in Bucharest

10.Jul

Jesus Christ Superstar play in BucharestSome students from UNATC (Theatre University in Romania) had a great idea of putting in play one of the greatest rock operas ever – Jesus Christ Superstar.

The play has been written in the 70′s by Andrew Webber and Tim Rice and – in the original version – was performed by, among others, Ian Gillan playing the role of Jesus and Murray Head in the role of Judas.

The Romanian version is played free of charge at the ArCub stage on 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19th of July. It’s nice to see such initiatives happen and I bet their act will be worthwhile for anyone to attend.

Later Edit: It seems someone liked it very much. Also some pictures here.

To be played out loud

18.Apr

Gillan's InnAfter some fourty years of music and after creating some of the best rock-bands ever, what more could you wish from your career? What more could you bring to the audience and how creative and full of spirit can you be?

Well, after listening to Ian Gillan’s latest album, Gillan’s Inn, it seems that some people are just a neverending source of musical inspiration and artistic spirit.

Gillan, the man who created a band like Deep Purple, played the voice of Jesus in the famous Jesus Christ Superstar rock opera and also had a significant contribution to Black Sabbath, recently released a new album, featuring some of the most significants rock players ever. Having together on the same album people like Joe Satriani, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse and many more, the album is a treat in itself, with the chance to listen to some of the greatest rock players of all times.

Just as an example, (on the DVD) you can chose to listen to “Smoke on the water” with a blend of Satriani, Morse or Halley, whatever you prefer :)

Gillan’s voice is also of the highest quality – I was surprised to hear him scream with the same passion after all these years :)

A strong recommandation to buy the album ! If you are not convinced yet, just view a sample.