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I've seen worse performances and better performances on stage than the Davis Musical Theatre Company's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," but one thing's for sure: You could do worse on a Friday or Saturday night than to head down to the vintage Varsity Theatre in Davis to enjoy local talent giving it their all.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera follows the disintegrating relationship between Jesus Christ and once-friend, now foe Judas, and how Judas' perception of Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene influenced his betrayal. As all operas do, the entire story unfolds in song, and many of the tunes aren't easy to master. The cast deserves credit for keeping the story flowing despite the vocal challenges.
The staging and choreography of this production is excellent, and the final dance number to the theme song is a knockout. A particular standout performance is given by Melody Davi, performing the lead vocals in "Simon Zealotos." The power and energy of her voice makes the hair stand up on your arms - and I mean that in a good way. Amber Jean Moore as Mary Magdalene also has a lovely voice, but she exudes such sweetness and innocence that it's hard to remember that her character is a prostitute.
J.D. Diefenbacher (Caiaphas), Lenore Sebastian (Annas) and Gil Sebastian (Pilate) deserve special praise for superior enunciation in their numbers, which is critically important when the story is told in song. Despite a lack of range in facial expression, Tev Ditter gives a moving, poignant portrayal of Jesus.
Room for improvement: the orchestra comes very close to drowning out the vocals; the songs performed by Brian McCann (Judas) need to be dropped down a couple keys so he doesn't have to screech in falsetto; lose the muffin-tin necklaces worn by Caiaphas, Annas and the Priest.
It's community theatre, not Broadway, and if you keep that in mind, you'll find that DMTC's current offering is thoroughly enjoyable. The cast, crew, director Steve Isaacson and choreographer Matt Dunn all deserve hearty applause. This wasn't easy material to master, and they did that and then some.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" continues at the Varsity Theatre through Feb. 1. For reservations or more information, call 756-3682 or go online to www.dmtc.org
Now if I could just get "What's The Buzz" to stop playing in an endless loop in my head...
Big Fish is the current offering of director Tim Burton, known for such whimsical and reality-bending films as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Nightmare Before Christmas." It's the story of the tense relationship between an uptight son and his story-telling, terminally ill father. It's the lesson about what happens when you spend your life resenting a person for what he isn't, rather than appreciating what he is. It's a sweet film, and makes for an enjoyable afternoon, but it's not so wonderful that you couldn't wait for it to come out on video.
Check local movie listings for showtimes.
Something's Gotta Give stars Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, and their blossoming romance as Nicholson's character discovers (after a lifetime of flings and one-night stands with younger women) that it is possible - preferable, even - to love a woman with a mind and body over the age of 25. In fact, through this relationship with Keaton's character, he discovers what love really is. It's refreshing to see mature people being allowed to discover love and life on screen. On the other hand, would any woman really choose Jack Nicholson over Keanu Reeves in real life?
Check local movie listings for showtimes.
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