I thought watching Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS)
2000 film,
the highly-acclaimed pro-shot stage adaptation of this Andrew Lloyd Webber (ALW)-Tim Rice musical, would already content me.
However, upon receiving an email from GMG Productions about the start of the ticket sale of this rock opera in Manila, I realized that in actuality I hadn't been fully gratified. I had to watch it!
Predictably, my sister Cristy shared similar reaction. Having forgone watching Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular since it was just a concert (unlike the Broadway musical which we watched in 2016), I wasn't surprised when Cristy purchased three tickets (the twins excluded since they're uninterested) in November 2025 for the opening show on May 2, 2026. Unexpectedly she forgot all about their high school reunion scheduled in Bicol on the same date. I was the one who pointed it out by inquiring whether she wouldn't attend since it also coincided with BU Grand Alumni Homecoming, but I wouldn't be attending. So with my sister's prior commitment, I thought of my fellow theatre enthusiasts who'd be interested to buy the tickets. Well, it was easy to find the prospect -- my cousin Medvil. Hallelujah! Conflict in sked solved. Then, Cristy bought the new tickets, this time for May 17 showing. Waaaaaaaahahahaha!!!! It was our Japan trip departure. Informing Cristy about our trip that was kept a secret for a while, I again thought of a solution. To cut the story short, recent circumstances favored this May 17 viewing when my husband decided to refund our flight tickets due to the Middle East crisis.
Whew! Now, minus all the obstacles, my youngest son Lancelot and I went to Solaire for our lunch date with my sister that Sunday. It was Knight's maiden drive going to the venue, but it appeared that he's used to it.
Allocating less than an hour for documentation after our highly satisfying meal at Abé, we walked towards The Theatre at Solaire lobby. There was no long queue yet at these spots. We quickly grabbed the chance for our first batch of photos.
Accomplishing the mandatory photo-ops, we entered the area where we could take our seats. But first, I had to heed the call of this stage!
Feeling rock star talaga! *guffaws* In moments like these, the theatre person in me must prevail. No inhibitions. No holding back. Cherish the now.
Cristy joined in another picture and we had more for she knew about my blogging.
Thirty minutes before the show, Door 3 was opened.
The stage backdrop with that red and white logo caused me the exhilaration! Frankly, I expected a lot from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar, being one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's magna opera.
At 1:30 pm, this groundbreaking rock opera began. The stark minimalist set design instantly wowed me! Nobody would miss that massive upside-down cross which served as a multi-purpose walkway and performance platform for the cast. When the first few notes of the overture were played, a solo dancer dynamically and dramatically entered. The rave-like state inside The Theatre at Solaire was on!
I found myself engulfed in this free-spirited atmosphere while my eyes were glued to the stage. My familiarity (I guess this was true to most of the theatre goer present) with the plot (telling the final week of Jesus's life, focusing on his human complexities, through Judas's perspective) and several songs here was beneficial in influencing my overall appreciation of this broadway show. I remember I had a different experience on these aspects with Cats, the second ALW's musical which we had watched.
This British production had roughly 24 to 25 international cast with one local theatre actress, Gab Pangilinan, who played Mary Magdalene. It was my first time to see and hear her perform live. I watched her in Ang Huling El Bimbo, also a pro-shot production which was freely streamed on YouTube for full 48 hours during the pandemic. Delivering a convincing heartfelt interpretation of the iconic song I Don't Know How To Love Him, she blended in well with the global production. Personally though, the version of Yvonne Elliman, who originated the role of Mary Magdalene, remained the barometer because of her unique voice and raw emotion.
Now, I should not forget mentioning Luke Street's portrayal as Jesus and Javon King's as Judas. These artists' performance was almost impeccable. Their singing was both flawless. Comparing the voice quality of JCS main cast with that of Miss Saigon in Manila (2024), I could say that the former did better. And yes! They clearly pronounced and enunciated the song lyrics which triggered instant emotional resonance.
Placing the characters in a contemporary setting, majority of the cast donned neutral-colored athleisure which was heavily-accented with silver. Well, silver was the dominant color. In fact the interpretation of the 30 pieces of silver was a clever innovation. No, this staging did not make use of the actual silver coins but rather Judas's hands turned silver when he dipped them in a box.
Factually JCS continuous rock score did heighten my emotion for each scene. Thus, when the cross was raised with the crucified Jesus Christ at the finale, it conveyed an impactful impression on me as a human being...as a sinner...as a believer.
Yes, The Theatre at Solaire had a good amount of audience but not a full house. Nevertheless, the cast’s bows were met with a collective burst of applause and praise by us.
Customarily after the show, we would enter the merch shop. From JCS, only the mug fascinated me. None fascinated Cristy and Knight. Several fascinated Atty. Lorna Kapunan (I recognized her while lining up at the cashier😄).
But if this logo were the print on a white or black shirt, I wouldn’t be thinking twice.
Checking this third Andrew Lloyd Webber magnum opus in my bucket list, I still have to watch the staging of Evita in Manila. I watched the 1996 film version which starred Madonna and its original soundtrack has been one of my cherished possessions up to now.
Yoo-hoo! Genie, where are you? This is another wish which I'd like you to hear. *smiles* If this were granted, I'd surely be completing our Andrew Lloyd Webber Top 4 musical collage.
I know this looks overambitious, but please indulge me as I give you a glimpse of my being a wannabe Evita during the culminating activity of my purposive communication students in 2023. Likewise, I sang Don't Cry For Me Argentina in each class; however, the lone recorded video is too big to be uploaded. Thank goodness! Hahahaha...
May 17, 2026 clearly led to crafting enduring stories again although crowning the day's priceless moments was my sister’s surprise belated Mother’s Day gift. She handed it before eating our lunch and it utterly completed my look.
Language fell short of expressing the depth of my gratitude.
Video credit:
Lancelot T.K. M. Gines
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