nic42
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Ni l'un ni l'autre, je suis, j'étais et resterai moi
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Post by nic42 on Dec 27, 2017 18:33:34 GMT -5
I did tell the story once that one year I had money for one musical only when I was younger, right?? And that meant I had to choose between Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair. I chose JCS. Epic epic fail.... That was the production of Hair that Adam was in..... 'Epic fail' gets the award for the understatement of 2017..... (Smilies are not working for me today... but this one is called ‘big cry’ so I am guessing this should be an appropriate one.
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Post by nightowl on Dec 27, 2017 18:41:05 GMT -5
It is a lot of work, no doubt. But in a 'from scratch' production, much of the time is spent with actors learning their roles and dialogue. In this case, because it is all in 'song' format, it is expected that professional singers will come in knowing their song/parts completely. Also, because of their centrality, the majors will do much of their rehearsals just working on their interactions and for lengthy stretches of time...they are professionals and should be able to do what needs to be done....it is the smaller parts that will take the most blocking and rehearsal times overall as each of them will spend much greater proportions of their time sitting around, and will have the least sense of 'continuity' to their parts...if that makes sense. I understand that the rehearsals would be mainly about the interaction of the characters and not learning the songs. And that’s my problem, because John and Adam wouldn’t have much time to rehearse together. I know that professional actors should be able to pull it off nevertheless. But these two are mainly singers, not actors. And although Adam has a lot of experience in musical theater, I‘m not sure that he will do the acting part of such a big role easily. It would be hard work! And having the counter part (aka Jesus) there would help, I guess.
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Post by nightowl on Dec 27, 2017 18:49:54 GMT -5
But I‘m sure you enjoyed JCS back then.😉 I somehow feel the same, although I don’t think it was that close. Since I live in Berlin and use to go to musicals frequently, I remember quite clearly that I did see the advertisements for „Hair“ back then. But I never really liked the music and being a student without much money, I gave it a pass. 😏 I think, I saw „Cats“ that year, to which I was invited by my parents and my Dad hated it.😜 I surprisingly liked it. Yes, I liked it, it was a good production. Also great that you liked Cats! But.... we both missed Adam naked on stage... Ha, don‘t remind me of that part😜! I always think, even if I had seen it, I would possibly not be able to remember Adam. But who knows. Maybe this (back then) unknown singer would have made a lasting impression. 😉 On the other hand I would have a better clue, how much German he actually understands/speaks. With every concert over here he reveals different words or phrases. I have the impression he understands a lot more than he pretends to....
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2017 19:06:12 GMT -5
Agree that Judas and Jesus usually have large amt of time together on stage. (When they don’t it becomes more of a song showcase) Judas is indeed virtually the star of JCS. The show basically begins and ends with him - Heaven on their Minds and Superstar. (The last part w crucifixion just serves to button the show). Judas is in almost all of the numbers in act 1 and half the numbers in act 2, big ones. the show swirls around and is anchored by Jesus - he’s the Center, static and somewhat distant. Judas is the dynamic element and serves as the audience’s way in emotionally, with assist from Mary Mag. The story rests primarily on the tension between the two. I saw one of the best productions I’ve ever seen this year. Judas was in virtually every scene that Jesus is - even in the numbers he doesn’t sing. JCS is a sing through so no dialogue. The staging can vary, as mszue noted, but you need strong non verbal interaction between Judas, Jesus, and MM to really make the arc work. (Easter is kind of an odd time to stage this, but I’m assuming nbc thought otherwise lol) IDG why you think Easter is an odd time? The crucifixtion IS Easter!!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2017 19:39:06 GMT -5
Agree that Judas and Jesus usually have large amt of time together on stage. (When they don’t it becomes more of a song showcase) Judas is indeed virtually the star of JCS. The show basically begins and ends with him - Heaven on their Minds and Superstar. (The last part w crucifixion just serves to button the show). Judas is in almost all of the numbers in act 1 and half the numbers in act 2, big ones. the show swirls around and is anchored by Jesus - he’s the Center, static and somewhat distant. Judas is the dynamic element and serves as the audience’s way in emotionally, with assist from Mary Mag. The story rests primarily on the tension between the two. I saw one of the best productions I’ve ever seen this year. Judas was in virtually every scene that Jesus is - even in the numbers he doesn’t sing. JCS is a sing through so no dialogue. The staging can vary, as mszue noted, but you need strong non verbal interaction between Judas, Jesus, and MM to really make the arc work. (Easter is kind of an odd time to stage this, but I’m assuming nbc thought otherwise lol) IDG why you think Easter is an odd time? The crucifixtion IS Easter!! Unless those childhood Sunday school lessons led me astray, that’s Good Friday. Easter is the resurrection. When I was growing up, Holy Week meant a lot of things but always easter was joyous for resurrection. JCS plays as basically a tragedy and is noteworthy for the fact that it’s Judas who comes back (metaphorically), still questioning. Mobile typing not good lol. Sorry eta: but still it’s a good, respectful musical about Jesus so why not?. I do hope they don’t put them in ‘bliblical’ robes - contemporary works so much better eta 2 - I’m ok if Adam gets it or no, But, like Adam, I love the role and his brief snippet w RuPaul caught me more than his earlier, still impressive, telethon perf. It was beautifully phrased. I would like to hear the song performed with that nuanced, slower beginning.
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Post by melliemom on Dec 27, 2017 19:44:05 GMT -5
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Post by cassie on Dec 27, 2017 19:55:33 GMT -5
Why Adam should play Judas? * He can sing the hell out of that part. No one better. * While he may not be the strongest actor when reciting spoken lines (I don't know, because I haven't seen him do lines in a character that is much different from his own), he is second to none when SINGING them. He embodies the lyrics and imbues them with palpable emotion. His facial expressions and body movements convey the song's essence. In QAL he takes on multiple characters convincingly. * He has a lot of experience in musical theater. * He has a strong presence on stage. The camera loves him. * He has a solid reputation for being very good to work with. * He is Jewish.
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Post by girldrummer on Dec 27, 2017 20:00:11 GMT -5
IDG why you think Easter is an odd time? The crucifixtion IS Easter!! Unless those childhood Sunday school lessons led me astray, that’s Good Friday. Easter is the resurrection. When I was growing up, Holy Week meant a lot of things but always easter was joyous for resurrection. JCS plays as basically a tragedy and is noteworthy for the fact that it’s Judas who comes back (metaphorically), still questioning. Mobile typing not good lol. Sorry eta: but still it’s a good, respectful musical about Jesus so why not?. I do hope they don’t put them in ‘bliblical’ robes - contemporary works so much better I have seen a number of JCS professional productions. Most of them have been fantastic. Judas is indeed the pivotal role in the show. So much of Jesus' last days are determined by Judas's decisions. I really really hope Adam gets the part because I can't think of anyone who could do it better. Also, he already knows the part and is familiar with the whole show. And, it's his long-time dream role. Saw Hair a few times, too. There is an audio recording out there of Adam singing his part in the show. It's a high falsetto, funny and funky female part, "My Conviction." It very quirky and Adam does it proud. Can't believe he can hit those sustained high notes!
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Post by cassie on Dec 27, 2017 20:03:08 GMT -5
As for rehearsal timelines, much depends upon how it is being staged. JCS was first conceived as a concert piece without staging. As mzsue said, it can be done in minimalist fashion, or it can be grandiose. Knowing the limited time frame for Adam and John, the director could compensate with the type of staging and blocking he sets.
Since it is a sung thru musical, there is no "dialogue" per se to rehearse and coordinate. One character sings, and the others react, and as I said before, Adam can do that wonderfully. Cast members do not learn their solo songs during group rehearsals. That is done individually with the music director or a coach. Or, completely on their own with a recorded backing track. Not much different than learning the Queen repertoire before getting together with the band.
I believe it is more than doable.
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loxie
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Post by loxie on Dec 27, 2017 20:24:59 GMT -5
Cassie, the last reason for Adam taking on the role of Judas made me laugh out loud. Thank you!
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