ABSOLUTELY unmissable, assuming you don't have an aversion to John-Michael Tebelak's take on St Matthew's Gospel with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Even if you have, Manor Operatic Society's staging is a spectacular theatrical tour de force it would be a crime to miss – given the show's subject, a serious mortal sin!
It is brilliantly directed by Richard Bradford, assisted by Linda Kelly, who
have drilled a fairly large, enthusiastically committed cast, representing pop stars, to near perfection in terms of choreography and movement.
The work of an uncredited lighting director is stunning, as are some of stage pictures: We Beseech Thee is fantastic and the Crucifixion scene is magnificently staged.
The set, with its six suspended steel girders, is as hugely impressive as its spaciousness, while the only nod in the direction of the show's 'hippie' origins are painted faces sported by all the cast, except Jesus, and what a cast!
Jack Tompkins promised to be a fine Jesus. He's considerably more than fine; he's simply outstanding. Simon Hance is a well-nigh ideal Judas and Peter East a first-rate John the Baptist.
Among the 'group,' Keeley Kilby, Lisa Maltby and Stephanie Beer, respectively, deliver O Bless the Lord, Day by Day and Turn Back O Man quite superbly and there are stand-out performances from Bob Spink and Alex McVeigh.
Everyone deserves mention but it will have to be a general well done. You are all terrific.
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