We want to tell the most important story of all time in a way that everyone will enjoy, Hugh Wooldridge, who is directing Jesus Christ Superstar at the Astra Theatre in Gozo, tells Jennifer Grech.
“If you’re creating your own show, think about who your audience is and build the show with them in mind. We are their servant – it’s not the other way around,” explains Hugh Wooldridge, who is directing a brand new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Astra Theatre in Gozo.
Wooldridge knows well the everlasting 1970 rock opera, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
“Every production has its own challenges. In Malta and Gozo, the main concern is that, because of other commitments, we have not yet had one rehearsal where the entire company has been present at the same time,” said Wooldridge, a veteran master, who has a close collaboration with the show’s authors, during rehearsals for the musical.
This production of JCS will harness and showcase both local and international talent.
“Perhaps the first time everyone will meet on stage together will be during the first performance. Having said that, there is a terrific camaraderie between all those involved, morale is high and there is already some truly wonderful work on display,” the director says.
“I think – and hope – our audience will be truly amused, stunned, educated and given a wonderful, unforgettable and theatrical experience.”
Asked whether there were any teething troubles when rehearsals started, his reply is in the negative.
“That said, working with non-professionals is always a challenge. In the professional theatre, the acting company, technicians and musicians are always readily available. In a production with a lot of volunteers, the production naturally has to take second place to the daily life of running a family or a business.”
And the most important starting point?
“To find an inspiring Jesus. We have. Everyone who comes to our show knows the story; what they will not know is how we tell the story. I don’t think they will be disappointed,” he adds.
“We are lucky to have the great rock voice of local hero Chris Grech inspiring the company. He has played Jesus before, but this is his first time as Judas.
This production of JCS will showcase both local and international talent
Playing Jesus is the talented one-man dynamo, David Michael Johnson.
“I have known David for over 25 years. We have done plays and concerts together, from a tiny outdoor stage in Barbados to the magnificent arena of the Royal Albert Hall in London. He is not only a fine singer and dancer originally from New York and Radio City Music Hall, but also a great enabler, encouraging everyone he meets to do their best – rather like the character he plays.
“The role of Mary is to be played by Rachel Fabri, who I met during an audition here in Malta, although we have friends in common in the UK, where she trained. She brings world-class performing experience to the role and has one of the most beautiful and pure voices I have heard.”
The large company also includes many local musical theatre champions, such as Roger Tirazona, Christopher Dingli and Noel Galea, as well as some younger singers like Remy Azzopardi and Francesco Joseph Nicodeme.
“We also have two young girls who are wooing us all with their commitment, charm and talent – Clara Sciberras and Megan Balzan – and I am particularly happy that we have four dancers from the YADA Dance Academy and four young singer/dancers from London joining the company,” he adds. “They bring a fantastic energy into the rehearsal room.”
He goes on to say that as with one of Shakespeare’s plays, or any other well-known and well-loved tale, an audience likes the challenge of a new interpretation.
“In 2018, do we want to see yet another Passion play with actors wearing sandals, blankets and cardboard crowns? Or do we want to tell the most important story of all time in a way that everyone will enjoy, be challenged and moved by?
“Having directed several different productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, we are using as a starting point the basic structure from a production I directed in Munich in 1993, when DMJ played Simon. It was an incredible success and well suits the audience demographic in Gozo and Malta. A local audience might be shocked – and possibly annoyed – by an aggressively punk rock Superstar. So we tell the tale in a more musical theatre way. And don’t forget the music and words are some of the very best-ever written by the young Andrew Lloyd Webber (then 22) and Tim Rice (then 26).
What can the crowd expect from JCS?
“A truly magnificent and unforgettable, experience. One that I know will stay with spectators for many months. And, importantly, extraordinary value for money for a lovingly-created, specially-tailored event.
“If our production were a car, you would expect to pay in excess of €100,000 for a handmade Rolls Royce. We are hoping to offer a personal, lovingly handmade experience for less than €40 a ticket,” he says.
“All the 60 or so people who have been working on this production for many months look forward to welcoming you this weekend [and next] to Astra’s 50th anniversary production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
In the future, in addition to his commitment to continue working on large-scale productions, Wooldridge plans to spend more time directing smaller projects similar to those he thrived on during his first 10 years, and being available to help others achieve their goals.
Roger Tirazona
“I was practically raised with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music, and having the opportunity to perform as the Phantom and as Pilate in this production of Jesus Christ Superstar, in just a span of a few months is an enormous privilege.
It is even more of a privilege to be singing Andrew’s music in the year of his 70th birthday during which he is also celebrating his phenomenal career. The emotionally driven music, coupled with Tim Rice’s masterfully penned lyrics, will surely make for an outstanding evening at the Astra Theatre.
I am lucky to be working with a great cast and with director Hugh Wooldridge at the helm and I can’t wait to be on stage with my mates to bring you a spectacular, unique version of Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Rachel Fabri
“Having taken part in several shows in Malta and overseas this has actually been the first time I have had the opportunity to work in Gozo.
It has been a great journey so far and I have truly enjoyed becoming a part of the Astra family during this special year that the theatre celebrates its 50-year anniversary. Being directed by the legendary Hugh Wooldridge has been a wonderful and educational experience. I look forward to playing the role of Mary Magdalene in what happens to be one of my favourite musicals of all time.”
Jesus Christ Superstar is being staged at the Astra Theatre, Victoria tomorrow at 8pm (fully booked), on Sunday at 3.30pm and on Easter Sunday at 3.30pm.
Mro Sigmund Mifsud will be leading the orchestra.