Stage: Jesus Christ
The rock musical that changed the face of West End and Broadway shows
If you ever wondered where the modern stage musical was born then you need look no further than Jesus Christ Superstar. Some will argue that the change came with Lionel Bart, but his works, great as they are, are very much more conventional that Lloyd Webber and Rice’s first major hit.
Launched originally on vinyl album, the public got to know the songs, very much pop hits, before the show finally opened. It was a new idea and one that worked well with iconic performances from stars like Ian Gillan, Murray head and Yvonne Elliman.
Now a new and explosive new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Rice and Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking rock opera, is set to arrive at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from 8th-12th September.
Starring Glenn Carter (Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell) as Jesus, Tim Rogers (Whistle Down The Wind, West Side Story, Jersey Boys) as Judas Iscariot and former X-Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji (Thriller Live) as Mary Magdalene, this powerful musical tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
Beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion, this retelling of the world’s oldest story focuses on Judas and his dissatisfaction with the direction Jesus is steering his disciples. The narrative follows imagined conflicting politics and interpersonal struggles between Judas and Jesus not told in the bible.
This stunning new stage interpretation is just as compelling today as it was when it opened on Broadway in 1971.
Featuring some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs including, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Everything’s Alright, Gethsemane and Superstar.
Jesus Christ Superstar at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 September. Tickets £18.50 – £38.50. Concessions, Under 16s and Group rates available. Book online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk or call Box Office on 01323 412000
The Sound of Silence
Has it really been 50 years since the most successful folk/rock duo of all time recorded their first no1 hit single The Sound of Silence? Now you can enjoy all the tunes from ‘60s counter culture icons Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in The Simon and Garfunkel Story at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne for one night only on Monday 24 August.
Following its West End success at the Leicester Square Theatre, London in February 2015, The Simon And Garfunkel Story is currently the biggest and the most successful no 1 touring theatre show celebrating the lives and career of folk/rock sensation Simon and Garfunkel.
Featuring seasoned West End award-winning leading man Dean Elliott (Buddy Holly in Buddy – The Musical) and a full cast of talented actor- musicians, this heartfelt show takes you back through the groovy times of the 1960s. It tells the story of both Paul and Art from their humble beginnings as Rock ‘n’ Roll duo ‘Tom and Jerry’, right through their massive success, dramatic break-up and finishing with a stunning recreation of the 1981 Central Park reformation concert.
Using a huge projection screen, the show features 1960’s photos and film footage whilst a full live band perform all their hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Sound of Silence and many more!
With every performance creating a standing ovation, this is an evening not to be missed!
See The Simon and Garfunkel Story at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne on Monday 24th August, 7.30pm. Tickets £18 and £19.50. Book online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk or call Box Office on 01323 412000.
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