Opening night of ‘Superstar’ approaches

Next week the curtain goes up on what promises to be one of the theatre events of the season as Lisnagarvey Operatic Society brings the Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece Jesus Christ Superstar to the Island Hall stage.

The production team and cast are putting the finishing touches to what will be one of Lisnagarvey’s most energetic and vibrant productions for many years featuring an impressive cast including established society members, graduates of the company’s youth section, and a host of new talent - many of whom are performing with the society for the first time.

Vice Chairman, Andy Scott, who also plays the part of the High Priest Annas commented: “It is wonderful to see established and new cast members working so enthusiastically together to stage this wonderful and challenging production - the energy is fantastic.”

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Such is the appeal of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar, that many of the principle roles are being portrayed by some of the country’s most critically acclaimed performers including Adam Williamson (Jesus) who recently played the leading roles in Miss Saigon and Aida at the Island Hall; Orla McCormack (Mary) and Sean Harkin (Judas) who both recently starred in Sweeney Todd at the Theatre at the Mill; and Jamie Ewing (Pontius Pilate) who recently appeared in The Producers and West Side Story (the latter at the Grand Opera House). Jamie describes the show as “the greatest story ever told with some of the greatest music in modern musical theatre” and is delighted to be performing with Lisnagarvey for the first time.

The pulsating musical, with lyrics by Sir Tim Rice, includes some of Lloyd Webbers’ best loved songs including ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and of course the anthemic ‘Superstar’. The musical follows the story of the last seven days of the life of Christ - from the preparation for his arrival in Jerusalem with his disciples, to the Crucifixion. Garnering controversy and widespread acclaim since its original Broadway production in 1971, nearly fifty years on the show remains as edgy and yet as relevant as ever.

This ground breaking revival of the show will also feature a multi award-winning production team including Direction from Wilfie Pyper, Musical Direction from Ian Milford and Choreography from Clare Donnelly - all of whom have won coveted Association of Irish Musical Societies awards in their respective disciplines.

After months of preparation and rehearsals, the Society, the production team and the energetic cast expect that this new daring interpretation of this classic show will move, inspire and entertain audiences. The show runs from April 21-25 and tickets are available at the Box Office on 9250 9254, or online at www.laganvalleyisland.co.uk.

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