Well, for the first time in quite a long time, there are no performances to talk about on the upcoming weekend!
That’s not true of the weekend of May 13 to 15, however, when we will be packing into Johnny’s Social Club to hear a concert version of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical theatre mega-hit, Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS), with lyrics by
Tim Rice.
Interestingly, it didn’t start out that way (as a mega-hit, I mean).
When it was written, in 1970, it was a concept album – a rock opera meant to be listened to and not actually performed as a musical theatre piece. It became a theatrical piece when it opened in New York in 1971, with full staging.
What we will see in Flin Flon is something much closer to the original concept, with a full cast and chorus singing the songs as they were originally ordered, to tell the story that is loosely based on the Gospels.
When the musical opened on Broadway, it got mixed reviews from the critics. The New York Times called it “heartless and over-hyped” and Lloyd Webber himself said, “It was a vulgar travesty.”
It was controversial, too. Religious organizations came down on it, with some Christian groups objecting to the sympathetic character of Judas and some Jewish groups stating it promoted antisemitism in the Crucifixion crowd scenes. The ’70s were a different era.
We are going to see a tremendous concert with local talents in the lead roles, including Johnny Bettger, Kevin Imrie, four Marys and Father Paul Bringleson.
Unfortunately, the tickets are sold out for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances, but tickets are available at the Orange Toad for a Saturday matinee performance.
NorVA Centre
The NorVA Centre has some great workshops and hands-on events upcoming as well. Beginning today, May 4, there is another watercolour workshop, taught by Lois Pedersen, which will run for four sessions.
Due to popular demand, there will also be another Raku pottery workshop, led by NorVA manager Mike Spencer, on May 7, 20 and 21. Call NorVA at 204-687-4237 to get the details and to register.
The NorVA Centre is, also by popular demand, opening on select evenings for Paint Party. This is a follow-along painting class like those old TV shows, in which the participant paints a picture by following the instructions given. You can bring your own appetizers and other treats. You can even set up a group, like your book club or Social Club at work, and have an evening of art-making at the NorVA Gallery. Sounds like good, creative fun.
