“Jesus Christ Superstar” at Folketeateret – Reviews and recommendations

The production company Scenekvelder has made a bold choice with the cast of the well-known rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Folketeateret in Oslo. Artists and celebrities such as Aksel Hennie, Espen Lind, Magnus Grønneberg and Bjarte Tjøstheim fill some of the central roles. Everyone has stage experience, but everyone also has holes they need to fill in order to make the role complete on the musical stage. At the premiere, none of them were quite on target – other than Bjarte Tjøstheim. His Herod was the highlight of the foresight. FINALLY: “Jesus Christ Superstar” tells about Jesus’ last days until the crucifixion. The scene at Folketeateret is similar to the one from the film where she uses large scaffolding in various formations. Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder A-celebrities on stage With this casting, Scenekvelder itself says that they want the strong storytellers on stage. As a reporter, one must ask what they achieve by having a well-known shoe player, but untrained singer like Jesus (Aksel Hennie) or a well-known singer with no shoe player or musical experience like Maria Magdalena (Ingrid Helene Håvik). What narrative voice did they contribute, what new things did they bring into the rock opera about Jesus’ last days? I don’t know the full answer to this yet. As I saw the premiere, they were rehearsed and drilled and on their way somewhere, but not quite there. MORE TO GET: Ingrid Helene Håvik as Mary Magdalene and Aksel Hennie as Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder Håvik has a lot to gain in making Maria Magdalena more complex and finding feelings that extended beyond the edge of the stage. Aksel Hennie has worked with the song voice, you can hear it. At the same time, he has more to pick up in the lower lots and in the really high ones. Espen Lind found his role when he was not alone on stage, he developed an authority like Pilate which worked well. Grønneberg also worked well in the small role of Kaifas. What I missed was the feelings. VAKS: Espen Lind waxes into the role of Pontius Pilate during the presentation. Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder Only at the end of the first part, when Judas (Jeppe Beck Laursen) accepts the silver money and thanks Jesus for betraying him, a door opens, and it was primarily Judas who kept it open throughout the entire vision. . And without feelings, a little goosebumps. That’s just the way it is. Herodes takes the cake The ensemble has a bunch of excellent musical artists, some of whom could easily jump into one of the main roles. The sixteen have great width, high energy, precision and a good pull. DRIVE: The ensemble creates an important drive in the foresight. In the middle: Aksel Hennie as Jesus. Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder Hennie has managed to create a Jesus with a calm presence. With him as a shoe player, the physical performance is usually closely linked to the lines in the role – but here he will not speak, only sing. And he puts a lot of effort into his song numbers, so that the game sometimes comes second. In some scenes he is really good, in others he has a lot to catch up on. After the break, he gets to show off his stage fighting skills in combination with slow motion. It works well. But the one who is lord and master at Folketeateret this autumn is Bjarte Tjøstheim. HEILT KONGE: Bjarte Tjøstheim as Herod reminds of a mix of Mr. Bean and Bjørn Eidsvåg. Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder Rolla as Herodes is small, and she is in many ways the show’s comic relief – a necessary, humorous and surprising number. Tjøstheim takes it head on. He sings well, he has a facial expression that reaches all the way to the back row and thus captures the entire audience in his absurd lacquer and leather harem on stage. In the game, he is reminiscent of Mr. Bean with a hint of Bjørn Eidsvåg. LOVE: Mary Magdalene admits that she loves Jesus. Ingrid Håvik, best known from Highasakite, in the role. Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder The Betrayer The rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” is about the relationship between Judas and Jesus, i.e. between the betrayer and the betrayed. Laursen is important in the foresight, and he is steady. The role of Judas is the most varied, and Judas and Jesus push each other on in the dramatic action. In addition, the band does a solid job. TRAITOR: Jeppe Beck Laursen plays Judas with conviction. Photo: FREDRIK ARFF / SCENEKVELDER Several of the main characters have said that being part of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was a big challenge for the performers. Everyone is not quite there, but they are on their way somewhere. “Jesus Christ Superstar” has potential for development with several of the central characters. Big punch, good ensemble and sometimes solid performances in defiance: without goosebumps, there isn’t much to shout hallelujah for. But if you have faith, anything can happen. news reports Photo: Fredrik Arff / Scenekvelder Title: “Jesus Christ Superstar” Original text: Tim Rice Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Norwegian translation: Atle Halstensen Place: Folketeateret, Oslo Date: 30 August to 15 November 2024 Recommended age: 5+ Cast: Aksel Hennie (Jesus), Jeppe Beck Laursen (Judas), Ingrid Håvik (Mary Magdalene), Espen Lind/ Pål Jensen (Pontius Pilatus), Magnus Grønneberg/Ola M. Gjermshus (Caiphas), Bjarte Tjøstheim (Herod), Frode Winther (Anais), Jonas Oftebro (Peter), Sigurd Marthinussen (Simon) Director and choreographer: Cressida Carré Artistic director: Atle Halstensen Set designer and props designer: Sara Perks Lighting designer: Matt Haskins Costume and mask designer: Sarah Mercadé Sound designer: Bjarne Dankel Orchestra leader and responsible for music: Bendik Eide responsible for vocals: Marie Pihlstrøm Directing assistant: Adam Haigh Published 31.08.2024, at 16.20



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