zeit.de
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musicals Enjoy a Resurgence in Popularity
Andrew Lloyd Webber, at 77, is experiencing a renewed popularity with stylish productions of his musicals, including a large-scale "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Berlin's Komische Oper and successful revivals of "Evita" and "Sunset Boulevard".
- How have recent productions of Webber's musicals innovated or reinterpreted the source material?
- Recent productions have pushed boundaries. The Berlin "Jesus Christ Superstar" uses a massive scale and a political interpretation, while London's "Evita" featured a key song performed outside the theater, streamed to the audience. A queer ballroom-style "Cats" is also slated for Broadway.
- What factors contribute to the recent resurgence in popularity of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals?
- Webber's musicals are experiencing renewed popularity due to several factors: stylish, large-scale productions such as the Berlin staging of "Jesus Christ Superstar" with hundreds of participants, successful revivals like London's "Evita" and Broadway's "Sunset Boulevard", and innovative interpretations such as a queer ballroom-style "Cats".
- What are the long-term implications of this renewed interest in Webber's work, and what challenges might he face going forward?
- The resurgence suggests a continued interest in large-scale, innovative musical theatre. However, Webber must continue to adapt and embrace modern interpretations to maintain relevance, and ensure the production quality matches the heightened expectations he has set, in the wake of the infamous "Cats" film adaptation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a narrative that highlights Andrew Lloyd Webber's resurgence in popularity, focusing on recent successful productions and positive reviews. The framing emphasizes the positive aspects of Webber's career comeback, potentially downplaying any lingering criticisms or controversies. For instance, the headline (not provided, but implied by the text) likely focuses on Webber's renewed success rather than a balanced assessment of his career trajectory. The descriptions of the productions, particularly 'Jesus Christ Superstar', use overwhelmingly positive language, such as 'stylishly celebrated' and 'triumph'.
Language Bias
The article uses predominantly positive language when describing Andrew Lloyd Webber and his works. Words like 'stylishly celebrated', 'triumph', and 'Wunder' (miracle) are used to portray him and his musicals in a highly favorable light. Conversely, past criticisms are described with terms like 'triviales Musiktheater' (trivial musical theatre) which carries a negative connotation. The description of Tom Hooper's film adaptation of 'Cats' as a 'misglückte Verfilmung' (failed adaptation) is a subjective assessment. More neutral alternatives could include terms like 'successful' and 'unsuccessful' for the productions, or 'criticized' instead of 'abgetan' (dismissed) for the past negative opinions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive aspects of Webber's recent successes and largely omits discussion of sustained criticism of his works. While acknowledging a period where he was considered unfashionable, it doesn't delve into the specific reasons for this negative perception, nor does it give substantial weight to potentially ongoing criticisms. The article also doesn't explore the financial aspects of the productions or their impact on the wider cultural landscape. The article also omits discussing how the choice of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus may have contributed to the increased popularity.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by suggesting that Webber was either 'in' or 'out' of fashion, ignoring the nuances of his fluctuating popularity and critical reception over time. The article also frames the reception of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' as a simple 'Blasphemie-Vorwürfe' (blasphemy accusations) versus 'Triumph', failing to analyze the complex nature of the public response and the diversity of opinions expressed.
Gender Bias
The article mentions several female leads, such as Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Scherzinger, and Rachel Zegler, but focuses primarily on their professional achievements, rather than making unnecessary comments about their personal attributes. While the article highlights Erivo's casting as Jesus, it does not dwell on her gender identity or other potentially stereotypically relevant personal traits, suggesting an absence of gender bias in this aspect. However, a more balanced approach would mention the gender balance in the cast, and in the creative and production teams, rather than only concentrating on the leading roles.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals, featuring diverse casts including a Black queer woman as Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar." This challenges traditional representations and promotes inclusivity, indirectly contributing to reduced inequality in the arts and entertainment industry. The success of these productions, despite initial backlash, suggests a shift towards greater acceptance and representation. The mention of diverse casts and the global success of these productions across various locations further supports this positive impact.