theguardian.com
Successful Revivals of Rice and Lloyd-Webber's Musicals Highlight Current Socio-Political Trends
Two acclaimed musicals, "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita," by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, opened in England within three days of each other, benefiting from the current climate of political and religious populism.
- How do the staging choices in each production contribute to their success, and what role does the current socio-political climate play?
- The revivals highlight the enduring appeal of these musicals, demonstrating their continued relevance to modern audiences. The productions' success stems from the topical nature of their themes—political upheaval and religious fervor—which resonate with current societal trends. The staging in both shows creatively enhances the narrative, particularly the outdoor setting of "Jesus Christ Superstar's" second act.
- What is the significance of the near-simultaneous revivals of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita," and what do they reveal about current cultural trends?
- Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita," two musicals by Rice and Lloyd-Webber, have recently had successful revivals in England within three days of each other. The productions share structural similarities, featuring anguished narrators who challenge protagonists perceived as holy and revolutionary. Both benefit from the current rise of political and religious populism, providing a contemporary context.
- What potential future impacts might these successful revivals have on the theatrical landscape, particularly concerning the interpretation and production of classic musicals?
- The emphasis on the emotional depth of the lyrics and the strong performances in both productions suggest a possible trend toward more emotionally resonant interpretations of classic musicals. The innovative use of actor-musicians in "Jesus Christ Superstar" further showcases a willingness to experiment with traditional theatrical formats. These factors contribute to a richer and more engaging theatrical experience, potentially influencing future musical revivals.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the productions through the lens of their shared structural similarities and topical relevance to current political and religious populism. This framing emphasizes the productions' contemporary resonance while potentially overlooking other aspects of their artistic merit or historical significance. The opening sentence sets this tone by highlighting the coincidental timing and structural similarities.
Language Bias
The review uses mostly neutral language, but terms like "devastatingly excavate," "strikingly topical," and "extraordinary harmonic range" carry positive connotations, suggesting a favorable bias. The use of "snideness" in describing reactions to Lloyd-Webber's work implies negativity toward his critics.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the two productions, but omits discussion of the original productions and their critical reception, as well as the broader history and impact of the musicals. There is no mention of other notable revivals or interpretations of these shows, potentially limiting the scope of the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the "serene hippy-magician" interpretations of Jesus and the production's more anguished portrayal. While highlighting a key difference, it doesn't explore the full range of potential interpretations or the validity of different approaches.
Gender Bias
The review mentions Mary Magdalene and focuses on her emotional performance, but doesn't delve into any gender imbalances in the productions or the way gender is portrayed. The analysis lacks specific examples to evaluate potential gender biases.
Sustainable Development Goals
The revivals of Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, exploring themes of political revolution and religious figures challenging authority, encourage reflection on justice, power dynamics, and societal change. The productions' topical relevance to current political and religious populism fosters dialogue about these important societal issues.