Story over spectacle.
It's a technique in theatrical production emphasizing the emotion and drama of the narrative over the artificial energy delivered by lavish set pieces, meticulously designed costumes and elaborate lighting. If the story is powerful, the theory goes, only a blank canvas is needed.
In Celebrity Attraction's musically stunning production of The Rock and The Rabbi, it's a technique employed with somewhat uneven results.
It's a technique in theatrical production emphasizing the emotion and drama of the narrative over the artificial energy delivered by lavish set pieces, meticulously designed costumes and elaborate lighting. If the story is powerful, the theory goes, only a blank canvas is needed.
In Celebrity Attraction's musically stunning production of The Rock and The Rabbi, it's a technique employed with somewhat uneven results.
The Blank Canvas
When the curtain rises on this contemporary retelling of the biblical story of Simon/Peter and his relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, we see an extensive and quite impressive collection of musical instruments positioned upon a black set piece.
The first song begins to play, guitars and a fiddle blending with bongos and drums in a way that lays goosebumps down upon the arms of each audience member. And although we don't quite know what to expect with the portrayal of the story itself, we learn very quickly of the incredible musical talent being displayed.
As the music quiets, the Storyteller walks on stage dressed in black and begins. "So," he says and pauses before asking whether we're ready to hear the story. Primed in anticipation by the sweet, rhythmic melody from the musicians, we're ready indeed.
The first song begins to play, guitars and a fiddle blending with bongos and drums in a way that lays goosebumps down upon the arms of each audience member. And although we don't quite know what to expect with the portrayal of the story itself, we learn very quickly of the incredible musical talent being displayed.
As the music quiets, the Storyteller walks on stage dressed in black and begins. "So," he says and pauses before asking whether we're ready to hear the story. Primed in anticipation by the sweet, rhythmic melody from the musicians, we're ready indeed.
Painting the Story
Promotional Poster © 2006 Celebrity Attractions
The story is, of course, a familiar one. Even those who don't consider themselves well-versed biblically likely know at least a bit of it.
Simon is a simple fisherman whose life is changed when he meets Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus instantly surprises by giving him the new name Peter, the "Rock." He is to be a leader and one of the disciples, a role Simon embraces after his hesitancy is erased by witnessing the "Rabbi's" miracles.
The Rock lives side by side with the Rabbi for three years before Judas' betrayal. Just as the Rabbi foretold, Simon denies even knowing Jesus three times before the crucifixion.
It's a powerful tale with little need for spectacle, and Gary Richardson (who also wrote the show's book) imparts it while standing in a lone spotlight stage left. He plays no instruments, doesn't participate in the music until the finale and has no complicated choreography, but Richardson has perhaps the most difficult task of any of the players.
Simon is a simple fisherman whose life is changed when he meets Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus instantly surprises by giving him the new name Peter, the "Rock." He is to be a leader and one of the disciples, a role Simon embraces after his hesitancy is erased by witnessing the "Rabbi's" miracles.
The Rock lives side by side with the Rabbi for three years before Judas' betrayal. Just as the Rabbi foretold, Simon denies even knowing Jesus three times before the crucifixion.
It's a powerful tale with little need for spectacle, and Gary Richardson (who also wrote the show's book) imparts it while standing in a lone spotlight stage left. He plays no instruments, doesn't participate in the music until the finale and has no complicated choreography, but Richardson has perhaps the most difficult task of any of the players.
He must use only his expressiveness and personality to convey the humor and pain of such a rich story. Although he occasionally overutilizes the dramatic pause, Richardson is not only likeable, he's passionate, never allowing the gravity of the events or the inspiration of the message to fall flat.
Jumping Off the Page
In truth, though, Richardson has quite a bit of help. After each moment of storytelling reaches its height, the music emerges from the background. Lights fade on Richardson and rise on the primary players, Peter Penrose as the younger Simon and Derrick Williams as the Rabbi himself.
Both Penrose and Williams possess phenomenal voices, belting the wonderfully written lyrics to the addictive tunes. Williams stands firm and confident on stage to portray the weight of his role well with deep and controlled vocals. And though Penrose never seems to find the same expressiveness in his face or body, his often more subtle voice contrasts nicely with Williams, particularly in numbers such as "Follow Me" and "You Are the Christ."
Though Richardson does well in his moments of narration, there's no escaping the fact that the music is the shining star here. And that imbalance actually turns out to be the show's greatest weakness.
Both Penrose and Williams possess phenomenal voices, belting the wonderfully written lyrics to the addictive tunes. Williams stands firm and confident on stage to portray the weight of his role well with deep and controlled vocals. And though Penrose never seems to find the same expressiveness in his face or body, his often more subtle voice contrasts nicely with Williams, particularly in numbers such as "Follow Me" and "You Are the Christ."
Though Richardson does well in his moments of narration, there's no escaping the fact that the music is the shining star here. And that imbalance actually turns out to be the show's greatest weakness.
