JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR HEADS TO VENTNOR WINTER GARDENS

Following their sell-out run of CATS at the Ventnor Winter Gardens last May, Ventnor Theatre Group are returning to the spotlight later this month with the world-renowned musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The talented cast have been assembled from all over the Island with some familiar faces, as well as some new talent joining the group for the first time. They will be performing alongside a 10-piece live orchestra, playing the ’98 musical rock score.

Audience who enjoyed last year’s production will know how well the Winter Gardens was transformed into a theatrical venue and this year promises to build on that, with high quality staging, lighting effects and rock opera worthy sound.

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Jeanie Brown, Director, is really excited to be back directing again for Ventnor Theatre Group. She said:

“It was CATS that got me all enthused again, and when I found out that Jesus Christ Superstar was available for licensed production, I just couldn’t resist. It’s my favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, well it’s actually a Rock Opera.

“The music in this show is absolutely amazing. But I personally don’t like people wearing their own costumes in musical theatre shows, so the costuming for this show will be like nothing you will find on YouTube.

“Gillian Cartwright School of Dance are providing a full dance ensemble for the production with choreography for the wider cast also. It’s been inspiring to have such a great group of girls join us as we’ve learnt the various musical numbers in the show.

“We’re very lucky to be having a custom set designed and made especially for us by a mainland set design workshop that have worked on dozens of musicals all over the country”.

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The show promises to be an exciting, energetic and emotive experience for the Isle of Wight. Performances are taking place over 2 weekends at The Ventnor Winter Gardens – 26th/27th April and 3rd/4th May with an extra matinee performance on Sunday 5th May.

Jeanie adds:

“I am planning on a slightly different direction for the show whilst retaining and building on its original setting and musical score. All you need to know is that this will be a great show, with great costumes, ridiculously good scenery, some brilliant dance numbers and the best singing ever.”

Tickets are available online now from www.jcsiw.co.uk or in-person from the Ventnor Winter Gardens during normal opening hours.

The audience are encouraged to follow the group at www.facebook.com/ventnortheatregroup where they will be able to find out more about the show, the cast, and get some behind the scenes action from the show.

 Main Cast

Director – Jeanie Brown

Producer – James Fothergill

Musical Director – Tony Careless

Choreographer – Stacey O’Connor