Before telling you about the premiere of "Jesus Christ Superstar", let's get back to the Old Testament and let me proclaim: THE 10 commandments you need to follow if you are planning to visit this open air festival

1. You shall be prepared for all kind of weather conditions
2. You shall wear some warm clothes
3. You shall wear some rain-proof clothing
4. You shall bring your own confortable seat pillow with you
5. You shall switch off the flash on your camera
6. You shall take some pictures of the show with your camera (NO FLASH)
7. You shall be so kind to provide your nicest picture for this website
8. You shall switch off your cell phone - YES, YOU SHALL SWITCH IT OFF, TOO
9. You shall lay back, relax and enjoy a wonderful performance
10. YOU SHALL CHEER AND APPLAUD FOR A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE

If you follow theese simple rules and if you are even lucky enough to catch a nice sunny evening as it was in this opening night, then you can be sure to have joyful evening with "Jesus Christ Superstar"

In this open air production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's great rock opera, you'll see Ethan in the role of Pilate. Compared to his previous stage roles, it's a rather small part but he knows how to impress with his acting and songs in a terrific way.

The musical tells us the story of Jesus Christ (Sascha Th. G. Krebs) and his last days on earth. About the betrayal by Judas (Alex Melcher) as well as about his relationship with Mary Magdalene (Caroline Fortenbacher P.). It's about the trial before Pilate (Ethan Freeman) and about his crucifixion and his death. It's one of the most legendary musicals ever. Created in the '70s, Andrew Lloyd Webber's loud rock sounds and Tim Rice's ironic and critical lyrics, were considered pretty scandalous. Maybe this is why it turned out to be one of the most popular, often produced classic show in our days - almost 30 years later.

The staging on Tecklenburg's open air stage is very impressive. It's all natural, which makes the atmosphere very special. Now there is no need for big light, stage or show effects. The music, the great band and the highly talented ensemble speak for themselves. In the lead role, Sascha Krebs portraits the misunderstood "Son of God" very well and provides a vocal highlight with "Gethsemane". But who really rocks is is his opponent Judas. Tanz der Vampire and Rent star Alex Melcher sings full of energy from the very first to the very last note of the score and playes the betrayer with a certain mixture of loathing and despair towards his relation to Jesus. The third lead is done by Caroline Fortenbacher P. a very experienced actress with a phenomenal voice that gives the character of Mary the depth that it deserves. Her hit song "I donīt know how to love him" was great but the new song "Could we start again please" was even more stunning and touching and had a lasting impact.

Alright then, now on to the so called "supporting acts". As the Roman Pilate, Ethan claims some highlights of the show for himself. He impresses with the short, touching song about "Pilate's dream". Vocally sensational, he sings about a man from Galilee. He acts wonderfully, sleepless and confused in this scene. But then, in the 2nd act he rides in as a proud man when he meets Jesus and finally he has his big moment with the Trial scene in which he gives a remarkable interpretation, for he is in phenomenal voice and shows all the parts of Pilate's character, who's torn apart about the judgement he has to pronounce over the fate of the pitiful man. He makes it clear that he is not really the bad guy who is to blame for the death of Jesus but who could finally make no other decision....when he gives up the fight for Jesus, he sings his heart out...that was really great. You should take the chance to see Ethan in this role. Although he already recorded it a few years ago, this is the first time he's done it one stage and it's worth the trip to see it. Ethan gives the character of Pilate a perfect authorithy and impresses with his terrific charisma and, most of all, his powerful voice. Great job Ethan !!!!!!!!

Reduced to one single scene but surely one of the biggest highlights is Perrin Allan as Herod. It was staged without any Las Vegas-like setting, but it's even more the big showstopper and it's just amazing !!! Perrin Allan sings it great and he acts full of humourous energy and fills his song with so much ironic comic acts, so that the audience could hardly stay on their seats. In a sexy costume he steps off his cart (Ben Hur like) and delivers 3 minutes of nonstop laughter. A great performance not only by Allan, but also by the female dance quartett ( Monika Dehnert, Sabine Schreitmiller, Lillemor Spitzer and Iris Markis). They complete this scene with great choreography. They also sing and dance along with Alex Melcher when he sings the title song "Superstar"...GREAT DANCING !!!!

Next to this we have a enormous ensemble and a great choir in Tecklenburg so the mass scenes turned out to be very impressive. Fortunately the German translation of the songs sounds well, yet, of course it canīt hit the effect of the original version by a genius like Tim Rice. Anyway, it's a very good adaption and what remains is a wonderful memory of a great evening.

The show in Tecklenburg is really something to recommend and you have 13 more opportunities to see it...so go there !!!!!

Pictures courtesy of Kirsten Dannemann