PunBB

If I'm not mistaken, today is Mr Baker's Birthday. So happy birthday to our favorite lead guitarist with the spectacular hairdo.

thipfan73 Wrote:If I'm not mistaken, today is Mr Baker's Birthday. So happy birthday to our favorite lead guitarist with the spectacular hairdo.

Happy Birthday Rob!

just curious, has anyone gone to see the Jesus Christ Superstar Production from kingston that Rob was acting in? Any reviews?
Doc

I just found this in a full-text database our library subscribes to. Robby is mentioned right down at the end:

Quote: Jesus Christ Superstar started life as a concept album in 1970 before it was made into a Broadway musical in 1971. And because of that, and since there are no spoken words or stage instructions in the script, it's one of those rare musicals that has allowed for interpretation that is limited only by the imagination of the director.

The original Broadway version was a circus with laser beams, smoke and wind machines and dancing dwarfs; the 1973 movie had the story being set up by a bunch of hippies in the desert; and a Broadway revival turned into a 2001 PBS movie was set in more modern times with the apostles as leather-jacked revolutionaries.

Kingston productions have always been pretty traditional interpretations. However, the new production playing at the Grand Theatre is both feminist and sexy, comic and brutal, controversial and sometimes conservative. It clearly shows a director's vision, something rarely seen in Kingston amateur theatre. That vision takes risks, and they may not always succeed but that's half the fun.

The vision is that of Mr. Superstar, Len Whalen, who has played the title role so many times in the last 25 years that it seems he owns the local franchise. This time, also as director, Whalen shows considerable panache and in the process gives the audience lots more to think about.

That starts immediately with the instrumental introduction, a slide show starting with religious works of art and ending with scenes of Judas and Jesus as boyhood friends to show how deeply rooted their friendship is, so that the later betrayal becomes even more painful. Other than Mary Magdalene, there are no scripted parts for women in this show but Whalen has gone to great lengths to restore the balance. The usual cadre of high priests has been replaced by two priestesses who serve as aides\concubines to Caiphas; as well as seductresses of Judas. And Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a character on stage although she has a non-speaking part.

This is also at times a sexy production with brawny guards flashing their pecs and undulating temple dancers who wouldn't appear out of place at the Plaza Hotel.

This is Whalen's fifth time playing the role on the Grand stage and this time his performance seemed more subdued although his performance of Jesus' signature song Gethsemane was stellar if a little measured.

As Judas, Turi Mercuri had the magnetism and voice for the part but sometimes needed more direction in what to do with it.

He sings the title track with zest but the scene needs to be framed better to make the point that today's religion is often commercialized (if that indeed is the point trying to be made).

There are some other great performers here. As Mary Magdalene, Maryanne Wainman almost steals the show from the two male leads: at first trying to seduce Jesus in Everything's Alright; then agonizing over her feelings for him in I Don't Know How To Love Him; and then trying to turn back time in Could We Start Again Please, a lovely duet with Peter (Shawn Barber, whose voice deserved to be heard more).

Herod's Song has always been designed to be a comic showstopper just before the tragedy of the crucifixion (and in this version that occurs as physically close to the audience as possible). But I've never seen it staged so imaginatively and as Herod, Tim Stiff is, by turns, bawdy, nimble and an incredible singer. I also enjoyed Sef Wood's portrayal of Pilate as a young, insecure man trying but ultimately failing to do the right thing; and Tragically Hip guitarist Rob Baker makes a menacing Caiphas even if some of his notes don't quite make it to the basement where they should be.

If you've seen Superstar and don't feel the need to see it again, change your mind and see this one. It'll knock your socks off.

I'm going Friday, I believe it may be the last show.
I fully intended to go on RB's BD but some weeks life's just TOO hectic!!
I rented/watched the old movie, I'm anticipating a Lively Theatre!! If it's close to the video, Rob has a decent part of the play.
tina

tina Wrote:I'm going Friday, I believe it may be the last show.
I fully intended to go on RB's BD but some weeks life's just TOO hectic!!
I rented/watched the old movie, I'm anticipating a Lively Theatre!! If it's close to the video, Rob has a decent part of the play.
tina

I've been dying to see that movie. I'm glad you posted that, I'm going to go put that on my blockbuster queque if they have it.

I'm a big AL Webber fan to begin with. I wish I could have seen Robbie in it! I bet he's going to be good!

We are planning a small intimate dinner for two.
You are all not invited..









Sorry..

:twisted:

Quote:and Tragically Hip guitarist Rob Baker makes a menacing Caiphas even if some of his notes don't quite make it to the basement where they should be.

I would like to say, that when I read this, I felt angered slightly. Now I've seen the musical and I think Greg's intentions were favourable.
Robie Baker was an AMAZING Caiphas! The most amazing baratone voice he OWNED the roll. I had goosebumps at the end of the show, he made out to be SO scary!

A sold out show (and again tonight because I'm trying to get tickets to go again with my children)
This musical, in my opinion, is far beyond amiteur theatre.

tina
[/quote]

How come Rob only got two happy birthday wishes?? What a disgrace. I'm so mad I could shit lollipops.

ct

HA

Happy birthday Rob!

Hey Bobby, Happy Birthday. I put some extra tight leather pants in the mail for ya.

Patty cake patty cake Baker man, bake me a riff as fast as you can, rock and grind it and mark it with a b and put on the album for you and me!

LizardKing51 Wrote:Patty cake patty cake Baker man, bake me a riff as fast as you can, rock and grind it and mark it with a b and put on the album for you and me!

That is sooooo close to getting tool points. I will think about it. :thumb:

beanmedic Wrote:

LizardKing51 Wrote:Patty cake patty cake Baker man, bake me a riff as fast as you can, rock and grind it and mark it with a b and put on the album for you and me!

That is sooooo close to getting tool points. I will think about it. :thumb:

your gettin pretty liberal with the tool points chief, i was half drunk when i typed it, give me a break!

Ok it's perfectly acceptable then.

Just FYI his birthday was like the 12th