In May 2019, we reviewed the studio album of Neal Morse’s musical, Jesus Christ The Exorcist and that review details the musical highlights of the show for anyone not familiar with it. HERE.
JCTE was premiered at Morsefest 2018 and the long awaited DVD and Blu-ray sets have now been released. Staged as a concert with dramatic elements, with a large cast of singers and musicians, the visual aspect truly brings the performance to life. Part concert (the musicians play on stage and the piece is performed to the audience) part musical (dramatic elements and some costume changes add to the narrative), it’s a mix that works well in the context as the audience respond at the appropriate times and take in the spectacle.
The pacing and style shifts make it an engaging watch. From the overture and the announcement of the arrival of Jesus by Theocracy’s Matt Smith, leading to an entertaining performance by Rick Florian during Jesus’ temptation. This section perhaps illustrates the benefit of the visual medium in conveying the sly, mocking of Satan, as Florian struts on stage, making air guitar moves alongside guitarist Paul Bielatowicz and bass player Randy George. Talon David plays out the “before and after” of Mary Magdalene as the slide guitar blues of the red-dressed “Woman of Seven Devils” becomes the white-dressed follower in “Free At Last.” This part is played with both sass and compassion, showing that these performance are much more than musicians behind a mic stand.
“Madman of the Gadarenes” has to be seen to be believed as the demons torment Mark Pogue, and multipart vocals combine in a staggering performance – far from typical rock gig stuff and … to be honest.. bonus points for Ted Leonard for keeping a straight face! John Schlitt and Nick D’Viriglio feature in the second half, Schlitt shredding it on vocals in a powerful “He Must Go To The Cross”, which has the audience on its feet, while NDV brings one of the emotional high points as the conflicted Judas in “Heart Full of Holes”. Both singers, as with all the cast, hit the perfect balance of performance and drama to their feature.
The final sections of the musical feature Jake Livgren as a memorable Peter, denying Christ when challenged by Servant Girl, Julie Harrison, all leading to Neal Morse’s main performance as Pilate in the emotional scenes that lead to the crucifixion.
If you haven’t realized by this point (and you should!), the final sequence demonstrated how this musical could go head to head with Broadway. Mary visiting the empty tomb, eventually realizing that Jesus is alive, are an extremely powerful conclusion, such that even Ted Leonard lets a little emotion show, demonstrating that this display moved both audience and performers alike. A rousing reprise of Love Has Called My Name has everyone on stage and the crowd on its feet.
Two more things to mention:
(1) the incredible musical performances, with the key musicians, Neal Morse, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Paul Bielatowicz, and a special mention to the multitalented Eric Gillette on drums, supported by strings, backing singers and choir.
(2) a must-watch making of documentary – Behind The Curtain. I’m a great fan of DVD extras and each Morsefest release raises the bar. The musical comes with its own great story, and itself tells a great story. The bonus feature does an amazing job of giving us not only a behind the scenes glimpse of how it came together, but also goes deeper into what the performance means to those who took part. Don’t miss this one!
Who knows what will happen next with JCTE? It is great to have this debut captured and preserved so pwe can revisit it. In staging this Neal has achieved a great feat, and this presentation is one that even people who wouldn’t be fans of regular prog releases would find extremely enjoyable.
Released on Dec. 4th, 2020 on Frontiers Records
Tracklist:
CD1
1. Introduction
2. Overture
3. Getaway
4. Gather The People
5. Jesus’ Baptism
6. Jesus’ Temptation
7. There Is A Highway
8. The Woman Of Seven Devils
9. Free At Last
10.The Madman Of The Gadarenes
11. Love Has Called My Name
12. Better Weather
13. The Keys To The Kingdom
14. Get Behind Me Satan
CD2
1. He Must Go To The Cross
2. Jerusalem
3. Hearts Full Of Holes
4. The Last Supper
5. Gethsemane
6. Jesus Before The Council And Peter’s Denial
7. Judas’ Death
8. Jesus Before Pilate And The Crucifixion
9. Mary At The Tomb
10.The Greatest Love Of All
11. Love Has Called My Name (Reprise)
12. Morsefest 2018 End Credits
DVD / BR:
1. Introduction
2. Overture
3. Getaway
4. Gather The People
5. Jesus’ Baptism
6. Jesus’ Temptation
7. There Is A Highway
8. The Woman Of Seven Devils
9. Free At Last
10.The Madman Of The Gadarenes
11. Love Has Called My Name
12. Better Weather
13. The Keys To The Kingdom
14. Get Behind Me Satan
15. He Must Go To The Cross
16. Jerusalem
17. Hearts Full Of Holes
18. The Last Supper
19. Gethsemane
20. Jesus Before The Council And Peter’s Denial
21. Judas’ Death
22. Jesus Before Pilate And The Crucifixion
23. Mary At The Tomb
24. The Greatest Love Of All
25. Love Has Called My Name (Reprise)
26. Morsefest 2018 End Credits
– MORSEFEST 2018: Behind the Curtain
Line-up:
Musicians:
Neal Morse: Guitars, keyboards
Paul Bielatowicz: Guitars
Bill Hubauer: Keyboards
Eric Gillette: Drums
Randy George: Bass
Cast:
Ted Leonard: Jesus
Talon David: Mary Magdalene
Nick D’Virgilio: Judas
Rick Florian: The Devil
Matt Smith: John the Baptist
Jake Livgren: Peter
John Schlitt: Caiaphas
Neal Morse: Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1
Mark Pogue: Israelite 1, The Madman of the Gadarenes, Pharisee 2
Wil Morse: Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1
Gabe Klein: Demon 2, Pharisee 4
Gideon Klein: Demon 4
Julie Harrison: Servant Girl
Additional musicians:
Wil Morse: Percussion, keyboards
Gabriel Klein: Percussion
Violin I: Laura Epling
Violin II: Jake Tudor
Viola: Michael Lucarelli
Cello: Maggie Chafee
Double Bass: Gideon Klein
Horn: Holly Smith
Trombone: David Cooper
Trumpet: Dominique Caster
Sax/Flute: Gabriel Collins
Choir director: Gideon Klein
Background vocals: Amy Pippin, April Zachary, Debbie Bresee and Julie Harrison
Choir: Bill Gilliam, Lisa Gilliam, David Klein, Laurie Klein, Jerry Klein,
Rosie Klein, Robin Hanloh, Martin Wilde, Joanie Howard, Kathy O’Keefe, Brant Pippin, Levi Pippin, Josh Turrentine, Trevor Larkin, Elizabeth Turrentine, Pamela George, Dominic D’Virgilio and Marie-Claire Toussaint
Buy/Stream: “Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018)” HERE: https://orcd.co/nealmorselive
