What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a-happening …
Many of us remember that catchy number early in the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s a query from the local peasants regarding a new charismatic guru, Jesus; at CVRep, it shows we’re in the midst of a wonderful theatrical experience—because the production is superb.
When Rice and Webber could not find a producer for the show in 1970, they created an 87-minute concept album instead. Controversy swirled around the production when it finally opened on Broadway on Oct. 12, 1971, and Webber called opening night “probably the worst night of my life.” Nearly a million dollars in tickets were sold in advance—but the religious protests were intense. Some Christians felt the depiction of Jesus was disrespectful, in part because Judas came across as a sympathetic character. Others considered the use of rock music to tell the story of Jesus’ last days improper.
Despite the uproar, Jesus Christ Superstar ran for nearly two years on Broadway, and it went on to become a worldwide hit. It was nominated for five Tony Awards in 1972, including Best Score, but won none.
The story is told from Judas Iscariot’s point of view. One of Jesus’ Apostles, Judas is concerned that the man he views as a prophet is becoming too popular, and begins doubting that he truly is the son of God. The Pharisees, a major Jewish social movement and political party at the time, offer Judas 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. We all know the rest.
CVRep’s production is top-notch from the opening moments. The set (Jimmy Cuomo), lighting (Moira Wilke) and sound (Joshua Adams) create the perfect moody, ominous tone as the story unfolds. Congratulations go to director Adam Karsten for excellent casting, a deft hand in moving his cast of 23 around the stage, and for bringing out gut-wrenching performances from the lead characters. This is a big show—and Karsten nails it.
Special mention should be made of Karen Sieber’s stellar choreography. Passionate and high-energy, the dancers’ movements here convey all of the joy, despair and anger required for the arc of the narrative. The dancing is truly one of the highlights of the show.
Music director Stephen Hulsey also does outstanding work. Andrew Lloyd Webber scores are never easy, and Jesus Christ Superstar is no exception. Having actors sing lots of syncopated rock melodies can be tricky, but Hulsey has guided the cast well. The vocals are terrific, from the leads to the ensemble. One minor flaw: The sound from the musicians is coming from the side, while the voices are coming from the stage, and as a result, the lyrics are sometimes difficult to understand.
The cast is impressive. Portraying Jesus is a dauting task for any actor, yet Steven Grant Douglas is simply fabulous. His portrayal is fervent and impassioned. At times, his Jesus comes across as an “everyman,” mixing well with the peasants who are fascinated by him; at others, he seemingly exudes a special light that confirms his divinity. Douglas’ singing is equally splendid; at one point, when he held a note for what seemed like two minutes, the audience burst into applause. His performance in the crucifixion scene is gut-wrenching.
As Judas, Christin Byrdsong is also a standout. From the moment he appears onstage, he exudes torment, mystery and a sense of doom—mixed with charisma and a dash of sex appeal. His deep conflict over whether to betray Jesus is palpable. Byrdsong’s vocal prowess is amazing—with terrific power, range and emotional expression in each song.
The lovely Emily Kate Decker is perfectly cast as Mary Magdalene. Her warmth and deep caring for Jesus are clear, and she has an excellent singing voice. Her “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is one of the highlights of the evening.
In other roles, Jim Bullock (King Herod), Joseph Portoles (Peter), Sam Sherwood (Pontius Pilate), Noah Williams Canales (Caiaphas), Anthony Arpino (Annas) and Patrick Wallace (Simon) are all terrific. The talented ensemble provides just the right support.
After a serious, dramatic theatrical production, you can tell a lot from the length and depth of the audience’s silence after the curtain comes down. It’ll offer a clue whether the cast has succeeded in truly affecting them—reaching into their heart and soul, which is what theater is supposed to do. Following this production of CVRep’s Jesus Christ Superstar, there was no question: It got to all of us.
Jesus Christ Superstar will be performed at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, March 23, at the CVRep Playhouse, 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Cathedral City. Tickets are $90 (except for opening night, Thursday, March 6, when tickets are $120), and the running time is just under 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org.
This piece was edited on March 7 to correct an error: Live musicians, not a track, are used in the show.
As one of the six musicians playing live for each and every performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at CVRep this month, I would surely love acknowledgment of that fact, rather than the incorrect (and repeated) mention of “tracks” in the show. With only one exception (in a show last season), CVRep always uses live musicians, even if they are unseen by the audience.
So happy you enjoyed and thanks for the kind words … everyone’s hard work certainly paid off . Glad you also praised our musical director, Stephen Hulsey ,
but you will also be more impressed since the music is live . There are 7 musicians back there playing their hearts out every show .
Apologies for the error, Brent and Jimmy! We have corrected the piece. We would add in the musicians’ names, but they are not included on the CVRep site.
I’m truly embarrassed by my mistake. I checked the program a dozen times looking for musician’s names and instruments. Unfortunately, they were not listed. Each one deserves to be, because they played flawlessly. So perfect, I guessed (incorrectly) that some basic tracks were supplied by Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group.
Bravo to Stephen Hulsey for assembling such a terrific pit of musicians. And again, my apologies to all. It was a marvelous performance.
Thank you, Bonnie and Jimmy. We appreciate the correction very much! The musicians are listed in the program insert – perhaps yours fell out during the course of the evening. Thanks for your thoughtful review and your swift correction.
Thanks, Brent. There was no program insert on the night Bonnie attended, hence the confusion.