The Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical Jesus Christ Superstar, is the one true show that is the director’s perogative. The sung through musical has no book, which allows the director total freedom on how to tell the story of the last week of Jesus's life, focusing on the conflict between Jesus and Judas. I have seen many versions of the rock opera, and no two have been vaguely alike.
Justin Matthew Sargent and the cast of Goodspeed's Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
For the current Goodspeed Opera House’s production, Director Tatiana Pandiani, who has teamed up with Choreographer Amy Campbell, have presented a minimalistic staging where modern dance and movement are at the fore. The focus is on the performers and the score, in my opinion, the best from the team of Webber and Rice. The musical numbers carry on the tradition set by the musical Hair in 1968, mixing rock anthems with tender ballads (Hair was still running on Broadway when Jesus Christ Superstar opened). Interestingly, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar shared the same Director, Tom O’Horgan.
Austin Lesch with Justin Matthew Sargent, Thabitha Moruthane, Stephanie Zaharis and Kathy Liu in Goodspeed's Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Meredith Longo.
The songs, under the spirited leadership of Music Director Adam Souza, move the story forward, while also defining the main character’s motives and feelings. Jay Hilton’s deft Sound Design ensures the songs are strikingly rendered. The best numbers include "Heaven on Their Minds," "Everything's Alright," "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "King Herod's Song," and a wildly entertaining rendition of "Superstar."
Stephanie Zaharis with Justin Matthew Sargent in Goodspeed's Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Meredith Longo.
Ms. Pandiani helms the show with good pacing – the lights went up ending Act I in what seemed like a very short time. Devising a set for Jesus Christ Superstar, which is suitable without being overwhelming, is a tricky balancing act for a Director. For this production, she incorporates Riccardo Hernández’s scenic design of drawn curtains, boldly lit by Cha See’s continuously changing color scheme. While simple in execution, the set occasionally comes across as too bare. Sand across the stage – built out over the pit to allow more space for the actors – is effective in the impression it gives of the Mideast setting.
Justin Matthew Sargent and the cast of Goodspeed's Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
The choreography by Amy Campbell is at times moving, thought-provoking, but also curious. The same can be said of Costume Designer Siena Zoë Allen’s mixture of fashionably hip wear by Jesus and members of his flock and the more formal black and gold robes of the priests and other authoritarian rulers.
The cast is uniformly strong. Justin Matthew Sargent is spot-on with his portrayal of Jesus. At times, low-key and nurturing, he is not immune to bouts of anger and disillusionment. Austin Lesch imbues the character of Judas Iscariot with a well-balanced blend of internal torment and doubt as he becomes involved with the ultimate betrayal. His voice, steeped in a true rock tradition, resonates quite loudly through the Goodspeed theater.
Austin Lesch and the cast of Goodspeed's Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
I have always found the role of Mary Magdalene to get lost amidst the turmoil of the show, but Stephanie Zaharis, petite in stature, possesses a forceful presence that enables her character to resonate within the turbulent times. Jamari Darling provides a comedic touch to the character of Caiaphas which, while often funny, later in the show comes across as a disconnect to the sharp reality as Jesus is captured and put to death.
Nicolette Antonia Shin brings a highly theatrical portrayal to the role of King Herod. While her show-stopping number – “King Herod’s Song” – is suitably over-the-top, it comes across as too kitschy.
Justin Matthew Sargent and the cast of Goodspeed's Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Meredith Longo.
Jesus Christ Superstar, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through June 7. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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