A crowd-pleasing production of the classic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar is currently gathering the faithful at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. The Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice legend was fairly controversial upon its debut as a concept album in 1970, but has since been a beloved all-ages musical regularly produced across the country. At DCT they get many things with this show right, beginning with the voices.
The vocal demands of Superstar cannot be understated. I know Evita is beloved by many, but for me, JCS will always be Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best and most adventurous work. Loosely based on the Passion of the Christ, Superstar is a sung-through rock opera, which explores the psychology of Jesus (Matthew Johnson) and his conflict with Judas (Jazzy Cores), who fears that Jesus is misguiding his followers. Those followers include Mary Magdalene (a touching Jacqui Owens), Simon (Jojo DeVellis) and Peter (Eric Lewin).
Director Brad Blake has assembled a strong ensemble for the production with voices that one can only hope survive the rigors of production. This is especially true with the leading performances of both Johnson and Cores, potent singers. While their songs soar, the performances seem to lack an inner life, a real purpose and emotion. And I know gender fluid casting is all the rage now and in musicals I generally forgive a lot, but a woman playing Judas just didn’t work for me here. Again, this does not take away from the general excellence of the singing, which does total justice to the difficult score.
Stronger performances can be found in the supporting roles of King Herod (a hilarious Michael Jovovich having a ball channeling Rip Taylor) and Peter Randazzo’s powerful Pontius Pilate. The actor also serves as the company’s expert musical director. It was fun to see Chris Hetherington return to the Cabaret after playing the gentle Herr Schultz in Cabaret two seasons ago. Here he uses his impressive bass playing Caiaphas in a commanding performance. In addition, DeVellis’ Simon is moving and memorable and offers a poignant rendition of “Poor Jerusalem.”
There are some odd touches here and there, with “Pilate’s Dream” upstaged by an interpretative dance, and the confused crucifixion climax is awkwardly staged on a riser with Jesus obscured by a railing. Scenic and lighting designer David Kievit’s bare-bones setting is highlighted by some very creative projections that resemble Miro paintings. Choreographer Olivia Rivera works well with a game ensemble of actors who bring an earthy vitality to all the production numbers. In total, this is a solid production of a contemporary classic.
Jesus Christ Superstar continues at the Downtown Cabaret, 263 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut through October 5. For further information or ticket reservations call the theatre box office at: 203.576.1636 or visit: www.dtcab.com.
Tom Holehan is one of the founders of the Connecticut Critics Circle, a frequent contributor to WPKN Radio’s “State of the Arts” program and the Stratford Crier and Artistic Director of Stratford’s Square One Theatre Company. He welcomes comments at: tholehan@yahoo.com. His reviews and other theatre information can be found on the Connecticut Critics Circle website: www.ctcritics.org.
