Most people became aware of Andrew Lloyd Webber through the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. What began as a concept album in 1970 would soon became a cultural phenomenon. A year later the album became a Broadway musical where it ran for 711 performances and earned five Tony nominations. With its 50th anniversary just on the horizon, a new production and tour of the musical is underway and the show stops at the Hollywood Pantages for one week beginning tomorrow, October 29th.
The musical depicts the last seven days in the life of Christ (Aaron La Vigne) and is seen, primarily, through the eyes of Judas (James Delisco Beeks). It features such well-known songs as I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Superstar. Lyrics were written by Tim Rice.
This production began its life at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in England where it won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Timothy Sheader, who directed the production in England also directs the tour. Choreographer Drew McOnie also returns for the tour.
Other members of the cast include Jenna Rubaii as Mary, Alvi Crawford as Caiaphas, Tommy Sherlock as Pilate, Tyce Green as Annas, Eric A. Lewis as Simon, Paul Louis Lessard as Herod and Tommy McDowell as Peter.
If you saw the live performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on television, this will be a more contained version since it is a stage musical. But if you loved that version, this looks to appeal on many of the same levels.
Unlike many of the shows that play at the Pantages Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar will not be going to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. However, it will play San Diego’s Civic Theatre November 12th – 17th.
For tickets at the Hollywood Pantages go here.
For tickets at San Diego’s Civic Theatre go here.
Photo of James Delisco Beeks and the company of Jesus Christ Superstar by Evan Zimmerman, Murphy Made/Courtesy of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
