Flat Rock – The cast brings to life the Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS) pioneering rock opera, which debuted on Broadway in 1971 then was a film a year later. Lisa K. Bryant directs.
The cast features popular FRP Music on the Rock concert performers. The first person on stage is lead guitarist Ryan Guerra. He plays familiar funky riffs from the musical. He sits up front on stage left.
Playhouse musical director Ethan Anderson plays lead keyboard on on the other side, also up close for a change. Next to him is violinist Mariya Potapova, who shines in a solo.
Jesus, Judas Sparkle
Slender, blonde Aaron Lavigne portrays Jesus Christ. He looks the part with his facial features. He has a modern “man-bun.” Lavigne sings quite well. Mostly subdued and solemn, he perks up at times. He gets into a shoving match with Brutus. Lavigne even plays some electric guitar.
Dustin Brayley also plays some guitar. He mostly sings — vibrantly so. Brayley portrays a volcanic Judas, instead of having his usual sly-grinning concert demeanor. Brayley helps carry the show with his dynamic vocal and emotional energy. He gets histrionic in anguished outrages. He gestures aggressively. He menaces Jesus.
Zany pianist and vocalist Nat Zegree got even more thunderous applause and some laughter from the opening night crowd on Sept. 5. He was bombastic Herod, playing ragtime and singing in a cameo late in the musical. He wore a bright red outfit with shorts, and channeled Elton John’s pianist pomposity.
Vocals are strong from both leads, and supporting singers such as snarling Matias de la Flor (Annas) and vacillating Jordan Alexander (apostle Peter). Tall Dan Beckmann, with his lower-range voice, is Pontius Pilate. The Roman prefect (governor) of Judea sentences Jesus to death.
Jenna Rubaii plays an affable Mary Magdalene. She sings supremely such as on “Everything’s Alright,” and the hit ballad “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” that Yvonne Elliman sang in JCS in 1971. Elliman’s hit “If I Can’t Have You” was a chart topper in 1978, from the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever album.
What’s the Buzz?
The choreography is outstanding, such as on the up-tempo number “What’s the Buzz?” The dance ensemble includes tall Maddie Franke and two other “soul sisters,” lanky Henrique Sobrinho, elder Matt Wade, and six apprentices who match the others’ in smooth steps and energy. The ensemble is also the mob that worships Jesus, then later turns on him.
“‘What’s the Buzz’ is very energetic,” apprentice Jolie Smith told the Tribune. “‘Superstar‘ is the most fun and energetic number in my opinion. ‘What’s the Buzz’ has more anticipatory energy for what’s to come in the show, whereas ‘Superstar’ feels more like a celebration.” She noted that “‘Herod’s Song’ is also very fun to perform, with the ensemble girls and Nat (Zegree).”
Bewilderment
More than a half-century later, many Christians still deem Tim Rice’s controversial JCS lyrics as blasphemous — such as for portraying Jesus as a mere human and not the son of God. There is no resurrection scene.
The musical dramatizes the week leading to Christ’s betrayal by Judas and his crucifixion. It is told through Judas’ view. Like Pilate, Judas mocks Jesus as a self-ordained “king of the Jews.” In the song “Superstar,” Judas asks Jesus “Do you think you’re what they say you are?”Judas asks Jesus, “Who are you? What have you sacrificed?”
However, one interpretation is that the script invites the viewer to condemn Judas’ doubts about Jesus, his jealousy, and his betrayal.
Yet Christ himself sounds confused when he asks God about the purpose of his inevitable crucifixion, when singing in “Gethsemane”: “Show me there’s a reason for you want me to die. You’re far too keen on where and how, but not so hot on ‘why?’” Further, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as an adoring street worker, not the holy mother.
Those who look beyond all of this can best enjoy the show for its sheer artistry. Bryant’s tasteful direction does not visually depict whipping of Jesus after his arrest nor his being on the cross. Instead, we see Jesus’ reactions to 39 imaginary whiplashes and to pain of his crucifixion.
Andersen calls the musical a “memorable, fun, and musically thrilling night.” Indeed!
Jesus Christ Superstar runs through Sunday, Sept. 22. To buy tickets, check online at: www.flatrockplayhouse.org/jesus-christ-superstar.