JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is Resurrected Downtown

March 22, 2023
2 mins read

With Easter close at hand, the 50th Anniversary tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR comes to downtown Jacksonville.  This piece is an early work of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with a timeless, classic score, at times flying into the stratosphere, other times scraping the bottom of the scale.  It’s a high-powered rock opera that takes the audience through the roller coaster of  ups and downs in Jesus’ final days as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Never intended to be an accurate portrait of Christ’s passion, the story is lyricist Tim Rice’s idea of what Judas’s thoughts and motivations may have been, not a Biblical portrayal.  Rice implies that without Judas as the narrative’s driving force, the “greatest story” wouldn’t have happened nor been so glorious.  Unwittingly, treacherous Judas is responsible for all that has happened ever after.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a re-staging of London’s Olivier Award-winning 2016 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie.  It is strikingly visual.  Costuming is a very grunge/punk look with hoodies and crop tops.  During Christ’s anointing, “oil” is poured out of vessels like sand.  When Jesus is whipped, each lashing is accented by glitter thrown on him until his bruised body has a glowing aura.  The set is minimalist but effective.   The choreography is simple and energetic – anything more would probably have detracted from the vocals.

Elvie Ellis (Judas) opens the show and is a powerhouse through to the end.  In the role of Jesus is Jack Hopewell, whose vocal range is incredible, with his falsetto being particularly strong.  Also, his passion and emotion are very powerful, especially at the end of the show.  My prior experience with the role of Mary has been with lighter soprano voices.  Faith Jones’ (Mary) rich tones are elegant.

In supporting roles, there were strong vocals from Evil high priest Caiaphas (Grant Hodges) with a luscious chasm-deep bass; Annas (Kodiak Thompson) with a high tenor rock voice; and Pilate (Nicholas Hambruch) and apostle Peter (Colin Robertson) who possess wonderful Broadway voices.

In the fray is a notable cameo role.  Herod (Erich W. Schleck) is written to stop the show with its old-timey vaudeville tune with camp excess. The scene was pure gold – literally.  Schleck is appropriately over-the-top in his Rupaul-esqe performance.

I do have criticisms.  While the Soul Singers and ensemble had great voices, their diction was not together, making them frequently difficult to understand.  Also, the stage was not utilized as fully as possible.  The band was onstage (stage left), and the cast didn’t really use that side of the stage and didn’t interact with the band.

Part of the FSCJ Artist Series, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts March 21-26, 2023.  Ticket prices vary based on show and seating.  For tickets, go to fscjartistseries.org or call (904) 632-5000.

 

By Cessy Newmon

Previous Story

Brickbats and Bouquets

Next Story

Little Mice VS. Little Men

Latest from Feature

Nancy Wilson: Still Rocking, Still Writing, Still Raising Hell

By Teresa Spencer In a world where music icons are too often frozen in amber, Nancy Wilson remains in motion writing, playing, evolving. And when you speak with her, it’s clear the Hall of Famer hasn’t just survived rock and roll. She’s still breathing fire into it. At

Florida Theatre Ball: All that and a bag of chips

Words by Kerry Speckman The Florida Theatre held its signature fundraising gala last month, and can I just say what a ball it was. Held at the historic Downtown theater, the event was a ’90s-themed party with hundreds of guests donning their splashiest track suits, loudest graphic tees

Loud, Fast and Lifted: Lifted Riffs 

Words by Carmen Macri  “It wasn’t always the dream, you know, I didn’t always want to be a punk or a rockstar, it’s just something that kind of happened through life.”  Jacksonville’s music scene might seem like a thing of the past — if you’re not paying attention.

Are We Losing the 24-Hour City?

Words by Kaili Cochran When COVID hit, everything changed. It felt like the world shut down. Businesses ran on limited hours and most people started working remotely. But even five years after the pandemic ended, some changes haven’t gone away.  One of the most significant shifts is the

Nightlife Tech

Words by Kaili Cochran What does it mean to go out when the dance floor might be virtual, the music silent and your wristband reflects your mood in real time? Nightlife is constantly evolving and so are the ways we socialize and spend our time. Earlier this year
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp