Xavier University Theatre students have heaven on their minds. Their 2024-25 season kicks off with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s blockbuster Jesus Christ Superstar. Since opening on Broadway in 1971, this now classic musical has been seen by millions.
Jesus Christ Superstar features a rock score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics written by Tim Rice. For 53 years this has been a staple in musical theatre, and now XUT shows audiences why it is a must see production.
The Story
Jesus Christ Superstar examines the final week of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. His choices are questioned by Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles. Judas fears the disciples are being led astray by Jesus. The musical recontextualizes Judas and Jesus’ relationship through a contemporary lens.
Xavier University Theatre Department offers an innovative and immersive take on this 53 year old musical. This production features arena style staging. The audience is housed on stage sitting in a circle with actors in the center. Scaffolding sits behind the audience blending into the background. On stage sits a metal cross runway.
Performances
As the Overture begins, actors make their way on stage. They dance around one another taking full advance of their playing space. Jenna Treinen’s choreography allows for actors to make big choices movement wise. At one point, actors are rhythmically stomping on the metal cross. This specific moment is a great example of confidently committing to choices within theatre.
When Jesus Christ (Matthew Callas) enters, his followers assemble around him in awe. Callas plays his character with the energy of a 2010s boy band pop singer. He leads with charm. Jamie Swisshelm as Judas does a good job opposite Callas. Their take on Judas exudes strong moments of vulnerability. Tierra London Rush as Caiaphas gives a truly terrifying and unsettling performance. Overall, the cast leads with passion and intention. Judas’ journey from act one to act two touches on the theme of guilt and shame. He’s consumed with the idea that Jesus is moving in the wrong direction. In what can be only described as a Shakespearean twist, Judas becomes the reason for Jesus’ downfall.
At the very end of the show, a hug is exchanged between Callas and Swisshelm as their respective characters. That small moment captures the theme of forgiveness in such a poignant but touching way.
Direction
Stephen Skiles’ direction (featuring assistant direction by Aiden Dalton, Emma Hunt, and Kelsey Schwarber) of the cast makes for one heck of a production. It’s entertaining, unsettling (much like Rush’s stellar performance), and innovative start to finish. The cast meshes well together.
Bottom Line
Here’s my final verdict–this is Jesus Christ Superstar for the Gen Z generation.
Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar runs now through October 20th at Xavier University. Tickets can be found here. Saturday October 19th is sold out.
NOTE: LCT welcomes Xavier University Theatre!
