By Doug Iden
Just in time for Passover and Easter, Jesus Christ Superstar opens at Northern Kentucky University.
PLOT AND CHARACTERS
Everyone knows the story of Jesus’ (Isaiah Burton) entry into Jerusalem, his subsequent crucifixion and eventual resurrection. What makes this version different and unique is that it is told from the perspective of the traitorous Judas (Bodie Moore) rather than the viewpoint of Jesus. Consequently, the story is more of a human conflict questioning a possible divinity than a strictly religious play. Judas’ struggle with the notion of Jesus’ possibly being “God” versus the leader of a movement with which he agrees causes Judas to turn on his friend and eventually betray him.
Jesus is surrounded by his disciples including Peter (Charlie Norman), Simon (Ella Prather), John (Mabrey Rice) and others, plus Mary Magdalene (Kelly Messer). However, Caiaphas, head priest of Israel played by Michael Kirby, and other Pharisees (Levi Ekbladh, Joshua Edwards and Alexa Morelle) conspire with Roman Governor Pontius Pilate (James Lindeman) to silence the “troublemaker” which leads to the crucifixion.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
This is an opera, sung through with minimal dialogue featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The rock opera was their first major collaboration and appeared publicly as a Concept Album. The popularity of the album and some songs led to the first theatrical version which has remained popular ever since. The score is predominately hard rock, led by an onstage band of guitar, keyboard and percussion led by Jamey Strawn. Rice’s lyrics are a combination of poetic, sinical, pointed and anguished.
In the opening number “Heaven on their Minds”, Judas questions the divinity of Christ and wonders where the movement is going. Dramatically, it is important because we see Judas’ state of mind. Moore (as Judas) excels with a vocal combination of braggadocio, anguish, self-loathing, and moral justification. Anticipating their journey to Jerusalem, the apostles sing “What’s the Buzz?” which evokes the rock music and modern slang.
There are many full and partial company production numbers with extensive dancing including “Hosanna,” “The Temple,” “The Last Supper” and “Could We Start Again, Please?”. The Pharisees intone in ominous fashion “This Jesus Must Die” and then join Judas in “Damned for All Time/Blood Money.”
Three Musical Highlights
Three musical numbers highlight the show and help determine its quality. After reprising her consoling song “Everything’s Alright”, Magdelene (Messer) sings the raw, bittersweet “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”. Messer act/sings this song beautifully. In “Gethsemane,” Burton (Jesus) agonizes over his impending fate and strikes the delicate balance between fear and necessity. In a total departure musically from the remaining score, Herod (Luc Vanderbroek) questions Jesus’ divinity in a delightful comic Broadway and music hall parody complete with glittery gold suits and dancers doing a mock Rockette’s routine. This number serves a comic relief before the impending tragedy and adds the element of humor. Vanderbroek sings the tongue-in-cheek song with a wicked glint in his eye.
NKU’s Jesus Christ Superstar Production
Director Ken Jones has crafted an excellent production of this show. The set (Eric Barker) is very sparse with a bare stage and a superstructure of platforms and stairs towards the back with steel poles holding the structure. A moveable stairway (part of the “Everything’s Alright” number) is one of the few props.
Costumes by Ronnie Chamberlain are mostly American grunge with torn jeans and tee shirts – hardly period pieces – but it fits the rock score and dark story. The Pharisees dress more conventionally with black, somber robes and the roman guards look like storm troopers. Judas appears as a punk rocker. The choreography of Roderick justice is primarily eccentric rap dancing done by a partial or complete cast to good effect. In a dancing departure, we see ballet dancers accompanying the “Something’s Alright” s number and a classic tap routine in “Herod’s Song.”
I do not often mention lighting but that aspect is a star of the show and almost becomes a character in and of itself. Jeremiah Kearns has designed two types of lighting which, combined, sets the mood of the show. There are three sets of spotlights, designed like traffic lights, with yellow, orange, and red coloration which flashes or stays constant. Backlighting enhances the mood featuring red which represents danger and blood.
NKU’s Jesus Christ Superstar Overall
This is one of the best NKU productions I have seen, combining excellent technical, singing, acting, and dancing performances. The tone is somewhat cynical and somber but themes of celebrity, social revolution, and religious freedom abound with an electric score and compelling energy. So, grab your palm leaves and, humming “Hosanna” stride on down to NKU’s Corbett Theater for the retelling of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Buy Tickets to NKU’s Jesus Christ Superstar
Purchase tickets online at the NKU BOX OFFICE. Jesus Christ Superstar runs now through May 4, 2025.
