Full disclosure: I am a lifelong fan of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Since first hearing my parents’ double 1970 LP concept album, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s musical has been a favorite. So I was pleased that the new production at The Riverside Center For The Performing Arts, directed by Patrick A’Hearn, succeeds on many levels.
The musical focuses on Jesus’s humanity and his conflicts with Judas and the Jewish and Roman authorities. Kevin Cleary plays the role of Jesus, and his scenes with Anthony Nuccio as Judas create great musical and dramatic tension.
“That’s what makes ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ [more] special than uncounted retellings of Jesus’s story is that it takes more of a focus on the people around Jesus, specifically Judas,” Cleary said. “There are a lot of moments in our production that draw this parallel between Jesus and Judas, how they’re both on this journey but going different directions.”
Both Cleary and Nuccio possess strong lead voices that carry these songs. Outside of the theater, Nuccio leads DC hard rock band Animal Ion. That stage presence comes through in his performance as Judas, which requires some rock star moves and vocals.
The other cast members also contribute excellent performances. Anthony Williams as Caiaphas hits the bass and baritone notes that give the role an ominous sound. Zachary Spafford as Simon Zealotes makes the case for Jesus’ political ascendancy in his song in Act One.
Daniel Pippert plays Pontius Pilate, whose dialogue with Jesus in Act Two is a musical highlight. Kiley Ernest sings Mary Magdalene’s signature song “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”. She joins Chris Florio as Peter in the moving duet “Could We Start Again Please”.
The roles of the priest Annas and King Herod — usually played by male actors — are performed by Elizabeth C. Butler and Kathy Halenda in this production. Both are very capable singers and give their roles a new twist without seeming out of place.
“It’s representations of these characters,” Cleary said. “It’s not so much about the specifics of their gender or their age or color or anything. It’s just about Herod being this self-important ruler who doesn’t take Jesus or anything else seriously.”
But it’s the backing band, directed by Carson Eubank, that provides the musical muscle behind Jesus Christ Superstar. Guitarist Forrest Link is particularly showcased with some Jimi Hendrix-worthy licks, while sound design technician Cheyenne Tenda keeps the music balanced between soloists, backing band, and the ensemble.
Fine choreography directed by Stephanie Wood also brings the story to life. The versatile ensemble — which includes Wood — plays the roles of the apostles, the market vendors, lepers seeking healing, and the crowd demanding Jesus’ crucifixion. Their singing and dancing in these roles enhances the show.
The ensemble plays, among other roles, that of the crowd calling for Jesus’s crucifixion. (Photos by Suzanne Carr-Rossi)
Another unusual twist is that the play begins and ends in a music studio; a nod to the origin of the 1970 concept album. The cast appears to be recording the album, then transitions into the story. The ending has them return to the studio, packing up after an emotional performance.
Jesus Christ Superstar is not a religious musical. No theological views are expressed, but the story of Jesus’ journey is compelling as told in Riverside’s production.
If you go
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, runs until April 27. Tickets are $65-92.
