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Jesus Christ Superstar at Thomaston Opera House
From his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through his death at the hands of Pontius Pilate, Jesus Christ Superstar is an epic retelling of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Telling the story of men and women driven to their fate by forces beyond their control, this unique musical is as powerful and compelling today as the day it was written.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar first exploded onto the stage in 1971 and it was clear that the musical world would never be the same again. Acclaimed as a masterpiece, it has attained the status of theatrical legend. It is packed with hit songs including "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," "Could We Start Again, Please" and, of course, "Superstar." Fierce rock rhythms, chunky power chords and heart-searing ballads all combine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting and unforgettable score.
Originally appearing as a record because producers were afraid to take a chance on such a daring production, Jesus Christ Superstar eventually premiered at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York on October 12, 1971 with Ben Vereen as Judas, Jeff Fenholt as Jesus, Yvonne Elliman as Mary, Barry Dennen as Pilate, and Paul Ainsley as Herod. Critics had given it rave reviews, some churches sang its praises and even hailed it as a means of presenting Christ to young people in a way they could understand and accept. Despite opposition from certain religious groups, this production became a huge box office hit and ran for 720 performances. The 1973 film version featured Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a portrait of the Messiah at odds with his own role in life (and death). Rice and Lloyd Webber show Jesus discomfited by stardom, impatient with disciples, tired of his own destiny, and ready for death.
The production at the Thomaston Opera House features local performers Paul Revaz as Jesus, Brian D. Fortin as Judas, Bronwyn Hamill as Mary Magdalene, Stuart French as Peter, Kyle Taylor as Simon Zealotes, Brian Pierce as Pilate, Ken Rogers as Caiaphas, Tom Denihan as Annas, and Kevin Sturmer as King Herod. It is directed by Keith Winegar with musical direction by Paul Peter Butcher and choreography by Sharon A.Wilcox.
Sponsored by Chapman Lumber, Jesus Christ Superstar will be presented at the Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston beginning on Saturday, April 13 and running through Sunday, April 28; performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door, and can be reserved by calling the box office at 860-283-6250.
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