“Jesus Christ Superstar”, the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice (lyrics) rock musical has been around the corner and back for many moons. It has played in San Diego in touring and local community shows. Starlight Musical Theatre presented a solid Superstar way back in 1984. In 2006 it was done as a concert at S.D.S.U with its entire orchestra. In 2011 former Playhouse director Des McAnuff staged the Stratford Shakespeare Festival production with a stop in San Diego before it went to Broadway.
‘Superstar’ was the first of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musicals to be produced on the professional stage. It opened on Broadway in 1971, over objections from some religious groups. One can understand why, on some level it’s rather blasphemous.
It is now in a rousing, loud, fast paced and crowd pleasing production at Moonlight Amphitheatre under the deft direction of Steven Glaudini through the weekend of May 27th.
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| Richard Bermudez (photo Fred Tracey) |
The time frame of Jesus’ lifetime (33 BCE, seven days before the Passover observance ) and for Jesus’ friend and compatriot, Judas Iscariot to betray him and turn him over to the reigning Roman generals seems right.
Caiaphas, deep voiced (De Andre Simmons) a Jewish High Priest, appointed by the Romans to squelch Jesus’ popularity is suspect, but he and his pals nudge Judas to the do their bidding. They all fear Jesus is becoming too influential among his followers.
The story, based on New Testament Biblical sources trace the last week of Jesus of Nazareth’s (a stunning Richard Bermudez) life. He was worshiped/ considered a Jewish prophet/ king/savior/ and healer. (‘Heaven On Their Minds’). To Caiaphas he was considered a rabble-rouser, troublemaker and threat to Roman stability. (‘Jesus Must Die’)
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| Monika Pena and Richard Bermudez |
Richard Bermudez has the right look and chops as he wanders through his days of empowerment to his coming -to the conclusion that he is going to die. His tenor voice is soothing (‘The Last Supper, Strange and Mystifying, Gethsemane’). But don’t underestimate. He can belt out those high notes that make your hair stand on end.
The history value might not be that cut and dry for those in the know but it does make an immediate and highly dramatic impact when all is said and done especially Judas Iscariot’s (Brian Justin Crum) death by hanging, those thirty-nine lashes and Christ’s crucifixion. (‘Heaven On Their Minds’). Crum is an absolute standout with a voice that doesn’t quit from opening to closing.
Pontius Pilate (Jeffrey Ricca) looking very pompous) acted on behalf of the Roman governor who ordered the lashes, just before Christ was nailed to the cross. (‘Trial By Pilate/39 Lashes’). All was excruciating to witness.
Along the way one of his young female followers Mary Magdalene (disciple/prostitute/mystic/would be lover comes to the aid of Jesus (‘Everything’s Alright’) when all the men in his life abandon him, much to the chagrin of Judas. Some believe there was love triangle between Jesus, Mary and Judas. That’s for another discussion. Monika Peña’s Mary Magdalene wowed everyone with her rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”( the number that elevated Yvonne Elliman) as Jesus is somewhat taken under her spell.
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| Cast with Richard Bermudez (in center) |
Another big production number is for Herod to pose and sing Herod’s Song: (‘So you are the Christ, you’re the great Jesus Christ. Prove to me that you’re divine; change my water into wine… ‘Come on King of the Jews’. Dallas McLaughlin’s performance of King Herod is another brilliant execution of stagecraft as he mocks Jesus in what is probably the all taunting, cynical and deprecating songs in the entire song list of no less than 22 musical numbers.
The strength of the ensemble is noteworthy because of its continual moving about, dancing and singing. The story is all music and the voices scream to be heard from ‘Heaven On Their Minds, to ‘Damned For all Time/Blood Money’, to ‘The Arrest’ and ‘Superstar’.
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| Brian Justin Crum (photo Fred Tracey) |
There are no less than thirty or so in the entire cast either singing, dancing (Jimmy Locust) or moving about on Kevin Depinet’s columned/ scaffolding sets highlighted by Jennifer Edward’s strobe/ psychedelic lighting, Blake McCarty’s projections, Brandon Boomizad’s ear piercing sound and Renetta Lloyds colorful costumes. Under Steven Glaudini’s direction and Lyndon Pegada’s baton/ musical directorn, this Superstar has it all.
What a great way to start of the summer season.
Whether a fan or just for great theatre, “Jesus Christ Superstar” will not disappoint.
See you at the theatre.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Through May 27
Where: Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista
Tickets: $18-$63
Photo: Karli Cadel
Phone: (760) 724-2110
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