Jesus Christ Superstar

The Malvern Theatre Society turns once again to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for inspiration for their spring musical.  This year, it is Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera that first appeared on Broadway in 1971, based very loosely on the Gospels’ account of the last week of Jesus’ life.  The show will debut on Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, with additional shows on March 9 and 10.  

The musical begins with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ends with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play. Twentieth-century attitudes and sensibilities as well as contemporary slang pervade the lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. 

The cast features J. Christopher Smart as Jesus Christ, Joe Canuso as Judas Iscariot, Amanda Churchvarra as Mary Magdalene, Kyle Naser as Pontius Pilate, Andrew Stetser as King Herod, Anthony Abron as Caiaphas and Matt Anthony as Annas. The show is directed by Jim Fry.

Jesus Christ Superstar will be staged in the Duffy Arts Center at Malvern Prep on Friday and Saturday, March 2-3, and Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $17 and are available at www.malvernprep.org/SpringMusical.