The schedule at North Shore Music Theatre
in Beverly continues with an all-new production of "Jesus
Christ Superstar" for 3 weeks only, September 19 thru
October 8.
This
groundbreaking rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber
and Tim Rice changed the face of musical theater
when it debuted on Broadway in 1971. "Jesus Christ Superstar"
chronicles the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ,
dramatizing the excitement caused by his message, his betrayal, his
trial before Pontius Pilate and his ultimate sacrifice.
Songs include “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,”
“Gethsemane” and the title song.
Jon Kimbell, NSMT’s Artistic Director and Executive
Producer, commented, “From the time we first produced 'Jesus
Christ Superstar' in 1986, it has become one of our most requested
musicals. We are thrilled to invite director Robert Johanson,
a master with this piece, back to North Shore Music Theatre to direct
and choreograph this production. Robert is a brilliant director whose
vision and understanding of the material is truly inspirational.”
Johanson added “The score is as sophisticated and as accessible
as it was when the musical first premiered. Listening to the music
is like meeting an old friend or hearing a hymn. It’s
honest and truthful and it moves you. You want to hear it over
and over again.”
Johanson spent 20 years as Artistic Director for the Paper
Mill Playhouse, where he directed more than 50 musicals,
plays and original stage adaptations of classic works of literature.
His directing work has been seen on and Off–Broadway as well
as at many regional theatres including NSMT’s 1998 production
of "Children of Eden."
"Jesus Christ Superstar" will star Nicholas Rodriguez
(above) as Jesus. Nicholas was last seen at NSMT starring as the Prince
in the 2005 production of "Cinderella"
which was cut short by a devastating fire on opening night. His other
credits include Off-Broadway’s "Almost Heaven"
and starring opposite Val Kilmer in "The
Ten Commandments." He has also been seen in tours of
"Jesus Christ Superstar," "Evita," "Hair"
and regional productions of "South Pacific,"
"The King and I," "Nefertiti," "The Last
5 Years" and "Love, Valour, Compassion!"
Rona Figueroa, who received critical praise for her
portrayal of Kim in NSMT’s 2001 production of "Miss
Saigon," will play Mary Magdalene.
Delisco, a veteran stage and television
performer (and winner of E! Network's 2005 reality series “The
Entertainer”), will make his NSMT debut as Judas.
The 29 member cast also features Whitney Avalon, Allison Blackwell,
Phillip L. Boykin, Daryl E. Calmeses Jr., Shana Carr, Derrick Cobey,
Colin Donnell, Michael Brian Dunn, Constantine Germanacos, Kevin Hale
, John Hickok, Miles Johnson, Holly Laurent, Jayme McDaniel Leo Nouhan,
Wayne W. Pretlow, Christopher Regan, Jason Shuffler, Byron St. Cyr
and Scott Sussman.
Local performers appearing in the ensemble include Tory Bradlee
of Lynn, Shane Fernando Braz of Peabody, Tori
Cargill of Boxford, Kara Doherty of Beverly,
Andrew Murdock of Gloucester and Steven Williams
of Dorchester.
Free Audience Enrichment events:
September 26: Meet the
Theatre
Post show audience discussion with the artists
October 1: Spotlight
on History
A pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the
performance
October 5: Out at
the North Shore
An evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post show reception
October 7: Meet the Theatre
A post-show audience discussion with the artists following the 2 p.m.
performance
For tickets and information, stop by the box office
at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, call 978-232-7200 or visit www.nsmt.org.
Production
Photo: Paul Lyden
--
OnStage Boston
