What's The Buzz?

North Shore Music Theatre Presents "Superstar"
September 19 - October 8

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

09/01/06

 
 
 
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