Displaying items by tag: Ted Neeley

I doubt I’m alone when I say that Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the greatest musical productions of all time. It’s easy to love. It has all the elements that make a potent stage experience from marvelous music to compelling leads to an engaging storyline to explosive dance numbers. When it was first staged fifty years ago, the brilliance of composer Andrew Lloyd Weber and the on-target lyrics of Time Rice coupled with the performances Ted Neeley (Jesus), Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) Carl Anderson (Judas) and a talented ensemble were nothing short of magical. The edgy production shot its way through the 1970’s with critical acclaim where it still packs theaters today with new generations of vocally gifted actors taking on the classic roles. The musical, which was first staged in 1971 was inspired by the 1970 album with Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan singing the part of Jesus.

As decades have since flown by so have the different variations of this staged phenomenon. And really, it's as simple as this – for a musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar to be successful – and memorable, the show must have a strong Jesus, Judas and Mary. The current touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which is in the midst of a two-week run at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace, has just that. Aaron LaVigne is a wonderful choice to fill the sandals of Jesus. His guitar-playing presence is warm while strong, his vocals gentle while powerful, peppered with impressive range. Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas must have been an easy casting choice as he is one who cannot only belt with the best of them, but effectively takes us down the dark road travelled by Jesus’ skeptical right hand. Jenna Rubaii rounds out this trinity of talent with an amazing performance that theatregoers will long remember. The performances of these three carry the show with such ease and command that it’s talented ensemble can freely do their thing to make this an incredibly stunning production Jesus Christ Superstar fans will not want to miss.

The musical centers around the final days of Jesus that lead to his crucifixion. As his popularity rises with the large number of people who see him as the Messiah, enemies emerge from both church and state that want him out of the picture. This period deals with the many complexities and human emotions, that he may have experienced, but also focuses on Jesus’ complicated relationship with Judas and Mary.

The music is timeless, and the musicianship is nothing short of incredible thanks to an inspiring performance by LaVigne (especially, during his rendition of “Gethsemane” – Wow!), and a flurry of praise-worthy vocal performances including Rubaii’s show-stopping “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and Lopez-Cepero’s “Damned for All Time”.  

Outside of its main characters and its energetic, well-choreographed ensemble, Jesus Christ Superstar also gets a boost with several other standout performances. Tommy Sherlock is outstanding as Pilate while Paul Louis Lessard dazzles in the always crowd favorite sequence of “King Herod’s Song”, a number where the colorful king mockingly tests Jesus’ restraint. Alvin Crawford as Caiaphas leads the disturbed Pharisees with booming authority. 

In all, this production, holds its own and then some while maintaining the integrity of the hit musical staged fifty years ago. With admirable direction by Timothy Sheader and brilliant choreography by Drew McOnie, this production is topped with a uniquely crafted set and a commanding orchestra that compliments so well the stage musicians scattered about.

But let’s get back to Jenna Rubaii. As a vital component to making this touring show the smash that it has been over the past few years, it takes a special someone to pull off the role of Mary to the extent where not only audience members are clearly captivated by each note she sings, but to also have the ability to fully immerse us into this loving, caring dynamic between herself and Jesus. Within the first couple bars of “Everything’s Alright” it was apparent this production really found something in Jenna Rubaii.

Jenna Rubaii in the North American Tour of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman - MurphyMade.

After such a wonderful performance, we wanted to find out a bit more about Jenna and had the chance to toss a few questions her way.

Buzz Center Stage: It seems like the cast is really tight and works well together. What is the chemistry like off stage? 

Jenna Rubaii: We are like family. Most of us have been a part of this since 2019. We were brought into a show where the subject matter is really deep and challenging and the show itself is really demanding and requires an emotional presence - vocal and physical presence. Beyond that, I feel that we as a company are all really close because we know how important this piece is, how much weight it carries with it being the 50th anniversary. I think artistically, it already meant so much to every single one of us. But as you see in this production it is very much an ensemble piece. And the mob mentality… and I’m thinking that everyone being a part of that just amplifies the importance that every single person feels. And I think that off stage, as artists and individuals, that’s an important weight to carry. So, I think that we as human beings, we’ve been so supportive of each other on and off stage. And because of what we have gone through together- Covid - this show was really the only constant in our lives for the past three years and has made us even stronger. I think, I hope, that is clear to the audience. We had that unique experience of going through that really challenging time and the subject matter really amplifies that a bit.

Buzz Center Stage: The work of Andrew Llyod Webber is timeless…. Since you mentioned the mob mentality in this production, how do you think Jesus Chris Superstar is still relevant today - with everything that has been going on…  Is this show still as relevant? 

Jenna: Absolutely. People are always looking for a leader. Someone with some sense of direction. Someone to look to. Something to look to. Obviously, you get that with Jesus. But we have also talked about how much community is too much community? Communities are always bringing people together, but what happens when there is too much of that, it can be destructive as well. So hopefully that point gets across in our production. And obviously with the climate of everything around the world, this piece really stands true no matter if you are religious or not. 

Buzz Center Stage: About yourself… How did you start out? And can you share how your journey as an artist took you to your role in an international production of Jesus Christ Superstar? 

Jenna: I grew up in Clearwater, Florida. When I was six years old, I auditioned for an all girls song and dance troupe. It was kind of like Glee meets the Mickey Mouse Club. From six years old to eighteen - for twelve years of my life - I had the unique opportunity to perform about 30 shows a year for different corporate conventions, events, we even sang for two presidents. In my hometown, there is a lot of spring training, so I sang the National Anthem all the time for sporting events. I grew up wanting to be a pop star - and we could use handheld mics in this show. It was really fun. I didn’t get into theater until after high school. Then I decided to go to the University of Miami for college - the school for theater. After school, I immediately ended up booking the national and international tour of Green Day’s American Idiot. And I actually have a picture and need to do a side-by-side screenshot because we performed at the Cadillac Palace about 9 years ago. It’s fun to revisit some of the places that you have already been on tour. So, I did American Idiot and then I booked another show that took me abroad for a while. So, I've done a handful of tours. And I ended up booking Groundhog Day and made my Broadway debut with that. And something else that is a fun little mention is that my first introduction to musical theater was performing in the children’s chorus of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat - when that touring company came through my hometown. So, I’ve come full circle with Andrew Lloyd Webber - different biblical musicals. 

Buzz Center Stage: Wow. So, the stage is no stranger to you. You have lived much of your life on the stage. You mentioned the holding of the microphone in this production - this was an interesting choice for the show because little mic pieces are always used these days. But I didn’t miss it. I loved that they had certain characters holding the mic. It presented way more authority and more of a rock atmosphere. And I loved that touch by the director.

Jenna: Thanks! It is definitely an avenue of power. When somebody has the mic it’s an action of “this is my time, this is my story.” Of course, I think the most obvious choice for that is they wanted to bring the rock concert element to it. Everyone has opinions about the mic stands the microphones, but I feel that without them it would just feel like another theatrical piece. Whereas this blends the rock show vibe into the production. 

Buzz Center Stage: Were you a fan of the show before you were cast? 

Jenna: Of course! To be honest, I only knew the Mary material and I wasn’t super familiar with the rest of the show. But my dad is a huge fan and knows every single lyric to the show. I grew up listening to “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”. Of course, you don’t realize how much the show has impacted people. The show is 50 years strong. There was a time at the beginning of the tour when I started reading comments on Facebook and I realized just how many people were saying “this is my favorite show of all time. This is my favorite music”. And that is really when it hit me on how important a show like this is. 

And you don’t really get the opportunity to do that kind of stuff all the time. It’s really special. 

Buzz Center Stage: I’m sure your dad was thrilled when you got the role. 

Jenna: Yes! He’s been to the show many, many times. 

Buzz Center Stage: Yvonne Elliman, who plays Mary Magdalene in the original production, was she an influence? Did you try to interpret the role in your own way? How did you attack the role? 

Jenna: I try very hard to not watch or listen to other productions because I don’t want to feel like I’m copying anybody. Also, in this particular, the way Timothy (Sheader), our director, approached this production - he very much did not want us to play with any idea of who these people were. He did not want us to put a hat on it and say, “this is what I think Jesus is like,” or “this is what I think Mary is like.” So, we really approached it by bringing ourselves the piece. That made it really exciting as a performer because you don’t really get tired of the piece. But it’s also really challenging because you are being asked to bring yourself - however you are - to the table authentically every single night. And that is difficult because you still have to get the same story across and have the same intentions with the song, but you are not the same person every day. It was a very organic “bring yourself” approach. It’s a weird challenge and in a strange way makes it easier because I’m not trying to be someone else. I’m simply being me trying to convey the intent behind the song. 

Buzz Center Stage: I felt your performance was absolutely stunning. I really enjoyed your voice and your take on Mary. 

Jenna: Thank you! I really appreciate that! 

Buzz Center Stage: Ok, final question. Jesus Christ Superstar is a big deal, especially to someone like me who puts it in the top musicals of all time - What are you thinking for after this? What are your aspirations beyond Mary? 

Jenna: Oh gosh! It is a big question. I think, and I think I can speak for most of my cast members too, that this show really fulfilled me in an artistic and personal way that I hope I can continue to do more art like this. The production feels more like an art piece than a theater piece. I always want to be part of something that is thought provoking – that is really human - really brings an aspect of humanity to the table. And something that is new. I would love to be able to work on a new musical. Something with a lot of meat in it - complex and interesting. And I think that is what most of us really want to be a part of. Something that challenges you in that way and fulfills you in that way and that can also translate to audiences and make them think too. So, nothing specific, but that is what I hope to put out into the universe. But the goal is to find something that is challenging for you, exciting for you, and that fulfills you in whatever way you personally need. Everyone has their own artistic journey.

Buzz Center Stage: That sounds great. Well said. You really seem to seek out challenges. And you have accepted and met the challenge in this production as Mary. The audience can just feel it - that you aren’t just up there doing the show, but that there is a passion within you projected throughout the house

Jenna: Thank you. 

Buzz Center Stage: Thank you for talking! 

*Running through July 31^st, this is a well-crafted, must-see musical production that longtime fans and Jesus Christ newbies are sure to cherish. For tickets and/or more info click here.

It’s been three days since seeing Jesus Christ Superstar at Lyric Opera’s Civic Center and I still find myself going from character to character in the kitchen, in the car, while I’m working, while doing chores around the house and, moments ago, in the elevator. I may not be able to hit the brassy baritone notes sang by Cavin Cornwall as Caiaphas (or any of the character’s notes for that matter) but I give it my best shot because it’s just one of those shows – the songs stick – as they should. After all, we are talking about what many consider Andrew Lloyd Weber’s greatest work and perhaps one of the most masterful musicals of our time. We are talking about a musical that does not have a single weak number.

Having seen several variations of Jesus Christ Superstar from it’s very early runs in the 1970’s with Ted Neeley, many as he aged (the last while in his mid-sixties), and with a handful with others in the role of Jesus, Lyric Opera’s stage adaptation stays true to form – and then some. Cast members donned in hoods spread out across the main floor of the theatre before running to the stage during the opening overture. The set and costumes take us to a somewhat post-apocalyptic era, and though unnecessary as the musical is ever so effective taking place in biblical times, we still get the point.

With clever and ever-so-fitting lyrics by Tim Rice and an unbeatable soundtrack by Lloyd Weber, Jesus Christ Superstar takes us through Jesus’ rise in popularity as the promised messiah for his people over his last days. At the same time the pharisees show alarm and fear as Jesus is as a threat to their teachings – a threat that must be destroyed. While taking us through the last supper and eventually the crucifixion, the musical closely examines the love/hate relationship between Jesus and Judas, and the inner conflicts had by the latter. We also get a look at Rice and Weber’s perception of Mary Magdalene’s bond with Jesus, as she takes on a motherly approach in “Everything’s Alright” and that of almost a confused lover in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”.

Jo Lampert as Mary Magdalene soothes Jesus (Heath Saunders)

Over eighty artists take the stage to perform with the thirty-seven musicians strategically placed in plain view on the set. The talent in this production is nothing short of spectacular, the choreography original and fun, particularly in that of the pharisees in the number “This Jesus Must Die,” adding a unique element of menace. The standouts in this show are many. Ryan Shaw delivers big as Judas holding true to the role’s intention immediately impressing from his opening number “Heaven on Their Minds” while Jo Lampert as Mary Magdalene shows great vocal command as she goes from gentle and soothing to prevailing power.

Ted Neeley who portrayed Jesus in the 1973 film, touring the role prior and still doing so to this day, along with Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan who was the voice of Jesus on the original album recording, set a precedent that, if not met, can lead to disappointment by the production’s most loyal fans. Gillan and Neeley set the bar high. The two were so successful in adding a rock and roll element to Jesus - screams and all - so that many in the role to follow were doomed to fail. This is not the case in Lyric’s current production. Heath Saunders exemplifies what the Jesus Christ Superstar loyal want to see in the role of Jesus. Diehards of the production call for a rock and roll Jesus and Saunders gives them just that. While stunning the crowd with his wide vocal range and hitting the highs where we’ve come to expect the highs, Saunders also gives us a Jesus who is sensitive, caring and embodies that of a teacher.

After tearing it up as Judas in Paramount’s 2017 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and taking on an ensemble role in the recent NBC televised special, Mikal Kilgore returns to the classic musical, this time as Simon Zealotes. Kilgore again puts forth an untouched performance, only leaving the audience with the regret his lead numbers are limited. Michael Cunio as Pilate Shaun Fleming as Herod are equally impressive as they pass the buck on who will be responsible for Jesus punishment that is called for by the people. Rounding out the sensational cast are Joseph Anthony Byrd as Annas and Cavin Cornwall as Caiaphas whose performances as the sinister pharisees are also on point.

Shaun Fleming as Herod

Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the great modern-day musicals and Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of Chicago’s premiere venues. Their pairing makes a lot of sense. Lyric spares no expenses presenting an all-around magnificent cast, a collection of Chicago’s finest musicians, superb direction and choreography and a set and lighting design that includes a 37-foot cross illuminated with 101 lights and seven full-sized trees that stand in the background overlooking all the action.

Categorically recommended.

Jesus Christ Superstar is being performed at Lyric Opera of Chicago through May 20th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.lyricopera.org.

Of the many Andrew Lloyd Webber hits, Jesus Christ Superstar has always been a personal favorite of mine. It rocks, it moves and…it’s back. After a lengthy absence, the award-winning musical has returned to the Chicago area, this time with a bit of a twist as, unlike past productions, the show features an all African American cast. This, opposed to the nearly all white cast complete with a black Judas that we are accustomed to seeing. And, the tremendously gifted cast works so very well in this revival piece. The change is bold and should be commended. And the execution is nearly flawless. 

With one of the greatest rock operas of all time currently finding its temporary home at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, we know by the end of the production’s first number, “Heaven on Their Minds”, that Mykal Kilgore, who takes on the demanding role of “Judas”, is a special talent. We also get an idea within the next few numbers (“What’s the Buzz?”, “Strange Thing, Mystifying” and “Everything’s Alright”) how deep the talent pool goes in this one-of-a-kind production.  

Reliving the last days of Jesus Christ leading up to the crucifixion, the timeless musical, which premiered on Broadway on October 12th, 1971, is set to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, in what began as a rock opera concept album by the two in 1970. Since, it has been one of the most successful musicals of all time gathering a loyal fan-base from all over the world. In Jesus Christ Superstar, we visit Jesus, accompanied by his disciples and Mary Magdalene, as he performs miracles and brings hope to the world while claiming he is the son of God, much to the chagrin of the Pharisees and scribes who see him as a threat to their teachings – a threat they would like removed so much they ask the Romans for help.

In Paramount’s current production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a fifteen-piece orchestra paves the way for the talented performers who leave their mark in one number after another. Kilgore goes on to navigate through each song with skilled precision and sings with amazing depth. And while Kilgore impresses more and more as the show progresses by staying true (and then some) to the “Judas” that both Murray Head and Carl Anderson made famous, Felicia Boswell is also quick to excite the audience with her moving interpretation of Mary Magdalene, particularly in the popular “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”. Beautiful, graceful and vocally dynamic, Boswell brings a gentle warmth to the role, wonderfully capturing the love that Mary had for Jesus. Throughout the production, remarkable performances are abundant with Rufus Bonds Jr. taking the reins in a very commanding depiction of Pontius Pilate, so well delivering the message of his conflict to have Jesus crucified at the request of the mob that is influenced by the religious law makers or to set him free since no Roman law has been broken. Lorenzo Rush Jr. also leaves a strong presence as the baritone-wielding Caiaphas who leads the charge against Jesus, fearing that he will revolutionize Jewish law. 

Jesus of Nazareth is commendably played Evan Tyrone Martin. Martin aptly captures the virtue and charisma needed for the role of and is convincing while conveying just how tiring it can be to be the son of God. Martin’s voice is strong and he has little trouble carrying the many challenging melodies that come with playing Jesus, though the patented screams that both Ted Neeley (film version) and Ian Gillan (concept album) had incorporated into the role were absent, leaving a couple prime crescendo moments to the wayside. Still, Martin holds his own, even getting a much-deserved extended applause after his riveting performance of “Gethsemane”, a powerful number where Jesus questions why it is that he must die. 

The show’s ensemble is nothing short of amazing, the actors changing back and forth from disciples, to Pharisees to lepers to soldiers ever so efficiently. At one point, Mark J.P. Hood breaks rank from the ensemble as Simon and superbly performs one of the show’s highlight numbers “Simon Zealotes”, where he praises Jesus and urges him to build an army to fight the powers of Rome. Another crowd-pleasing moment (among the countless others) occurs when Jesus is brought forth to Herod (Avionce Hoyles) in a glittery display that dazzles in the somewhat jazzy “Herod’s Song”. Kudos to Hoyles who thrusts the role of Herod into another stratosphere.     

Paramount’s Jesus Christ Superstar is a fascinating production that entertains nonstop from its opening overture to its near-finale number “Superstar”. Featuring a wealth of acting and singing talent and a rockin’ orchestra that does the soundtrack right, this could possibly be one of the most polished, expressive and enjoyable musicals to come our way in some time.  

Superb. This beautiful production is super recommended.

Magnificently directed and choreographed by Ron Kellum with music direction by Tom Vendafreddo, Jesus Christ Superstar is being performed at Paramount Theatre through May 28th. For tickets and/or more show information click here.