Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar
Arvada Center
Arvada, CO
March 24 - April 16, 2017

Jesus Christ Superstar has undergone a metamorphosis unlike any other modern musical. It was written as a rock opera, but in the 1990’s was reinterpreted in more classical form. Because of these changes the show has become a timeless classic.

The production at the Arvada center is a traditional take in the story with a modern presentation of the music. Not many risks were taken but with music as this, there is no need to use gimmicky tactics to create a dynamic show.

The cast are all well-suited to their roles. Jesus is charismatic enough to capture the audience’s imagination and he had the vocal skill to perform a very complex score. Judas played his part as a man destined to do the unthinkable. His descent into madness was mesmerizing. Mary Magdalene was angelic – we can see why Jesus was so attached to her, but her complexity was beautifully revealed in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” 

The supporting cast was no less impressive. Pilate was regal but human. We see the conflict inside him. King Herod was a buffoon, giving much needed comic relief just ahead of some of the darkest scenes in musical theater.

The costumes were effective in setting the characters in their positions. Jesus, of course, was the one in white. Judas’ red tunic wasn’t too bright, but clearly stated his role in the Passion to come. Mary Magdalene was radiant in lavender. The Pharisees costumes set them apart from the rest of the Jews. Pilate was regal in his Roman dress.

The set was simple and beautiful. With the exception of the scene in the Temple, it lent itself easily to each change in location. The rotating element was not used often, but it added a needed element of motion to many scenes. It also worked effectively hiding the sleeping disciples during “Gethsemane” to enhance Jesus’ feeling of isolation and create an intimacy to the song.

If there was an issue with the production it was with the direction. We saw the back of the actor singing too often for my taste and the attempts at choreography were awkward at best. It also seemed like Jesus and Judas didn’t have the chance to connect on stage before their relationship imploded.

Jesus Christ Superstar had much hype around it this season and it lives up to it all. The performance I attended included a “social hour with the cast” afterward. While few audience members stayed, those who did were treated to a group of actors who were engaging and eager to talk about the show.