When a theatre makes the decision to perform a well-known classic in a modern way, it's taking a chance. It either works or it doesn't; there's no in between. In the case of Carlisle Theatre Company's production of
Jesus Christ Superstar...it works. And it works well.
While
the show still boasts the same dramatic intensity, raw emotion, and familiar Andrew Lloyd Webber music as the original 1970 rock opera, it also
brings elements such as social media, corporate America, and modern technology into the
production. Throughout the show, images of Twitter, YouTube, BuzzFeed, and even the Carlisle Sentinel flash on a large screen on the stage, providing "news" of Jesus and the disciples. Characters are given a modern makeover, often doing scenes in settings like a board room or even on a golf course. Outdated props like reporters' bulky cameras and tape recorders have been replaced with smartphones.
In addition to these elements, live video cameras capture various moments of the show and project them onto the large screen, enabling the audience to really connect with the emotion of the performers as they present the story of Jesus's last days.
The cast features some very talented actors, including Michael Miller (Jesus), Emily Falvey (Mary Magdalene), and Jeremy Patterson (Judas). Miller delivers an impressive performance, most significantly in his ability to transition from a smooth and controlled vocal to a rock star scream in an instant. Falvey's voice is a refreshing contrast to the electrifying rock music, specifically in her performance of "I Don't Know How to Love Him." And while Patterson performed well throughout the show, he was at his best when leading the Soul Sisters and Angels in "Superstar."
Ryan Boyles plays the role of Pontius Pilate, and at first seems to blend in with the cast. But the more time he spends on stage, the more he shines, and he ultimately delivers a really commanding performance in the "Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes)." Ric LeBlanc (King Herod) provides an entertaining performance in "King Herod's Song," which has been turned into a televised show, "God or Fraud," where King Herod hosts an episode with Jesus, and fictional audience members can text their verdict of "God" or "Fraud." And Sushma Saha is a burst of energy as she takes on the role of Simon (typically played by a male), and boasts confidence and vitality in "Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem."
With the exception of the large screen on stage, props were very basic and minimal. Costumes were also basic and minimal, with actors mostly wearing street clothing that could easily be found today on a college campus or in any number of popular mall stores. But this show doesn't need big, fancy props or costumes, and honestly I feel that the minimalistic approach fits perfectly with the modern theme of the show and makes it feel more real.
My only real criticism of the show is that I was underimpressed with the death scenes. I don't mean to sound morbid here, but there was very little attention drawn to Judas's suicide or Jesus's actual death. They were both brief and anticlimactic, which came as a surprise to me, considering the intensity of the rest of the show. I should say here that I've seen more than a few productions of this show, and there have been times where Jesus's death seems to go on and on forever (and ever and ever). But I think there's a middle ground, and in this production I would have liked the death scenes to be a little more dramatic.
The way the show ends catches the audience a little off guard. In my opinion, it ends the way I've always felt this show should end, and I was glad to finally see a production of this show that ends this way. I'm not going to give away anything else here, as I don't want to ruin the effect for anyone who's planning to see it. I'll just say that it makes a statement, and I think it's one of many great decisions that went into creating this spectacular production.
If you're looking for a superstar production filled with powerful music, intense emotion, and amazing local talent, then this is one show you don't want to miss. Overall I give this production 8 out of 10 standing ovations.
Jesus Christ Superstar is playing at the Carlisle Theatre through October 19. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit the Carlisle Theatre Company's website at
www.carlisletheatrecompany.com. And for a little taste of the show, check out the preview video below:
