“Jesus Christ Superstar” is more than 50 years old.
But it never feels its age in the Arizona Repertory Theatre’s solid production of the rock musical, which is centered on the last week of Christ’s life.
Christie Kerr, who directed and choreographed, packed lots of action into the small stage at the Tornabene Theatre on the University of Arizona campus. She convincingly conveyed the frenzy of the crowds following Jesus and those calling for his crucifixion with dance moves that never felt contrived. There were no chaotic moments except when it is intentionally so. Corralling a cast of 21 is no easy feat, and she did it with intention, humor and expertise.
And that cast, made up of UA theater students, served the musical well. Especially Clayton Lukens, who portrayed Jesus as a benevolent man leaning into his superstar status, then a man angry at his God for putting him through the anguish of his impending crucifixion, and finally a man accepting his fate without bitterness. Lukens’ voice embraced all the songs, but it was with his rendition of “Gethsemane” where his singing and acting chops really impressed.
Lydia Schmidt played the love-sick Mary Magdalene with tenderness and grace, and when she sings “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” it is heartbreaking.
Other standouts include James Kelley Carroll as Pontius Pilot and Brennan Wood as Simon, both who played their roles with nuance and powerful voices.
Practically stealing the show was Brach Drew as King Herod, who infused the humor and outlandishness that this dark tale needs. Drenched in glitter, Drew strutted, mocked and sang such lines as “Prove to me that you’re no fool, walk across my swimming pool,” with a wink-wink conviction.
There was some unusual casting that wasn’t entirely successful. Sophia Scarsi sings beautifully but she didn’t have the vocal weight necessary for the character of Judas, who is generally played by a man. And Caiaphas, who is usually played by a bass-voiced man, was convincingly portrayed by Sydney Townsend, whose rich voice was deep enough to make her as intimidating as the character.
Pumping everything up was Ken Phillips’ lighting design, which amplified the music, underscored the frenzy following Jesus, and softened at the gentler moments.
“Superstar” is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s second collaboration, but no doubt the best. This production does it justice. And it also underscores how sad it is that the UA is phasing out its BFA Musical Theatre program. Most of this cast are in that program. Losing it means that, by 2026, we will not have that talent on the school’s stage. And that is a real shame.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” continues through Dec. 3 at the Tornabene Theatre in the UA Fine Arts Complex, on the southeast corner of East Speedway and North Park Avenue. Tickets are free for high school and college students and $15-$35 for all others. Purchase them at tickets.arizona.edu or at (520) 621-3341.
Run time is about 2 hours, with one intermission.
