SOMERS POINT – Gateway Playhouse will present Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” April 9-19.
Directed by Chip Garrison, the musical delivers an electrifying retelling of the final days of Jesus Christ through powerful music, raw emotion and explosive energy. With a score that defined a generation – including hits like “Superstar,” “Heaven on Their Minds,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz?” and “Could We Start Again, Please” (written for the film version) – this groundbreaking musical fuses classic storytelling with then intensity of a rock concert.
Garrison first saw the musical as a movie in 1974, and it had a profound impact on him, both musically and story-wise.
“Here was this biblical story with rock ’n’ roll music – it was powerful,” Garrison said. “Then you have these two people, Jesus and Judas, who are inextricably linked in history. And Webber and Rice’s idea to recreate their relationship through the eyes of Judas was such an interesting thing to explore. It was a brilliant twist to the actual story that we all know.”
Like Webber and Rice, Garrison also chose to flip the script by casting the role of Judas as a woman.
“To me, what better way to showcase the jealousy and anger that Judas has for Jesus, whether through his disappointment of Him or from the attention that Jesus receives or via Judas’ own resentment of Mary Magdalene, than to have a woman in the role? There’s an underlying dynamic between Judas and Mary Magdalene, who both vie for Jesus’ attention. Having a woman as Judas, in my opinion, now makes it more of a love triangle, said Garrison, who assures that this was not done simply for “stunt casting.” “It works vocally, too. Jesus and Judas need strong ‘rock tenors,’ as they are difficult parts to sing. It’s not a stretch to have an alto play a part.”
Garrison’s two casts are comprised of actors with whom he has worked previously as well as those making their Gateway debut. Portraying Jesus are Coby Alavez and Andrew Clare, Mary Magdalene will be played by Danielle Cordivari and Gemma Schleper, and Alaina Famularo and Julie Byrne will take on the role of Judas.
Performances are 7 p.m. April 9-11 and 16-18; 2 p.m. April 12 and 19. Tickets are $25 at GatewayByTheBay.org and at the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Gateway Playhouse is at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. Ticket reservations can be found at GatewayByTheBay.org or call the box office at (609) 653-0553.
At top, Coby Alavez portrays Jesus in Gateway Playhouse’s upcoming production of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” (Photo provided)