What better location to stage “Jesus Christ Superstar” than in Mexico, where the Passion of Christ is enacted live in many towns during Holy Week?!
Lakeside Little Theatre’s uber-ambitious production of “Superstar” brings us a hippie twist on the Passion Play and features some of Lakeside’s best voices.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyricist Tim Rice put out “Jesus Christ Superstar” as a concept album in 1970, hoping it would gain enough momentum to be staged as a musical. (Spoiler: it did, and the music of “Superstar” became pervasive in the 1970s.) Directors Ann Swiston and Dave McIntosh took a leap of faith in bringing such a large production to LLT’s relatively small stage—and the audience reaps the rewards.
It is astounding that a cast this large (as well as a six-piece band!) can fit onto the stage. At times, the scenes are so crowded with singers and dancers that the action is a bit confused and we are not sure where to look. Despite this crowding, the production numbers are BIG, gorgeous and they carry us away. Theater-goers are unlikely to escape without at least one song stuck in their heads.
The play, of course, covers the last week of Jesus’ life. From the first scene until the last, we are captivated by apostle Judas Iscariot (Luis Sánchez). The lead singer for Mariachi Real Axixic, Sánchez brings his impeccable showmanship to this role; he is a fabulous dancer and actor as well as an outstanding singer. Judas’ palpable struggle with his guilt is conveyed well. Other standouts in lead roles are Jesus Christ (Ken Turner), Mary Magdalene (Laura Medina) and Pontius Pilate (Timothy Johnson).
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.