The University of Lethbridge brings Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s popular rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar to the stage just in time for Easter, though the timing is purely coincidental as is the musical’s proximity to its fiftieth anniversary.
The popular movie was released in 1973, though the musical was first performed in 1971.
Jesus Christ Superstar runs March 12-16 in University Theatre.
“The fact that is close to Easter was a serendipitous surprise,” said director Doug MacArthur.
“You need strong singers for this show,” MacArthur said.
“It’s a rock opera, so there is no dialogue. Everything is sung,” MacArthur said, adding he is pleased with the cast and crew, who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to the production.
“ It’s a big show,” MacArthur said, adding there are 25 cast members and 12 musicians, who have been rehearsing since Jan. 8.
The ranks of close to 50 people including backstage crew include University of Lethbridge music and drama students plus prominent community members including musical director Bente Hansen, Sandra Stringer and Jillian Bracken who plays Judas as well as choreographer Madisan Cowan from Van Dance and New West Theatre, plus Hootenanny veteran and assistant director Ahona Sanyal.
“ The show focuses on the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. It is somewhat narrated by Judas who becomes sort of a sympathetic character, as much as he can be,” he said.
“ I’ve always wanted to do a musical. Students love doing them,” MacArthur said, adding he can’t remember the University of Lethbridge putting on an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical during his tenure at the university.
“ It’s really exciting and spectacular. There has been a lot of student collaboration,” he said, adding working on a large scale musical like Jesus Christ Superstar is great experience for the students which translates well to the outside world.