Jesus Christ Superstar

Performances

May 12-13, 18-21, 25-27, 2000

Venue

Community Players Theatre

Synopsis

The final days of Jesus Christ leading up to his crucifixion are seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas, in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera. It seems especially fitting that one of the first rock operas to be created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent ’60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus’ meteor-like rise provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ’s final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, “Jesus Christ, Superstar,” illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice

Historian’s Corner

Closing out the 77th season was the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The show featured a cast of 40 and an orchestra of 40 members. The show had a high-tech, modern dress, and rock concert approach. Four television monitors were mounted on each side of the proscenium. These monitors displayed song titles, credits and various videos. Mounted on a rear track of the stage was a scrim that also projected these images. The show received high praise for the 21st century approach to this rock opera. On the inside back two pages of the program were listed the shows of the 2000-2001 season for the Community Players.