Photo Gallery: “Jesus Christ Superstar” Opens Friday Night (3/31/22)

Thursday, March 31, 2022

DAR/Samantha Tucker

The Stage Company is delighted to present ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, which opens Friday night at the Method Playhouse. The show is a world famous mix of classic rock, gospel, funk and folk, centered on the last week of Jesus’ life. Director David Carroll described this as the largest and most complex production The Stage Company has ever mounted, featuring energetic dance numbers and lavish handmade costumes. “Everyone connected to this show has worked countless hours on every aspect,” Carroll said. “The set, props and costumers, primarily Greg Smith, Connie Taylor and Darrell Taylor, poured their heart and soul into this show. I have never worked with a set as perfect as this. It looks like a little corner of Jerusalem from 33 A.D. Probably 98% of the costumes were all handmade Performing a Christ-centric rock opera that omits the resurrection might seem like a controversial choice this close to Easter, but Carroll has explained that the musical is far from irreverent.”This show presents the last week of Christ’s life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot; not a reliable source. The resurrection is not shown because Judas was already dead when it happened. But there are little easter eggs throughout this point towards the incredible abilities of Christ,” he said. “Jesus Christ Superstar” performs at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st , April 2, 8 and 9, ending t on a morning at 3 p.m. on April 10. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. They are available in person at the door, at the First United Methodist Church office, and on The Stage Company’s website, pbstageco.com. The Method Playhouse is located on the lowest level of First United Methodist Church at 500 N. Main St. Key Drugs is the sponsor of this performance.

Judas Iscariot (Corey Butler), backed by a full ensemble, sings his heart out in “Superstar” and airs his lingering questions about Jesus Christ.
Jesus (Grant Widener) addresses a crowd during “Jesus Christ Superstar,” April 1-3 and 8-10.
A crowd begs Jesus (center, played by Grant Widener) for answers during “What’s the Buzz?”
The conflicted and ultimately treacherous Judas Iscariot is the main character of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. He is portrayed by Corey Butler.

Mary Magdalene (Hilary Lawson) has a conversion experience, symbolized by a white veil, during her solo “I don’t know how to love her”.
Pontius Pilate, played by Darryl Maples, ponders what his dream might mean in “Pilate’s Dream.”
Darrell Taylor as King Herod, left, mocks Jesus, played by Grant Widener, after his arrest in ‘King Herod’s Song’.
Caiaphas the High Priest, played by James Taylor, ponders what to do with Jesus in the song “This Jesus Must Die.”
The lively dance kicks off “Jesus Christ Superstar.”