ShowMag.com

Jesus Christ Superstar

By Kim Purdy

If you're looking for the Brady Bunch pop opera gone bad, Jesus Christ Superstar at the Wilshire Theatre is a must see. McCoy Rigby Entertainment in association with Terry Allen Kramer and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts modernizes the legendary Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera without motivation to back up the innovation. The modern concept might be successful if the ensemble cast were to develop a few acting skills. It is visually obvious that the casting director, Julia Flores cast the company merely on vocal talent.

For over thirty years since its first appearance on Broadway in 1971, Jesus Christ Superstar has been reproduced regularly around the world. It captures the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The journey begins in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and leads to the death at the hands of Pontius Pilate. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber shaped the musical with unforgettable score features. “What’s the Buzz,” “Everything’s Alright,” “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” and of course “Jesus Christ Superstar” are a few of the well-known songs.

Act I opens with the nebulous and perplexing Overture. Ensemble members appear onstage spray painting walls and running and hiding from the authority figures. It appears that they are trying to set up the story, but all of a sudden Jesus is being hung on the cross. Is this an overview in fast-forward of the show? Finally Lawrence Clayton, who portrays Judas, appears beneath the crucifixion and sings “Heaven on Their Minds.” He immediately sets up the bad habit that is painfully apparent in many of the performers: the use of indicative gestures. Along with the unconnected movements, other palpable flaws come from the ensemble members. Did anyone do their homework and research the Bible? They have a difficult task by telling the story only through song, therefore their actions must tell the story in aid with the lyrics to the songs. This is not accomplished in the production.

On the bright side, Stephen Breithaupt portrays the role of Pontius Pilate. He is by far the best actor that steps foot on the stage during the show. Eric Kunze is cast appropriately in the part of Jesus. Along with his vocal talent, he emits the energy needed to carry this large role. The relationship between Breithaupt and Kunze is emotionally powerful. Unfortunately, the connection between Jesus and Judas is ineffectual in Act I, which causes the betrayal to make no sense in Act II.

The modernization of Jesus Christ Superstar could be an up incoming idea. However, it is not effective in this particular production because the ensemble is inadequate in their acting abilities. It just goes to show how important it is for a singing/dancer to be able to act.

If you are looking for distinguished vocal work, I recommend you make room on your calendar for Jesus Christ Superstar, although, you will have to sacrifice the superb voices for the ensembles poor acting.

Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills. Tuesday through Friday performances are 8:00 p.m., Saturday performances are 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday performances are 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. Runs Now – Sunday, August 10, 2003. $42 - $67.