Berkshire on Stage

The Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice Tony nominated rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar is the fourth glorious musical of the Mac-Haydn Theatre season. Originally performed on Broadway in 1972, this musical, loosely based on the Gospel of Matthew has enjoyed many revivals with classic songs that cemented the careers of Webber and Rice. The summer stock Mac-Haydn company is all a buzz, showing us how to love this rock opera again.

A striking opening number is critical in setting the tone for this well-known musical. Watching the energy and talent of almost the entire cast as they bound on the stage from all directions singing and dancing, captures the heart of the audience. Told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot (Jacob Atkins) in the last week of Jesus Christ’s (Jared Goodwin) life, we see the self-righteousness, greed and ultimate remorse and guilt of Judas. We witness the disciples of Jesus glorify and idealize him as he encourages a life of compassion and forgiveness.

At the same time, we hear from the Priests who fear that Jesus and his followers will be a threat to the Romans and the Jews, and they order his execution. They ask Judas to be the one who will betray Jesus and let them know where he can be found. Judas agrees that Jesus is a threat to the Roman Empire and takes the 30 pieces of silver from the Priests as his reward.

Judas warns Jesus of consorting with Mary Magdalene (Cydney Gleckner), a known prostitute, whose values might be inconsistent with his teachings. Famously, Jesus questions whether he or others are without sin and, therefore, not deserving of care and friendship.

Mary tries to reassure Jesus that ‘Everything’s Alright’ following his being besieged by lepers begging for a cure. She further comforts him as he sleeps, while admitting her love, singing the famous ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him.’

Everyone knows how this story ends, as amusingly pointed out by one of the ushers during intermission. Unlike Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell, however, which also premiered in the early 70s, Jesus Christ Superstar focuses on more of the political scene of the early Roman Empire and Jesus’s detractors.

But, the music is EVERYTHING! The voices of Goodwin and Atkins playing Jesus and Judas soar through the rafters. Goodwin displays incredible range with a falsetto that won’t quit. Both hold notes and our attention until we wonder how they have anymore breath. When they sing together, the stage is on fire.

Tristan Caldwell returns to the stage as Pontius Pilate. His deep voice and commanding presence singing ‘Pilate’s Dream’ only accent the conflicts he has confronting Jesus. His questionable costume: a plaid kilt and a long cape, are a slight distraction in an otherwise beautifully attired cast by Costume Designer, Sam Landy. Landy mixes it up with inventively period appropriate garb for the Priests to disco clothing worn by Judas and the Soul Girls during ‘Superstar.’

Gleckner also has a lovely voice and moving moments in her role as Mary Magdalene. Director John Saunders inventively adds the role of The Guide, played by dancer, Fiona Phelps to this production. Dressed in a black unitard, she glides, writhes, and dances, always behind Judas, sometimes watching from the railings in the audience and a small roof over a door. A cat-like figure, she perhaps represents the Devil motivating Judas to betray Jesus.

Speaking of dance, Choreographer Kaitlyn Frank is privileged to work with universally outstanding dancers using complicated choreography requiring tremendous rhythm, grace, and stamina. Furthermore, on a relatively small stage, this large cast moves effectively, allowing the audience on all three sides to experience their energy and talent.

Only one member of the Disciples is a senior amongst all these college-age actors. Mikel Hunter easily moves with the group and also plays King Herod singing ‘Herod’s Song.’ Taunting Jesus with “Prove to me that you’re divine; change my water into wine,” he is amusing. But, his voice cannot compare with the strength of Goodwin and Atkins.

The scene prior to the devastating crucifixion of Jesus being flogged with 40 lashes is brutal to witness. In a generally family friendly show, these are among the dark moments.

As always, Saunders directs the cast using the entire theater. The set by Scenic Designer Emma Cumings is simple with multiple black platforms at various heights. The backdrop in black and gold appears to be an eye with rays suggesting a sun. Tiny star lights are throughout the theater. In general, the lighting is dark and it always feels like evening. Lighting Designer, Andrew Gmoser is less effective in keeping the performers in the light.

While the voices and the band, under Music Director Alex Franklin can be heard perfectly, Sound Designer Sean McGinley experiences some hiccups with static during this performance.

Playing to a packed full-house, Jesus Christ Superstar is electrifying at the Mac-Haydn, over 50 years since it opened on Broadway. Everything’s more than alright on the stage. Make sure you get a seat.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, directed by John Saunders, runs July 24-August 3 at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, 1925 State Route 203 in Chatham, NY. CAST: Jared Goodwin as Jesus, Jacob Atkins as Judas, Cydney Gleckner as Mary Magdalene, Tristan Caldwell as Pontius Pilate, Mikel Hunter as King Herod, Fiona Phelps as The Guide, Anthony Michael Velez as Simon, Logan Pavia as Peter, Aryell Beaulieu-Shaffer as Caiaphas, Riley Finn as Annas, Amelia Barr, Belle Babcock, and Kendall Stewart as the Soul Girls, Kevin Weldon and Hedwyn Lamy as the Priests, Jack Dossett, Jonah Hale, Alex Agaliotis, Diego Ramirez, Spencer Stanley, and Jack Iovanella as the Disciples. CREATIVE TEAM: Costume Designer Sam Landy, Scenic Designer Emma Cummings, Lighting Designer Andrew Gmoser, Sound Designer Sean McGinley, Hair and Make-Up Designer Anjewel Lenoir, Choreographer Kaitlyn Frank, Music Director Alex Franklin.

Performance Details:
Jesus Christ Superstar
July 24, 2:00 & 8:00pm; July 25, 8:00pm; July 26, 4:00pm; July 27, 2:00 & 7:00pm; July 30, 2:00pm; July 31, 2:00 & 8:00pm; August 1, 8:00pm; August 2, 4:00 & 8:00pm; August 3, 2:00 & 7:00pm
Mac-Haydn Theatre, 1925 NY-203, Chatham, NY
Tickets available at www.machaydntheatre.org or by calling the box office at (518) 392-9292