Fort Peck brings “Jesus Christ Superstar” to the stage
Published: July 20, 2008
The Fort Peck Summer Theatre closes out the musical portion of its summer season with the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The musical that launched Webber and Rice's careers along with a new era in musical theatre runs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays at the Fort Peck Summer Theatre near Glasgow.
The show, which ironically made the team "superstars," continues to stir emotions and passionate feelings that it garnered at its premiere. This human telling of the last days of Jesus debuted as a concept album in 1970, topping the American pop charts, and was produced on Broadway in 1971 starring Ben Vereen as Judas. In 1973, a film was made of the work, and the musical was revived on London's West End in 1996 and brought to Broadway in 2000.
Webber's score for Jesus Christ Superstar features a number of well-known hits, including "I Don't Know How To Love Him," "Hosanna," "Heaven On Their Minds," and the title song, "Superstar." Mixing a broad range of rhythmic forms, the music is both haunting and eminently hummable.
Rice's libretto is startlingly contemporary and presents a Jesus who seems equally as human as he is divine.
The theatricality inherent in the musical is an element that choreographer Erika Anderson wanted to highlight along with the universality of the story. "In our production a contemporary audience will be viewing an ancient story,” she says. The set, lighting and costumes “join together to help bring different views and faiths to the musical. We want to honor and accept everyone’s religious beliefs and views of this wonderful musical telling of Christ’s life." The production is directed by Scott McGee and Dan Connors is music director.
Starring in the title role of Fort Peck Summer Theatre’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is artistic director Chris Kristant. Playing his tortured friend and ultimate betrayer Judas Iscariot is professional company member Shane Christopher. Mary Magdalene will be performed by Catherine Birdsong.
The musical also marks the return of long-time Fort Peck veteran and crowd favorite Ryan Grigg, who hams it up as the buffoonish King Herod in a show-stopping number. Glasgow resident Brad Persinger acts and sings a pivotal role as High Priest Annas.
as the Apostle John.
For reservations or ticket information, call 406-526-9943 or visit www.fortpecktheatre.org.
