BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life will be resurrected by the Birmingham-Southern Department of Theatre in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” from April 9-13.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the rock musical has been performed worldwide since it first opened on Broadway in 1971. It earned five Tony Award nominations in 1972 and another Tony Award nomination for “Best Revival of a Musical” in 2000.
Updated to a post-apocalyptic future, the musical is set in the wake of a world that is completely broken and in desperate need of redemption. On one side there is religious order, and on the other side is the military—both vying to set the world according to their needs and desires. Suddenly a new leader, Jesus Christ, emerges and offers a new way toward redemption that is not based on law or violence.
In BSC’s production, junior theatre major Rich Bailey is in the title role of Jesus Christ. Senior musical theatre major Brooke Gronemeyer will portray Mary Magdelene. The cast of 25 also includes Barry Austin ’88 as Herod and Daniel Seigel ’02 as Caiaphas. Todd Underwood ’98 is choreographing the show and Brandon Robertson ’01 will serve as the musical director, conducting an orchestra of 11 musicians.
“Although the story focuses on the last week of Christ’s life, the protagonist of the musical is Judas,” Professor of Theatre Michael Flowers said. “It’s his story, or in our case, her story, as senior musical theatre major Giavonna Nappo will tackle the role.”
As a preview to the production, Flowers, the director, will present a Provost’s Forum entitled “I Don’t know How to Love Him: Judas and Jesus Have a Go in the Musical Jesus Christ Superstar,” on Tuesday, April 8, at 11 a.m. in the College Theatre/Mainstage. Participants will include Rev. Jack Hinnen, campus chaplain, and Dr. Amy Cottrill, BSC associate professor of religion. Selected scenes from the musical will be performed by the cast. That event is free and open to the public.
Performances will be held in the College Theatre/Mainstage:
April 9, 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m.
April 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for the general public; $10 for students.
Reserve your tickets by calling the Theatre Box Office at 226-4780.
Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 1-4:45 p.m.
