by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
The Alhambra Dinner Theatre presents the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar now through June 1, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, and evening performances every night except Monday. Directed by Todd Booth and Choreographed by Conrad De’Andrea, principal players include Justin Murphy as Jesus of Nazareth, Davron S Monroe as Judas Iscariot, Michelle Berry as Mary Magdalene, and Tony Triano as Pontius Pilate. Other actors include Lee Hamby, Joshua Bond, Kenneth Uibel, Matthew Jay Campbell and Adam Daveline.
Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in l971 but it has a very unique beginning. First it was an album that sold more than two and a half million copies. The music, so extraordinarily vital and eclectic, was well received on stage and became a hit stage play before being made into a successful movie. Jesus Christ Superstar has become a true theatre classic.
Still widely produced all over the world, two approaches are commonly used in Superstar productions. One is done in modern dress, with black leather jackets or occasionally tie dye clothing, bellbottoms or tank tops, as Seaside Music Theater in Daytona did when they opened their new arts center with this show a few years back. The more popular versions use period clothing. Tod Booth’s version at the Alhambra is very traditional (thankfully), with the usual exceptions.
Jesus Christ Superstar retells the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth in several scenes. From being pursued by the priests and clearing the temple of merchants to being betrayed by Judas, the last supper, the arrest, the trial and the Crucifixion. This musical’s approach to the story of Jesus has always appealed to me because it does not focus so much on his divinity, rather it concentrates on the personalities of the people involved and their humaneness or lack of it.
Great singers! Director Booth has cast the best. Just look at the list of the principal characters. They all are marvelous singers. Booth has some of the supporting role doing mini solos, in some cases just one or two lines but enough to display their vocal talents. Davron Monroe’s Judas has an operatically trained voice and that is so versatile and powerful, he will send shivers up your spine. Lee Hamby sings wonderfully, and dresses campy in King Herod’s song, a real show stopper. The last song in the show Superstar is done night club style, with glittering clothing and flashy dancing.
I have seen Justin Murphy do this role of Jesus three times in the past 10 years. The last time was in a production at the Florida Theatre in l999, a show he produced. I wrote then that Murphy’s Jesus was picture-perfect and his voice and message still haunt me. I can say he is even better in the Alhambra version because of the intimacy of the theatre space. The audience can see and feel his every gesture and hear every marvelous song and even his whispers.
An open stage is used, with only a few props like small palms for the street scene and some merchandise for the temple market... Sixteen yellow panels against and around the back wall, frame the stage. My companion compared it to a halo; my interpretation was that is looks like a sunrise. John Renaud’s very effective lighting created many moods to enhance the stage action. The Alhambra has a new sound system and a new sound technician, Kasey Linsberg does an excellent job of mixing the voices so that you will hear every glorious word of every song.
I liked the costumes done by “the Costume Crew.” Especially effective were the priest’s attire that clearly let us know what has happening and why. I have already mentioned the razzle-dazzle costumes in two numbers. Wow they were eye-popping.
Rounding out this very talented and energetic cast and performing several supporting roles are David Sacks, James John Mitchell, Joshua Edwards, Conrad De’Andrea, Miranda Lawson, Kristen Owen, Andrew Daveline and Jeremy Williams.
Most of the audience seemed to be familiar with the music and for many it was a trip down memory lane. The story and the score are so mesmerizing; it is truly remarkable theatre experience for all ages and faiths. The audience can feel the enthusiasm and energy of this very strong ensemble of actors in what I consider one of the best productions I have seen of this unique musical. Don’t miss Jesus Christ Superstar, it is one of the best shows the Alhambra has ever done.
The Alhambra is located at12000 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville. Call 641-1212 for information and reservations.
Article Published in the April 2008 Issue of EU Jacksonville
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