Frank Stanko Culture, Local, News

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ opens in Three Rivers next Friday

Jesus (Jacob Huff, center), surrounded by apostles in 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' From left, Kara Smith, Lana Braden, Paul Snyder, Sophie Niec-Clapp, Morgan Smith, and Sandy Tarnowski. (Photos by Frank Stanko|Watershed Voice)

Nothing tops “Jesus Christ Superstar” for Chad VanderMei. VanderMei said he has known the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical since childhood.

After seeing a touring production at age 3, VanderMei would constantly listen to the cast album and dream about how he could put on his own show.

“I want to direct it. I want to play the bass in the band for it. I want to play Jesus. I want to play Judas. I want to play Peter. I want to play Annas. I want to do the show six or seven times in my life, but I don’t know if that’s going to be possible,” VanderMei said.

Judas (Kate Louise) and Jesus (Jacob Huff), foreground center, are in confrontation. They’re watched by, from left, Sandy Tarnowski, Spencer Taylor, Morgan Smith and Emily Burns; upper level, Kara Smith, Aster Smith, Jonathan Talmadge, and River Jackson; and lower level, Eathan Bingaman, Kenna Burlingham, and Lana Braden.

The Three Rivers Community Players’ “Jesus Christ Superstar,” directed by VanderMei, premieres next week. It has 7:30 p.m. performances on Friday, October 11 and 18, and Saturday, October 12 and 19. If you prefer your theatre a little earlier in the day, there will also be 2 p.m. showings Saturday, October 12 and 19, and Sunday, October 13 and 20. The musical will be performed at 15526 Millard Rd. in Three Rivers. Admission is $18 for students and seniors, and $20 for adults. Tickets can be purchased here.

“I hope that audiences will come with an open mind to hear a different side of a classic story,” said Jacob Huff, who plays Jesus. “I hope they can leave with a new understanding of human emotion. I feel like that’s what this show really touches upon, these divine proceedings that really touch upon the apostles and all of humanity in a meaningful way.”

Jesus (Jacob Huff, front right) sings as he’s watched by followers, from left, Sandy Tarnowski, Kate Louise, Emily Burns, and Morgan Smith.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” includes music like the title song, “Heaven on Their Minds,” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” The latter is sung by Kenna Burlingham, who plays Mary Magdalene.

“I’m just so excited to sing such a beautiful ballad and just to bring to life this character that everyone seems to know and connect with,” Burlingham said.

Burlingham, Huff, and Kate Louise, who plays Judas, each said rehearsals are allowing for teamwork and camaraderie.

“There’s a lot of room for us to create our own characters and make our own choices,” Louise said. “It’s very collaborative. Everyone is very dynamic. There’s a lot to work with in how we want to play the scenes and how we want to play off of each other.”

From left, River Jackson, Jacob Huff, Morgan Smith, Kara Smith, and Sophie Niec-Clapp; upper level, Jonathan Talmadge and Lana Braden.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” also features August Gallagher, Laura VanderMei, River Jackson, Morgan Smith, Eathan Bingaman, and Jonathan Talmadge. The ensemble includes Disco Metheany, Kara Smith, Lana Braden, Sophie Niec-Clapp, Sandy Tarnowski, Danelle Sturdy, Aster Smith, Emily Burns, Jacob Talmadge, Paul Snyder, Spencer Taylor, and Aaron Smith.

“I have to give kudos to the ensemble. They are working their tails off on this show. Kudos to them for being able to do that, because you get to watch that every night, and you get to be in the spirit of being here and telling the story. It’s a story of turmoil and love, and there’s so many ranges of emotions in the show. I give kudos to the company for giving me the kind of spirit that I need to be here every night,” Burlingham said.

VanderMei said he wants the “Jesus Christ Superstar” audience to expect great vocal performances and acting.

“I want them to take away that people are people, no matter what time period they’re in,” he said. “The people in Jerusalem the week that this happened … People were the same as they are now. The people in power were the same as they are now. The people fighting against tyranny were the same as they are now, and the battlefield has changed. It’s not really a message I wanted to hit hard, necessarily, but it’s true. It’s what’s being told. It’s what’s emerging from the way that I see it in my head.”

“Jesus Christ Superstar” features violence, including crucifxion and suicide. The show is presented by an arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group.

Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.