This 90-minute, no-intermission Jesus Christ Superstar at Wharton Center packs a punch.
It’s labeled “50th Anniversary Tour” — perhaps because of Covid delays, since it was 1970 when I fell in love with the Andrew Lloyd
Webber/Tim Rice concept album; It opened on Broadway in 1971 — this was a time of questioning authority… and not trusting anyone over 30.
So, as an avowed skeptic of everything in those days, I related to Judas’s skepticism, “Jesus Christ, superstar, do you think you’re who they say you are?” The show features contemporary attitudes and ironic allusions to the pop-star culture, mob rule and politics that still influence our culture today — delivered with violent, passionate flair. The show may be 50-ish years old, but it resonates from Biblical times to the present.
Production values expressed this amorphous timelessness. The set was abstract, almost industrial looking with dramatic lighting that sometimes fanned out into the audience. The choreography was extremely expressive (Drew McOnie). The rock combo/orchestra was boxed upstage with powerful guitar (Isaac Helgestad) bass, drums and “electronic music design.” The rabble wore monochromatic, loose sweatpants-ish/toga//shawl clothes and the priests/politicians sported steam-punk-ish militaristic garb (and a fabulous golden cape outfit in the case of Herod, whose one comic number was well played by Erich W. Schleck.) (Hair and Costume design Tom Scutt)
Jack Hopewell was an expressive Jesus, ranging from angelic whispers to passionate screams. Judas (Elvie Ellis) was fantastic as well with powerhouse voice. These two seemed to have met their match, in many ways. Faith Jones was a touching Mary, singing the ever popular “I don’t know how to love him.”
If you’ve never seen Superstar, or even if you have, this is a wonderful opportunity continuing through June 18. Tickets at http://whartoncenter.com