Jesus Christ Superstar cast members: Debi Ballas as Mary Magdalan, Roy Lewis as Jesus (lower right), and Justin Molde as Judas. Photo by Bob Rives/Staff

Players put life of Christ to music in Jesus Christ Superstar

  Event information

Web-posted September 26, 1996

By Lori Wiechman
Staff Writer

Critics and fans of Jesus Christ Superstar may be unfamiliar with the first scene of the Augusta Players' latest production.

That is when bewildered townspeople in the hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical see a white cloth draped over a cross, which symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. After a few minutes, the translucent scene becomes a party, with the group dancing to fast music.

The resurrection symbolism is not used in many versions of the passion play turned rock opera, but production director Richard Justice saw a need for its inclusion.

``I knew that was a major problem for some people, so I went ahead and included it,'' he said.

It's just one of several twists Mr. Justice is giving the 27-year-old rock opera. The Augusta Players' production opens tonight at the Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St. A cast of 39 actors and four dancers is backed by an orchestra and rock band.

Jesus Christ Superstar cast members: Justin Molde as Judas, left, and Roy Lewis as Jesus. Photo by Bob Rives/Staff

The play is the story of Jesus (played by Roy Lewis) as seen through the eyes of Judas (played by Justin Molde).

The most notable difference from the 1969 Broadway production is in casting, with several male roles played by women in the Players' production.

``He's doing very nontraditional casting,'' said Dee Dee Holmes, who plays ,} a high priest. ``(This will be) something they've never seen before in Augusta. It's a very well cast production. ... It's like a mini-Broadway.''

Jesus Christ Superstar cast members in scene from Harod's Dream: clockwise from lower left: Frieda Kipar, Johnnesha Sriggles, Kelly Jacobs, Peri McCray. In center is Jeff Pullium.Photo by Bob Rives/Staff

The story is told through songs, including the dance-beat tune, What's the Buzz? the loud chant song Hosanna! and the jazzy song This Jesus Must Die, which the high priests sing in an aggravated tone. All the songs are packed with metaphors and biblical parables.

The music has aged well, according to Mr. Justice. ``I think it's very today-sounding,'' he said. ``It's a beautiful piece of music.''

The Players give more of a Broadway flavor to what was originally a rock opera. Only the role of Judas required a rocker vocal delivery.

``It lends itself to either way of singing, but we have the voices to do it naturally,'' Mr. Justice said.

On stage
What: Jesus Christ Superstar When: 8 tonight and Saturday, 3 p.m. SundayWhere: Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St.
How much: $13-17 adults, $15 for 65 and older and $8 for 12 and younger.
Phone: 826-4707