The number of people involved with a production of Jesus Christ Superstar” easily goes into triple digits. Featuring a cast of 75 people, about 20 in the orchestra and 30 backstage and in the rafters, the production started last night at Central Christian Center and runs until this weekend.
The production is sponsored by Joplin Area Catholic Schools and TouchPoint Autism Services.
Director Lola Wade said the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera has been updated for technology. Characters carry iPods and cell phones and wear modern clothing. And Judas rides a killer motorcycle.
Only the character of Jesus, played by Aaron Hight, of Riverton, Kan., remains in biblical clothing, Wade said.
I loved that symbolism,” said Wade, who also leads McAuley High School’s theater department. Jesus is the same 2,000 years ago as he is today. His principles apply today like they did then.”
Judas’ role
One of the more compelling aspects about this particular passion play, Wade said, was the unique role of Christ’s legendary betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Depending on which of the Gospels a reader refers to, Judas worked with the Romans and identified Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
After the play’s Broadway debut in 1971, some religious groups accused it of sacrilege — particularly over the omission of Jesus’ resurrection. Others didn’t like how Judas seemed like a sympathetic character instead of a craven coward — this is the guy directly responsible for Jesus’ capture and eventual death, after all.
Though the name of the play is Jesus Christ Superstar,” it is Judas who leads the opening number.
This Judas is very angry,” Wade said. He knows from the beginning that he has been picked for something, but doesn’t understand why Jesus won’t listen.”
In Superstar,” Judas gets a closer relationship to the son of God. Judas, who is the group’s money keeper, is given a chance to be critical of Jesus — particularly over the money used to buy of some ointment, which Judas said should be used to help the poor.
As the disagreements grow, and Jesus’ apparent infatuation with Mary Magdalene increases, Judas seeks out priests and eventually turns on Jesus, in order to help even more charities.
Reference: http://www.joplinglobe.com/enjoy/local_story_085132219.html?keyword=topstory
