Sold-out Jesus Christ Superstar brings unique features to Theatre Woodstock stage

The large cast of Theatre Woodstock’s Jesus Christ Superstar is divided between a chorus of singers and an ensemble of dancers. (Emily Stewart photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Theatre Woodstock’s take on beloved musical Jesus Christ Superstar is already a smash hit – and it’s still in rehearsals.

The performance, which will run at the Market Centre Theatre between Feb. 19 and March 1, is virtually sold out of both its initial and extended runs. Only wheelchair and specifically designated seats are available, and inquiries can be made to the Theatre Woodstock box office by calling 519-537-2582.

The rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, examines the struggles in the relationships between Jesus, his followers and disciples, Judas, Mary Magdalene, and the Roman Empire. Jesus Christ Superstar has been watched and celebrated by many for more than 50 years.

"It's a big-name production and it's a big cast, so there's been a lot of word of mouth, which has filled the seats, and I'm excited that that many people will see it because I think it's going to be different,” said Director Tanya Thompson.

The cast of 50 performers is split into two groups of singers and dancers. The 25-person chorus will sing in the bleachers on stage as the dancers perform.

When Thompson was part of her high school’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar at 15-years-old, there were also separate groups of singers and dancers. She liked the approach and wanted to bring it to Theatre Woodstock.

“In order to give the vocals justice, not requiring that singer to also be in movement allows them to give a really stellar vocal performance, and the fact that the dancer isn't required to sing means that they get to give a really stellar dance performance,” she explained.

“So, I kind of see it as the best of both, but some people might consider this to be more of a rock ballet rather than a rock opera in the sense that the dancers are front and center."

The curtains have also been removed from the stage so the dancers could maximize the space. The upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar will take place in modern times, with characters struggling with issues such as addiction and houselessness, and a graffiti artist is creating set pieces for a back alley.

"We're making a few political statements as we go,” said Thompson.

Jesus Christ Superstar has been a collaborative effort between on-stage and off-stage players, with Thompson crediting choreographer Lara Larmour for shaping the production.

“She really had her work cut out for her, and then we've had cast members have ideas. Even the graffiti artist had a great idea yesterday for something that hadn't occurred to me, so we're going to work that into the show,” she said.

“So, I do like a collaborative approach and I think we’ve really accomplished that here. I want to think that all of the performers here feel that they have an investment and that they can make suggestions and that they can try them out, and everybody feels a little more invested that way."

More information about additional events at Theatre Woodstock can be found at https://theatrewoodstock.com.