“Jesus Christ Superstar” blows minds at Lyric Opera of Chicago
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” Jesus prayed on the cross. If there is a way to attract youth to the story of the final weeks of Jesus Christ, it is by bringing them to Lyric Opera of Chicago to see the Olivier award-winning London production of the iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The generation of baby boomers will enjoy it too, as the music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics by Tim Rice will sound familiar to them. Yet, this thrilling Lyric Opera premiere and North American premiere is nothing close to what they have seen before. Want to know why? Come to Lyric Opera of Chicago to see “Jesus Christ Superstar” live performances onstage now through May 20.
The spectacular Lyric Opera House has never experienced anything like this in its past, although rock music has been performed in the Lyric’s Ardis Krainik Theatre several times over the years. In the late 1960s, even famous Jimi Hendrix performed there, but all the previous performances of rock music have been commercial rentals by rock bands, not presented by Lyric. Mostly though, the elegant ornamentation of the auditorium, its exquisite ceiling and gorgeous seats are used to witnessing classical repertoire such as operas written by Verdi, Mozart, Gounod, Tchaikovsky, Bellini, Puccini and many other classical composers with opera singers demonstrating their academic manner of singing.
Lyric Opera has also been producing popular Broadway musical theater hits for six seasons already and has presented such iconic musicals as “Oklahoma,” “My Fair Lady,” “The King and I,” “Carousel,” and “The Sound of Music.” Yet, “Jesus Christ Superstar” differs from all these productions. Rock, gospel, folk and funk music, high-adrenaline revolutionary choreography, striking and industrial scenery, innovative staging, ecstatic lighting, and soft and draped costumes – all this explodes in one large modern production that tells the heart-breaking story of the last days of Jesus Christ that are seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Now, Lyric Opera House has seen everything.
“Up to now in our ‘Broadway at Lyric’ series, we have concentrated on American classics. This season, however, for the first time we are producing a work that didn’t originate in this country. It is also our first production of a rock opera – in fact, a work that was central to the whole idea of rock opera: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’” said General Director, President and CEO Anthony Freud and Chairman David T. Ormesher in their note about this production.
This groundbreaking production brings both tears and goosebumps at the same time. “Jesus Christ Superstar” has impressed its audiences for over forty years already since its outstanding world stage premiere at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York in 1971, and it has its own place in the history of popular and theatrical music. It exploded on stages all over the world with its revolutionary music, sound and lyrics. Now, this new riveting production demonstrates the twenty-first century version of this beloved iconic rock opera with an even more innovative level of creativity, inner freedom and musicality.
Produced by director Timothy Sheader, the artistic director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London, this production premiered there in 2016 and received the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical and the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The original creative team, including renowned conductor Tom Deering, Olivier Award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie, Tony Award-nominated set and costume designer Tom Scutt, and Olivier Award-nominated lighting designer Lee Curran, is also part of the Lyric Opera’s premiere and the North American premiere of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
However, the joint forces of the original team and Lyric Opera of Chicago, including its acclaimed Orchestra and Chorus, made this production even bigger than when it was first performed in 2016. You have to see this larger-than-life production, but before you do, look at these facts and numbers. They will tell you a lot even before you enter the doors of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Ready?
Lyric Opera’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” has: over 80 artists on stage; 9 principal artists; 39 ensemble members, with 13 of them being from the Lyric Opera Chorus; 37 musicians, with 31 members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and 6 in the rhythm section, including 2 keys, 2 guitar, 1 bass, and 1 drummer that are featured on stage and on set; 5 members of the creative team, direct from the award-winning London production for the North American premiere; 34 cast members making their Lyric debut, with 29 of them currently living in the Chicago area; 24 musical numbers; 3 principal actors playing guitar (Jesus, Peter and Pilate); 56 microphones used to amplify sound; 101 lights illuminating the 37 foot cross; more than 150 total costumes; King Herod’s gold cape that is 28 feet long; 112 pairs of sneakers in total for the cast; 7 full-sized trees; 90 pounds of gold confetti at every show; and 74 exclusive, front row seats built over the orchestra pit.
These facts and numbers sound really impressive; believe me, all this looks even more impressive on stage. The main role of Jesus Christ is performed by the extravagant and extremely talented performer Heath Saunders, who was most recently seen in NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” He made his Broadway debut in 2016 in the musical “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812” and is well-known at numerous prestigious theaters around the U.S. Saunders became a perfect fit for the role of Jesus Christ. With the almost unbelievable resemblance of his facial features to the iconic face of Jesus Christ and with his sensitive and extremely emotional presentation of Messiah, Saunders impressed the audience from the first moments of his appearance on the stage. His voice with a wide diapason, gentle, yet confident gestures, and incredible acting skills demonstrated the feelings and emotions that Jesus Christ went through during the last days of his life.
The production shows the final days of Christ through the eyes of his friend and greatest betrayer, Judas Iscariot, who is successfully portrayed by Georgia native soul musician Ryan Shaw. This internationally acclaimed performer has been previously seen in the role of Simon Zealotes in “Jesus Christ Superstar” by A to Z productions. However, his Judas on the stage of Lyric Opera is so convincing and intricate, that the music lovers who saw him in this role will now identify Shaw also as Judas from Sheader’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He found the best way to portray Judas, a tragic antihero dissatisfied with how Jesus is leading and spreading the Word of God. Judas’ complicated personality and controversial feelings are demonstrated by Shaw so vividly, that the audience feels almost sympathetic to Christ’s betrayer.
The role of Mary is brilliantly performed by Jo Lampert, a young singer, actress, and DJ. The focus of this production is on the extraordinary voices, and Lampert with her big bluesy voice is great in this role. Her modern and confident look creates a new perspective on the image of Mary, and this talented singer and performer applies an innovative way of demonstrating Mary’s touching and sincere personality by using outgoing presentation and expressive singing.
Each name on the cast is big and impressive. Governor Pilate is portrayed by internationally acclaimed singer Michael Cunio, the role of Apostle Simon Zealotes is performed by world-renowned singer and songwriter Mykal Kilgore, and the role of King Herod is portrayed by a California native musician and actor Shaun Fleming. The role of Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest who organized the plot to kill Jesus, is presented by world-renowned actor and singer Cavin Cornwall, who is reprising a portrayal seen at Regent’s Park in London and in the World Arena tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Among his other roles, Cornwall is also popular for his role of Captain Sidon Ithano from “Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens.”
The role of high priest Annas is brilliantly presented by young and talented performer Joseph Anthony Byrd, who has been seen on Broadway and at numerous prestigious theaters, and the role of Apostle Peter is successfully presented by outstanding actor Andrew Mueller, who comes from a successful family of actors. Many other great actors, performers, singers and dancers helped to make this production unforgettable.
The feeling that you have after attending Lyric Opera’s premiere of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is difficult to explain. So much to analyze, so much to remember, and so much to love about this outstanding production! “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” said Jesus on the cross. Lyric Opera of Chicago found a unique way to celebrate Jesus Christ, his life, his death, and his resurrection. And with God’s help, it is a success!
For tickets and information, please go to https://www.lyricopera.org/ or call 312-827-5600.
Natalia Dagenhart
Photo: Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg