If you’ve ever gone to a concert by a favorite artist and left disappointed because the live music was unrecognizable, you will appreciate the energetic loyalty of Stray Dog Theatre’s Jesus Christ Superstar. The production manages to be both innovative and faithful to Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original rock opera, which is sure to warm the hearts of theatergoers who have loved it for nearly five decades. Stray Dog’s version is an enjoyable double trip back in time, both to the period of Jesus’ death and to the restless, radical ’70s when the musical first appeared.
The show is performed entirely in song, with costuming and makeup that are edgy and modern but still capture the spirit of the 2,000-year-old story. I was very impressed by Omega Jones in the title role and Heather Matthews as Mary Magdalene—both offer heart-wrenching performances with powerful vocal work. Phil Leveling’s Judas Iscariot is just as tormented and emotionally conflicted as you would want a scheming traitor to be, and the casting of a woman (Lavonne Byers) as the sardonic Pontius Pilate is inspired. Jon Hey appears as the high priest Caiaphas, and his startlingly deep, ominous voice recalls that of Victor Brox from the original 1970 recording.
The ensemble delivers in both vocals and choreography, creating an atmosphere of mass confusion and loud outcry that is mesmerizing. They stomp, pound the floor with wooden staffs and sing while moving through the audience, conveying the story’s frenzied mob mentality and the crowd’s mocking attitude toward Jesus. And the set is striking—much of the action and dance take place on a harrowingly steep stairway, which perfectly captured the precarious nature of Jesus’ last days on earth.
There are other captivating details as well. I enjoyed the symbolism in one scene where the set is illuminated only by a dim blue wash and artificial candles that are extinguished one by one. The effects, staging and talent add up to a memorably avant-garde theater experience in the century-old Tower Grove Abbey. Director Justin Been, music director Jennifer Buchheit and choreographer Mike Hodges have created an atmosphere that grabs the senses in equal measure.
And the songs speak for themselves: “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz” and many others had audience members singing along. Recalling the lyrics and melodies was easy after all of these years, simply because they are such classics. It was truly satisfying to see this company of players do them great justice.
upcoming shows
» torn asunder | through april 29
The Black Rep’s production about African-Americans overcoming 19th-century slavery
» an evening with audra mcdonald: songs from american music theater | may 6
Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning soprano performing stage favorites at The Touhill Center
» the phantom of the opera | May 9-20
A lavish new production of the classic musical at The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Photo: John Lamb