Porthouse Theatre’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is heaven sent

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” began life as a concept album before hitting the West End Stage in 1970 and Broadway in 1971. The show was wildly popular grossing $237 million worldwide and held the record for longest running West End musical and Broadway musical until overtaken by a later Webber and Rice penned show (“Cats”).

The show is a sung through rock opera that is based on the Biblical accounts of what is known as “The Passion”. It deals more on a cerebral level rather than a spiritual level as it interprets the psychology of Jesus and the dissatisfaction of Judas as to the direction that the ministry has taken in regards to Roman rule.

From its first release as an album it has been embroiled in controversy. The hardcore Christians slammed it because of the fast and loose portrayal of Jesus as more man than God and the softening of the Judas character. The Jewish people take offense to the portrayal of the money changers in the temple as well as the priests and Pharisees.

No matter how one feels about the religious content of the show, most can agree on one thing...the music. It is a collection of 70s style hits that have proven themselves with the test of time. Even those who have never seen the show on stage are familiar with such hits as “What’s The Buzz”, “Everything’s Alright”, Hosanna”, “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” and of course “Superstar”. This production is the first offering of Porthouse Theatre’s 2024 season and is directed by Terri J. Kent.

It is the third year of the ministry of Jesus Christ (Enrique Miguel) who at age 30 went out into the world to preach his Heavenly Father’s doctrine of Love, Inclusion and Tolerance. Along the way Jesus has gathered a collection of twelve apostles to carry on his work once he is gone. Among these men is Judas Iscariot (Matthew Gittins) who is a worried man. He sees the followers of Jesus getting out of control and questioning the rule of the Roman Empire who deals with any sign of revolt with the harshest of means.

As they make plans to enter Jerusalem, Jesus tells his apostles not to worry about the future as Mary Magdalene (Madison Shannon), a former prostitute, tries to help Jesus relax. Judas sees Mary’s involvement as a threat as a relationship with a prostitute could be construed as inconsistent with Jesus’ teachings. Jesus scolds Judas saying not to judge unless he himself is free of sin. Jesus’s scolding then carries over to the apostles who Jesus feels has become lax in their worship. Judas is once again upset when Mary anoints Jesus with fine oil with money that could have been used to help the poor.

As this scenario is unfolding, Caiaphas (Collin Geter), the High Priest of Israel, gathers the Pharisees and priests who see Jesus as a threat to their livelihoods and that repercussions by the Romans could bring suffering to many innocent Jews, themselves included. The decision is made to help the Romans arrest Jesus and execute him.

Jesus and his followers arrive in Jerusalem to much clamor and are confronted by Caiaphas who demands that Jesus’ followers disperse before the local authorities notice. Simon the Zealot wants Jesus to lead the mob against Rome and gain absolute power but Jesus reminds him that his kingdom is not of the earth.

Pontius Pilate (Dante J.L. Murray), the governor of Judea, has a dream where he meets a Galilean and is then blamed for the man’s violent death at the hands of a mob. Jesus arrives at the Temple only to find it being used as a market place for the money changers and sellers of offerings. In a rage he drives everyone out. Jesus is then thronged by lepers who beg to be healed. When he is overwhelmed, Jesus rejects them and finds peace and comfort with Mary Magdalene.

A conflicted Judas, meanwhile, seeks out the Pharisees with a plan to arrest Jesus. He is paid thirty pieces of silver for his participation in the plot. At first, Judas refuses the money but at Caiaphas’s suggestion to use the money to help the poor he takes the offer.

As for the cast, they are for the most part terrific. Enrique Miguel as Jesus has an amazing vocal range that shakes the rafters. Matthew Gittins as Judas is definitely his equal as the two vocally spar. Madison Shannon has the bell clear voice that shines through with “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” that she makes her own. Collin Geter as Calaphas with his deep deep baritone stops the show with his rendition of “This Jesus Must Die”. Lastly, Dante J.L. Murray as Pontius Pilate does an over the top jazzy rendition of “Pilate and Christ” that literally stops the show. His huge exaggerated purple costuming only adds to the farce as he really belts out the song. The only complaint that could be made was with the ensemble that did not seem to be up to full voice that evening. These are songs that are sung with verve and gusto and I simply did not hear that energy.

Martin Céspedes’s choreography is sparkling and brilliant as always and a real asset to the show. Musical director Jennifer Korecki and her four fellow band members bring forth a lively sound that excites. Kakyung C. Seo’s lighting design sets the proper mood for each scene and Jeff Polunas sound design is crisp. Michelle Hunt Souza outfits everyone in what could be deemed modern/traditional garb that works well with the modern music. Lastly, Tony Hardin has built an impressive set design of huge pillars, stage, ramp and scaffoding that allows room for the intricate dance numbers.

It is summer and time for a theater picnic at Porthouse. In spite of the heat, the steady breeze in the pavilion kept temps tolerable during the show and what an exciting show it is. Buy tickets, invite your friends and bring a special array of food to enjoy before the show. Porthouse is a summer theater experience not to be missed.

The Porthouse Theatre production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be on stage in the Porthouse Pavilion located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center through June 29, 2024. For tickets and more information go to https://www.kent.edu/porthouse or call (330)-929-4416 or (330) 672-3884.