CENTERblog

Unlikely Combination of Rock Music and the Life of Jesus Takes Center Stage in Jesus Christ Superstar
by Ally Landis - South Anchorage High School/Alaska Pacific University

Rock music, Jesus, and a Broadway musical may seem like an unlikely combination, but it works in Jesus Christ Superstar. The musical is definitely different than any other, and it brings the story of Jesus into a modern day context with songs like “What’s the Buzz” and “Could We Start Again, Please.”

Tuesday night in the Atwood Theatre, the Anchorage Concert Association presented the musical, directed by Dallett Norris and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. The rock musical tells the story of “the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth."

Right away it is clear that this is a rock musical. The first scene opens with an electric guitar solo and a slow motion fighting scene followed by a powerful performance by James Delisco as Judas Iscariot.

Delisco did an excellent job of connecting with the audience and portraying Judas’ confusion and anger at Jesus, eventually leading him to betray Jesus. He had a commanding stage presence and the scene in which he hangs himself after betraying Jesus made the audience feel as though they too, were in anguish. On the other hand, Jesus, played by Tim Neeley, was hard to understand at times and his voice sounded a little off. At one part it sounded more like he was screeching than singing. But aside from some scratchy patches in his singing, Neeley’s performance brought the audience to its feet at the end of the performance and was especially powerful during the whipping scene. With each flinch and shriek of pain, Neeley convinced the audience of his role. The only part that seemed forced was during the crucifixion when after gasping “It is finished” several more gasps and shudders continued. Maybe he was dragging out the agony of the death, but it was unclear.

The scenery consists of the lighting effects, a curtain, and a fog machine but it works. With the lack of scenery, focus turns to the choreography. Choreographer Arlene Phillips did an exceptional job of matching the dance routines to the mood of each scene. During “Hosanna” blankets were used as props as the actors waved them around and during the temple scene with people selling all types of things (including themselves) a hanging curtain dropped down on them after Jesus rebukes them. But holes in the curtain allow for the actors to stick out their heads and cry out to Jesus. It was totally unexpected and a little odd to be honest, but it worked well with the song.

The music is powerful, loud, and moving and all the attention of the audience was on the characters, who succeeded in keeping the audience captive. There is something intoxicating about a live orchestra and seeing the life of Jesus acted out right before your eyes. This musical is definitely different, but well worth it. Parents should be warned that it might be too violent for children.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Anchorage Concert Association
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall