- JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
- The Kauffman Center – Kansas City, Missouri
- March 29, 2022
I have a very special place in my heart for the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” I’ve had it since I was 13 years old when, while visiting my grandfather – who I called Bapa, which is now how my grandchildren refer to me – in Florida, I asked to go see the movie, which was playing at a nearby theatre. A quick phone call to my parents to make sure it was ok with them, and off I went. For those of you who may not have seen the film, I won’t let on how it ends. Let’s just say the ending haunted me on the way home and evolved into a long conversation with my Bapa. Years later I had the opportunity to see the show a couple of times with both Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson, who played Jesus and Judas, respectively, in the film. I was a guest backstage when I met both of them. I told Ted Neeley about my conversation with Bapa and his thoughts and kindness will remain with me for the rest of my life.
Rolling into Kansas City this week is the 50th Anniversary Tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and it is a fine addition to the show’s great history. A totally sung dramatization of the last week of Christ’s life, this production is very barebones, with an almost empty stage. Also, while normally presented in two acts, there is no intermission here. It’s a quick 80 minutes or so, but if you like to stretch your legs you’re out of luck.
The cast was excellent, both vocally and physically. There is a lot of dance and movement here and nobody missed a beat. Vocal standouts include Omar Lopez-Cepero (Judas), Jenna Rubaii (Mary) and Alvin Crawford (Caiaphas), whose amazing baritone shook the house. The score is one of the best ever written and the orchestra, perched high above the stage, was outstanding. Even the guys in the sound/light area could be seen grooving to the music.
The show continues in Kansas City at the beautiful Kauffman Center through Sunday, April 3rd. If you’ve never seen the show, I urge you to take a chance. If you have, see it again. You won’t be disappointed.
