THEATRE RESPONSE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Today I attended the final performance of City Lights' Jesus Christ Superstar. I had some reservations about seeing it because JCS is a show that holds a special place in my heart (the production I was in at Broadway By The Bay probably kicked-started my theatre career) so I try not to see shows that have that special meaning and not to mention that the last time I went to see a performance of JCS at another theatre I left at intermission in disgust.

Happily, this was not the case with this production. Director Lisa Mallette has assembled a fine cast & exceptional leads and made great use of the small space. It was wonderful to see a lot of friends with whom I have worked with in the past in the show and of course they were all wonderful: Tomas Theriot, Ray Renati, Danny Harper, George S. Gemette, Raegena Raymond, Robyn Winslow and Shannon Stowe who also did a great job as choreographer.

All three of the leads were very worthy of their roles. My dear Jeanne Batacan-Harper (we've done three shows together) was a stunning Mary Magdalane and her rendition of "I Don't Know How To Love Him" brought tears to my eyes (the staging of the end of that song was simply beautiful.) The talented & gorgeous Adam Campbell was a terrific Judas - I have always known what a talented young man he is and it was wonderful to see him shine in this role. Adam & I used to work at Max's together and some of my favorite memories there are singing "Lily's Eyes" with him.

Kit Wilder holds a very special place in my heart. I played Herod opposite his Jesus six years ago and he also directed me in Anything Goes (It was almost like taking a master class in vaudeville comedy - my performance worked because of his patience & direction.) Going in to see the show I really didn't know if he would still have the chops to play this role - he completely blew me away with this honest & fresh interpretation of the role. Not only did he nail the music but his rendition of "Gethsemane" gave me the chills. The arc of emotions, the passion of his performance - a real tour-de-force performance. Bay Area Theatre critics are you listening? Give this man an award already!!

Speaking of chills, the 39 lashes scene was almost too real & violent to watch and it was truly chilling (the lady who sat next to me covered her face.) They pulled all the stops out with this show and that is why the production was as Lisa said before the show began at "101% capacity" It is great to see theatres taking risks - doing this monster piece in a small theatre with a huge cast was definitely a risk and the risk was well worth taking. I really loved the staging of the end of the show - after Jesus is crucified. It was visually stunning - the entire cast in candles holding vigil and in the back was Jesus who blows out the last candle. Just beautiful.

This was my first time seeing a show at City Lights and it certainly won't be my last. Their production of one of my favorite shows was well worth seeing and I was impressed (and trust me I don't ever just say that.) Bravo.