WaterTower Theatre presents Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics by Tim Rice

Directed by Natalie King

Music Directed by Cody Dey

Choreographed by Kelly McCain

Production Stage Manager Dwight Sandell

Asst Stage Manager Rebecca Bongiorno

Fight Choreographer Jeffrey Colangelo

Scenic Design Kennedy Kae Styron

Lighting Design Aaron Johansen

Sound Design and Engineer Mark Howard

Costume and Prop Design Megan A. Liles

Musicians

Cody Dry Conductor and Piano

Vonda K. Bowling Keys 2

Brittany Hart Bass

Kami Lujan Drums

Jesse Ramirez Guitar

Keyboard Programming by Matthew J. Pool

Pit Singers

Kirsten Carty

Brayden Allen

Cast

Christopher J. Deaton

Feleceia Wilson

Caitlin Chapa

Jason Hallman

Anthony J. Ortega

Nikka Morton

John-Michael Marrs

Nijel Smith

Ellen Eberhardt

Kevin Davis, Jr.

Mikki Hankins

Aren Hugo

Spencer Laboda

Johanna Nchekwube

Lisette Sandoval Perez

Daniel Vanegas

My thoughts on Jesus Christ Superstar or…Everything’s alright here

The set is the first thing you will notice upon entering the auditorium for JCS It’s a huge two story set by Kennedy Kae Styron with precipitous looking steps in the center and a ladder that also leads to the second story on stage right. This is a cold, imposing, almost threatening looking Roman building softened by Aaron Johansen’s lighting that bathes the building in pastels. Indeed it is color that stands out to me most in this JCS. The colors of the costumes designed by Megan A. Liles swirl like watercolors being mixed especially when moving to Kelly McCain’s fluid choreography. And this all serves to mirror Director Natalie King’s wonderfully diverse cast whose color and gender are completely irrelevant to this story of the final week of the life of Jesus.

Cody Dry’s marvelous band draws us quickly into the chaos of the time and having Jesse Ramirez step out on stage to play the foreboding guitar solo is a harbinger that this JCS is going to be unlike others. This JCS is driven by the sheer power of the voices and performances of the cast and by King’s fresh look at the familiar material.

Appreciation of those powerful voices must start with the incredible Christopher J. Deaton as Judas whose voice could probably put a few cracks in a pillar or two. However, it is the emotion behind that voice brings out all the conflict and torment of the character and creates true sympathy for the most notorious traitor of all time.

I have no idea how many productions of JCS I have seen in the past, but I have never seen a portrayal of Jesus that touched me more greatly than that of the lovely voiced Feleceia Wilson. Wilson’s Jesus is a living, breathing, thinking human who is sometimes bewildered by all that is going on around him. Wilson is so expressive that the confusion and concern on her face gave me the uncanny feeling that I could see inside the mind of her Jesus. Her frightened, questioning interpretation of “Gethsemane” is remarkable.

Judas and Jesus are more than ably supported by an outstanding ensemble of actor/singer/dancers. Caitlin Chapa brings a tenderness to Mary and her “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a plaintive plea that puts a new spin on one of the most well-known songs of the show. Jason Hallman’s impossibly low bass notes make his Caiphas distinct and amazing to hear. Anthony J. Ortega’s Annas showcases his tremendous tenor and both he and Hallman look resplendent in their priestly robes. The exciting Nikka Martin gives a gospel flavor to her solo as Simon that made the audience roar in appreciation. John-Michael Marrs, also a wonderful singer, is a commanding presence as Pilate, towering over the audience and later descending to confront Jesus. Nijel Smith is an impressive and appealing Peter. Smith has both the vocal and acting chops to be a leading man. Ellen Eberhardt brings some much-needed comic relief to the show as Herod and pulls out all the stops in her hilarious campy romp.

The remainder of the dynamic ensemble play multiple roles and keep this JCS constantly thrilling to watch. They include Kevin Davis, Jr., who is one of DFW’s most versatile performers and serves as Dance Captain here, MIkki Hankins, Aren Hugo, Spencer Laboda, Johanna Nchekwube, Lisette Sandoval Perez, and Daniel Vanegas.

One of the great aspects of attending theater as often as I do is witnessing how a talented director such as King can bring an original interpretation to material that is so ingrained in the culture. King’s Jesus Christ Superstar feels new, novel, and relevant. Everything’s alright at the WaterTower.