Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Kimmel Cultural Campus now until May 7th. This is a full on musical experience. If you have never been to a musical this is the one to attend. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Here are a few things to do as you attend the showing. Jesus Christ Superstar is unlike anything I have ever seen. You get to see the humanity of Christ and more. The singing will take you to church with a rock background and I loved it.
Before you go to See Jesus Christ Superstar
The show is only 90 minutes long with no intermission. With that being said, it is imperative that you are in your seats as it starts. This is not the production to arrive late to. It will be on time and there are actors that are coming down the aisle. For your and their safety, keep the aisles completely clear. The show is a show for all ages. The younger the audience member will increase the questions. Like most shows at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, there is an onsite bar and souvenir shop. My suggestion is to get the Superstar Sangria. It is a red sangria but definitely tasty. Bring your Kimmel Cultural Campus cup with you to save money on having to purchase another. I did have a few friends who had a brush up on the people surrounding Jesus.
The production does presume that the patron understands at best the basic story. However if you aren’t aware-you do see and understand the sentiment. This is the 50th anniversary of the show. It was still my first time attending. I will admit when I first heard about the show in high school and college I didn’t desire to see it because I thought it would be sacrilegious. I was most definitely and happily wrong.
Judas-Main Character Energy in Jesus Christ Superstar
The musical follows the perception of the last weeks of Jesus’s life through his eyes. As we know him to be a traitor and one of the most disliked disciple we do get a chance to see his perspective. It’s the real WWJD (what would Jesus do) moment. We know from the Bible that Judas didn’t do what Jesus would have done. From the first note that Elvie Ellis sang I had to question why I liked Judas so much. As a kid I was always taught that Judas was selfish but that his presence in Jesus life was what it was supposed to happen. Elvie Ellis doesn’t hold back om his ability to captivate the audience.
Personally I was blown away. Every time he was on the stage he had my attention. One of the best dynamics of the play was the battle that Jesus had within himself and his dynamic with Judas. Jesus knew he would be turned in by Judas but allowed love to rule him. The biggest battle that took place was the comfort that the Angel played by Faith Jones brings to her comfort of Jesus.
Faith Jones as Mary
The power of her spirit. All of the reminders that regardless of how things appeared-it was going to work out for Jesus. I was touched by Faith’s voice as well. The entire Ensemble had enormous talent. Faith, was perfection. Her voice was melodic. One thing about a musical is that the actresses get to play parts by using their gift of song. Faith really hit it home for me was Everything is Alright. It took me back to church.
Jack Hopewell as Jesus
Philadelphia University of the Arts graduate, Jack played Jesus as if it was his role before he came into the world. I enjoyed him. I purposely let my review of Jesus go last. His vulnerability at the right times that the audience needed it was absolute perfection. We tend to forget that as much as Jesus was and is a religious symbol, he was very much human. The real emotions that we experience albeit it real and valid doesn’t absolve us and neither did it absolve Jesus. Strength as he took on saving humanity from ourselves.
Production of Jesus Christ Superstar
The set was glorious. The way in which the scenes always has someone on the cross and emotions are portrayed definitely wasn’t done without intent. The audience is reminded that Jesus’s death is on its way. In the death is also life. Do you have to a Preacher’s Kid or a religious buff to understand the show? No. You will get the essence in every song that is sung. Emotions are universal. Jesus Christ Superstar has such star studded power behind it all. This is a great show to have the family experience. There are scenes that are depicted but not gruesome in any way. It’s understood what is happening without it. Thank you to Carole Morganti, Bryan Buttler of Butterl Media Relations, Allied Global for sending me treats, and last thank you to every Ensemble member, actor/actresses and more for having me.
Jesus Christ Superstar is only here until his Sunday. Tickets are now available.
