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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
The Alhambra Dinner Theatre presents the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ
Superstar now through June 1, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, and evening performances every
night except Monday. Directed by Todd Booth and Choreographed by Conrad De’Andrea, principal players
include Justin Murphy as Jesus of Nazareth, Davron S. Monroe as Judas Iscariot, Michelle Berry as Mary
Magdalene, and Tony Triano as Pontius Pilate. Other actors include Lee Hamby, Joshua Bond, Kenneth
Uibel, Matthew Jay Campbell and Adam Daveline.
Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in l971, but it has a very unique beginning. First it was
an album that sold more than two and a half million copies. The music, so extraordinarily vital and eclectic,
was well received on stage and became a hit stage play before being made into a successful movie. Jesus
Christ Superstar has since become a true theater classic.
Still widely produced all over the world, two approaches are commonly used in Superstar
productions. One is done in modern dress, with black leather jackets or occasionally tie dye clothing,
bellbottoms or tank tops, as Seaside Music Theater in Daytona did when they opened their new arts center
with this show a few years back. The more popular versions use period clothing. Tod Booth’s version at
the Alhambra is very traditional (thankfully), with the usual exceptions.
Jesus Christ Superstar retells the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth in several scenes.
From being pursued by the priests and clearing the temple of merchants to being betrayed by Judas, the
last supper, the arrest, the trial and the crucifi xion. This musical’s approach to the story of Jesus has
always appealed to me because it does not focus so much on his divinity, rather it concentrates on the
personalities of the people involved and their humanity, or lack of it.
Booth has cast the best. Just look at the list of the principal characters. They all are marvelous
singers. Booth has some of the supporting roles doing mini solos, in some cases just one or two lines, but
enough to display their vocal talents. Davron Monroe’s Judas has an operatically trained voice and that is
so versatile and powerful, he will send shivers up your spine. Lee Hamby sings wonderfully, and dresses
campy in King Herod’s song, a real show stopper. The last song in the show is done night club style, with
alhambra dinner theatre review by dick kerekes
glittering clothing and fl ashy dancing.
I have seen Justin Murphy play the role of Jesus three times in the past 10 years. The last time was
in a production at the Florida Theatre in l999, a show he produced. I wrote then that Murphy’s Jesus was
picture-perfect and his voice and message still haunt me. I can say he is even better in the Alhambra
version because of the intimacy of the venue. The audience can see his every gesture and hear his every
marvelous note and whisper.
An open stage is used, with only a few props. Small palms for the street scene and some
merchandise for the temple market as well as sixteen yellow panels against and around the back wall
frame the stage. My companion compared it to a halo; my interpretation was that it looks like a sunrise.
John Renaud’s very effective lighting created many moods to enhance the stage action. The Alhambra has
a new sound system and a new sound technician, Kasey Linsberg, who does an excellent job of mixing the
voices so that you will hear every glorious word of every song.
I liked the costumes done by “the Costume Crew.” Especially effective were the priests’ attire that
clearly let us know what has happening and why. I have already mentioned the razzle-dazzle costumes in
two numbers. Wow, were they eye-popping.
Rounding out this very talented and energetic cast and performing several supporting roles are David
Sacks, James John Mitchell, Joshua Edwards, Conrad De’Andrea, Miranda Lawson, Kristen Owen, Andrew
Daveline and Jeremy Williams.
Most of the audience seemed to be familiar with the music. For many it was a trip down memory
lane. The story and the score are so mesmerizing; it is truly remarkable theater experience for all ages and
faiths. The audience can feel the enthusiasm and energy of this very strong ensemble of actors in what I
consider to be one of the best productions of this musical. Don’t miss Jesus Christ Superstar, it is one of
the greatest shows the Alhambra has ever done.
The Alhambra is located at 12000 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville. Call 641-1212 for information and
reservations.
theatre & culture | eujacksonville.com | MAY 2008
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