JC Superstar opens tonight

Pontius Pilate (Paolo Dottori) holds Jesus Christ (Jim Harney) during the number Trial Before Pilate/Superstar.

What's the buzz … Tell me what's a-happening
What's the buzz … Tell me what's a-happening …

Well the buzz right now is all about Dreamcoat Fantasy Theatre’s “Adult” production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The musical, which opens Wednesday November 9th at 7:30pm at the Capitol Centre, is described as a loose account of Jesus' (played by Jim Harney) last week of life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not depicted in the Bible.

Director Al MacAskill and his accomplished cast have taken the rock opera, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, and put a modern, urban edge on the production which first hit Broadway in 1971.

"There has been a lot of interest in this show since we announced it in the spring", says MacAskill. "Dreamcoat has a primary focus on children's theatre, and we have some children in the cast, as well as a number of young adults who have come up through the Dreamcoat program over the years, so it's neat to see families and adults working with industry professionals in a common project."

"Some people imagine 1970s long hair and flower-waving with JC," continued MacAskill, "but we're putting a 21st century dynamic into this show that today's audience can relate to."

Members of the cast also lend their talents to a number of other artistic groups across the region including the Gateway Theatre Guild, North Bay Choral Society and Near North Voices.

Cast
Jesus Christ - Jim Harney
Judas Iscariot - Shawn Moore
Mary Magdalene - Micheline Pride
Pontius Pilate - Paolo Dottori
King Herod - Rob Wills
Caiaphas - Mike Butler
Annas - Erik Tilander
Simon Zealotes - Rob McCubbin
Peter - Jon Pride
Maid by the Fire - Michelle Webster
The Angels - Emily Hawton, Nick Boegel, Darren Summersby

Priests
John Hewitt
Leslie Stamp

Apostles
Daniel Fathers
Geoff Richardson
Rob Ferron
Loren Mick
Jesse Beam
Matt Ryan
Chris Mogan
Clifford Hummel
Scott Marleau
Jesse Webster

Women
Jodi St Pierre
Katherine Zappala
Tracy Richardson-Sloan
Caleigh Chirico
Angela Blais
Frances D’Andrea-Huard
Johanna Kristolaitis
Lara Roberts
Marg McDiarmid
Mary Kennedy
Leah Philpott
Jocelyn Bell-Summersby

Guards
Jeff Dagg
Jesse Webster

Ensemble
Maria Maille
Emily Lamothe
Cristine Piche
Jillian Albert
Allison Ehrlich
Lise Anne Boissonneault
Andree Brunette
Julie-Ann Ferris
Christine MacNeil
Samantha McParland
Cheryl Miller
Rena Pincivero
Lauren Tignanelli
Laura White
Jude Zappala

Musical directors Jim Harney, Tracey Halsey are supported by a a number of established professional musicians.

The show runs at the Capitol Centre from November 9th to 12th. Tickets are just $17 each and are available Acclaim Sound & Lighting, Creative Learning, Music City or call the Capitol Centre Box Office 705-474-4747.