Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Presents JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres will produce another new show on its Main Stage with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.  The groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece will run two weeks of previews from Friday, February 4 -17, with grand opening festivities on Friday, July 18. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is slated to run through July 30, 2011. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Based on St. John's Gospel account of the last week in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR dramatizes Jesus and his disciples' joyous arrival in Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his teaching and popularity, his betrayal, trial and crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will leave audiences captivated by its power.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was the first rock opera ever conceived and one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical stage. The legendary team of Sir Tim Rice and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber originally wrote the piece as a concept album before it was produced on Broadway and later in London's West End. The Broadway production opened October 12, 1971 and ran for two years. When it opened in London in 1972, the production enjoyed an even more successful run playing for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom's longest-running musical at the time (it still remains the fifth longest-running in history). It enjoyed subsequent Broadway and West End revivals and numerous world tours. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR garnered five Tony Award Nominations including for Best Original Score. Five separate films followed, the most popular being the original 1973 version directed by Norman Jewison. It starred Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson as Jesus and Judas.

With lyrics by Rice and music by Lloyd Webber, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is fueled by what many critics have called Webber's most riveting and compelling score, including songs such as: "Heaven on Their Minds," "Hosanna," "I Don't Know How To Love Him," "Everything's Alright,"  "Could We Start Again Please" and "Gethsemane."

Other well-known collaborations of Rice and Lloyd Webber include Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Popular works of Lloyd Webber include such blockbusters as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love, and Whistle Down the Wind. (This is the third Andrew Lloyd Webber production to be produced on Chanhassen's Main Stage. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Cats were both financial successes for the theatre.)

The Chanhassen production will ultimately celebrate of the life of Jesus and his teachings to bring about change in peoples' lives.  Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi wants this production to have a feeling of timelessness because the story is timeless. "Nayna Ramey's set design reflects the ancient. In contrast, Rich Hamson's costumes feel more futuristic - textured, layered, working class.  We want the audience to get the sense that this is a story for all people and for all times, including our own. And we'd hope that in telling the story, people will walk away changed for the better."  Brindisi went on to discuss the use of three textures in the designs: stone, metal and cloth. "The set is made primarily of stone to reflect the ancient and the metal represents the forward. The use of cloth will be an integral piece in the storytelling. I won't give it all away, you'll just have to come to experience it. I believe this will be the most moving and powerful piece we've ever done at Chanhassen. I think our audiences will be blown away. " Brindisi continued, "It is our intention to explore the drama of the piece - not the spectacle, and to let the ensemble tell the story in a way that will touch and inspire people to explore their own faith. I can tell you that as I was preparing to direct this show I was deeply inspired to revisit my own faith - I can't explain it, it just affected me, and in a significant way."

When Brindisi, his creative team and cast met on Tuesday for the opening day of rehearsal, the group gathered in a giant circle of about 50.  He invited several people to the center of the circle to share readings and tell their own stories.  Music Director Andrew Cooke stressed that this production focuses on "our community telling this most powerful story to the audience." Actor Michael Gruber shared that this will be a "heart experience" for everyone. Choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson shared that this was her favorite musical. In an emotional moment she said, "I can't wait to experience this with all of you and for us to share it with our audiences." Actor Jay Albright stated there was a great responsibility in telling "the greatest story ever told." Brindisi, in directing the work plans to "approach the material with emotion and reverence."

Brindisi collaborates with his creative team of artists. Andrew Cooke serves as musical director, and Tamara Kangas Erickson as choreographer.  Designers: Nayna Ramey for scenery; Rich Hamson for costumes; Sue Ellen Berger for lighting; Russ Haynes for sound and Susan Magnuson for hair. Production Stage Manager is Robin Macgregor. 

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