Alpha/Omega Players to Present JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, 8/1-10
By: Tyler Peterson
The Alpha/Omega Players will present the International Hit Musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice, August 1, 2, 8, 9 @ 8 pm and August 3, 10 @ 3pm in The Alpha/Omega Performing Arts Center, 301 E. First Street, Birdsboro, PA.
The musical is loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the last week of Jesus' 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 in the Bible narratives. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play.
The musical was first produced as an album before being staged on Broadway and later in London's West End. The show opened on Broadway on October 12, 1971, directed by Tom O'Horgan, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre and ran for 711performances. The show has since been revived on Broadway several times the most recent in 2012. The musical has also produced the hit songs "I Don't Know How To Love Him" and "Superstar". The Alpha/Omega production stars Kyle Monagham as Jesus and Corey Buller as Judas with Olivia Damore as Mary Magdalene. The show also features Sean Lynch as Peter, Andrew Hess as Simon Zealotes, Mark Drey as Caiapha, Gordon Joyner as Annas, Ken Cowan and Steve Daniels as the High Priests, Scott Troutman as Pontius Pilate and Chris Weiss as Herod. The apostles are played by Ian Williams, Ryan Katzenmoyer, Tyler Reppert, Colin Lynch, Sean Hafer, Ryan Ferrante, Julian Morales, Gregory Boyer and Tyler Montgomery. The Apostle women are Lauren Drey, Moly O'Brien, Olivia Gardella, Kirsten Heim, Cheyene Hails, Mary Britton, Amy Swartz, Melissa Kaufmann, Jaymi Kauffman, Meghan Austin and Emily Kuhns. The Roman Guards are Bill Eschbach, Tim Hafer, John Innarelli, Michael O'Brien and the Children of Bethany are Karleigh Patton, Ben Daniels, J.D. Kauffman, Emily Shirk and Bridget Ottinger. The Alpha/Omega production is under the direction of Mark A. Drey with Choreography by Melissa Kaufmann. Musical Director and Orchestra conductor is Nathan Patton. For Tickets you can contact the Players at 610-404-4844 you can also check out the Players on the web at www.alphaomegaplayers.org.