Jesus Christ Superstar at Boiler Room Theatre Opens 8/21

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's historic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar bows at Boiler Room Theatre Friday night, August 21, continuing through September 19 at the theatre, located in The Factory at Franklin.

Directed by Jamey Green, with choreography by Billy Ditty, Jesus Christ Superstar is widely regarded as the first rock opera, originally created as a concept album at the end of the '60s.

"It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent '60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel," according to a press release from Boiler Room. "Jesus' meteoric rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal.

"Christ's final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, Jesus Christ Superstar illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart."

"Jesus Christ Superstar has rich significance for me. It was one of my first professional music direction opportunities more than 20 years ago and it's incredibly exciting to get yet another opportunity with it," said director Jamey Green.

"Of course the story is timeless; the score is now a classic but remains as fresh and powerful as it was when it premiered almost 40 years ago. It is, in my opinion, the best dramatization of the political, religious and military issues at hand during the time of Jesus' ministry. It is a bold and intense story dealing with the different ways Jesus was perceived during that time. It deals with friendships, betrayal and the different ways public figures are misunderstood and used. There are so many modern parallels to the characters and situations which confirms its relevance to today."

Boiler Room's cast is led by Ben Van Diepen as Jesus, Ciaran McCarthy as Judas and JoAnn Coleman as Mary Magdalene. The cast also features Scott Rice, Alan Lee, Lauri Gregoire, Will Sevier, Scott Stewart, Devin Clevenger, Justion Bourdet, Mike Baum, Laura Thomas Sonn and Nancy Whitehead. Other members of the ensemble are Jeffrey Williams, Carly McNeely, Robert Armstrong, Christina Candilora, Stephanie Benton, Mike Baum and Anna Flautt.

Curtain is at 8 p.m. (CDT) on Tuesday, Thursday (Thursday performances are slated for September 3 and 17), Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday matinees (with discounted ticket prices) are set for August 30 and September 6. The house opens 30 minutes prior to curtain; seating is open.

Tickets are $25 for adults for Friday and Saturday performances; $23 for seniors and students and $19 for children under 12. Sunday matinees are $23 for adults; $21 for seniors and students; and $17 for children under 12. Tickets for Tuesday performances are two for $25; and all tickets on Thursday nights are $15.

For further details, visit the website at www.boilerroomtheatre.com or call (615) 794-7744.