Interview: Theatre Life with Aaron LaVigne

You know how many people in the performing arts think of themselves as Christ like or just consider themselves GOD? Today's subject Aaron LaVigne can actually get away with it because he is currently living his theatre life on tour playing the world's most famous carpenter Jesus in the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. The production runs through March thirteenth in the Opera House at Kennedy Center.

Aaron's stage credits include being a part of the legendary Broadway production of Spider- Man: Turn Off The Dark and Off-Broadway in Rent as well as that show's national tour. Regional & Concert appearances include tick,tick...BOOM!, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Civil War.

Aaron is also an accomplished singer/songwriter whose music can be found on any of your favorite streaming services.

As you will read, singing the role of Jesus eight shows a week is a lot and for a lesser performer the role could finish you off vocally if you don't take care of yourself. Read on to see what Aaron's regiment is for keeping his heavenly pipes in perfect condition.

For those of you that want a fresh take on arguably the most famous story in the bible, grab some tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar starring Aaron LaVigne at Kennedy Center. He is living his theatre life to the fullest and we the audience have a religious experience watching his performance.

Was there a particular show you saw as a child that made you want to start performing?

I saw the National Tour of Rent when I was 18. This was right after I had taken a theater class at the end of my senior year in high school. I remember telling my mom "I think I want to do this." Fast forward 6 years later, I was cast in that same National Tour. Talk about luck!

Where did you go to school for theatre?

Northern Kentucky University

What was your first professional performing job?

I played Jonathan Larson in tick, tick...BOOM! right after I graduated college. It was transformative. It was so complex and beautiful. I felt the responsibility of having to do it justice. It forced me to up my game in a big way.

Can you please tell us what makes this current version of Jesus Christ Superstar

different from some of the many other productions and film version?

This version is quite different. It gets straight to the point. It's about the exploring complex forms of direct communication through singing, true to life emotional stakes, dance, and music. The music! It is, first and foremost, an homage to the Grammy Award winning 'Brown Album.' It hits hard, fast, and physical.

Touring a show during a pandemic presents even more challenges than in "normal times" Can you please talk about how your particular tour was rehearsed and the precautions you take in each city to stay safe?

Our production company Work Light Productions follows union and CDC guidelines through masking, social distancing, and daily testing.