Jesus Christ Superstar Still Rocks after 50 Years

Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the oldest Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musicals. The rock opera debuted on Broadway in 1971 and is gracing the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a very short one week limited engagement celebrating the musical’s 50th anniversary.

Director Timothy Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and set/costume designer Tom Scott bring a modern feel to the saga of Jesus’ final days by showcasing symbolism and enhancing the story throughout the show. The set houses steel girders which hold the orchestra, a nice change from having them hidden beneath the stage. There’s also plenty of crosses including a huge cruciform runway, a clever reference to the Last Supper, a symbolic scene staining Judas’ hands silver and a climatic use of glitter for the “Damned for All Time/Blood Money” number.

The audience follows Jesus (Aaron LaVigne) through his transformation from rock-star adoration to despair and resolution. Both LaVigne and James Delisco Beeks as Judas shine throughout the musical. From his initial dislike of Mary (Jenna Rubaii) to his decision to betray Jesus, Beeks performance grows stronger as the musical heads to its final climatic scene. Rubaii, as Mary, provides a nice balance with a soulful soft rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and other ballads against strong powerful male vocals.

It’s a shame that the production is playing for such a short run at The Pantages, but all the more reason to see a modernized take on a show that still rocks the house.

Jesus Christ Superstar is playing through November 3 at the Hollywood Pantages Theater, tickets at www.HollywoodPantages.com.