Cast Set for NSMT 'Superstar;' Figueroa Replaces Arcilla

Casting has been announced for North Shore Music Theatre's upcoming production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera classic Jesus Christ Superstar.  The show will run from September 19th through October 8th at the Beverly, MA theatre.

Directed and choreographed by Robert Johanson, the production will star Nicholas Rodriguez (Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver, The Ten Commandments in LA) as Jesus, Delisco (Aida, Ragtime) as Judas, as well as John Hickok as Pontius Pilate, Wayne Pretlow as King Herod, Daryl Calmeses as Simon, Phillip Boykin as Caiaphas, Colin Donnell as Peter, Michael Brian Dunn as Annas, Kevin Hale as Jude, Leo Nouhan as Thomas and Jason Shuffler as James, as well as Whitney Avalon, Allison Blackwell, Shana Carr, Derrick Cobey,  Constantine Germanacos, Miles Johnson, Holly Laurent, Christopher Regan, Byron St. Cyr, Scott Sussman, Tory Bradlee, Shane Braz, Tori Cargill, Kara Doherty, Andrew Murdock and Steven Williams.

Marie-France Arcilla, previously announced for the role of Mary Magdalene, has been replaced by Rona Figueroa (Lennon, Nine, Miss Saigon); Arcilla will be busy with Shout! The Mod Musical.

Jesus Christ Superstar "changed the face of musical theater forever when it debuted on Broadway in 1971, and has lost none of its power in the Broadway revival in 2000. Jesus Christ Superstar chronicles the last seven days in the life of Jesus, dramatizing the excitement caused by his message, his betrayal, his trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate sacrifice," according to NSMT notes. Songs include "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Gethsemane," and the title song.

The creative team will include Campbell Baird (sets), Greg Poplyk (costumes), Jack Mehler (lighting), John A. Stone (sound) and Gerard Kelly (wig and hair design).  Matthew Smedal will provide musical direction.

Tickets range from $30-$75; call (978) 232-7200.  For more information, call www.nsmt.org.