Media Theatre's Youth Ensemble Presents JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, 7/13-8/5

The Media Theatre's Teen Ensemble will perform JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR July 13 to August 5 in a contemporary style production. Featuring a live rock band with music direction by the theatre's resident music director Tom Fosnocht, the show brings Webber's stage musical to a new generation and is directed by Jesse Cline.

 

Jason Armstrong, of Newtown Square, plays the lead role of Jesus.  In a complete 360 degree turn on the diagram of possible roles an actor might portray, Armstrong was seen as Angel in the 2011 teen production of "Rent" at The Media Theatre.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" has seen a renaissance in popularity recently, with a Tony nominated 2012 Broadway revival.  The musical began as a rock and roll concept album before its first staging in 1971. Based loosely on a mingling of the four Gospels' accounts of the final days of Jesus' life, it ends with the Crucifixion, therefore following the format of a traditional passion play. Webber and his lyricist Tim Rice intended to highlight political and personal struggles between Judas and Jesus within 20^th-century attitudes, with contemporary slang and the ability to incorporate allusions to the present day or the time period during which the show was written.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" opened on Broadway in 1971 at The Mark Hellinger Theatre. It catapulted Yvonne Elliman to stardom with her portrayal of Mary Magdalene and her famous recording of the number  hit song "I Don't Know How To Love Him", which she reprised in the 1973 film.  The song, with its lilting melody and insightful lyrics, is the score's most accessible number. Ironically, the producers of the original album chose instead to release the song "Superstar" as the album's single. It was only until after Helen Reddy's version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him" moved up the charts in 1971 that Yvonne Elliman's original recording was also released. Gaining popularity, Elliman recorded a solo debut album produced by Tim Rice entitled "I Don't Know How To Love Him", which became her signature song. To this day, the role of Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar" maintains its strength as one of the most sought after supporting roles for young actresses.

At The Media Theatre, the role of Mary Magdalene is shared by two actresses. Hannah McCarthy is a newcomer to the theatre's stage and has been featured at The School of Rock. She is a Berwyn resident and will play the role two weeks out of the four week run. Katie Stecklair, of Southhampton, adds the role of Magdalene to her credits in her fifth summer at The Media Theatre.

 

Several of The Media Theatre's New School students are featured in the production, including Christopher Infantino, who has been studying and performing at the theatre for the past decade. Now a senior at Westtown School, Infantino brings his maturing stage experience to the role of Judas. He has been seen in several summer productions at The Media Theatre, including "Rent" in which he portrayed Roger, and "Les Miserables", "Grease" and "High School Musical".

 

Jacob Bowman, another first-timer on The Media Theatre stage, is Pilate.  The role of Simon, also double cast, is played by Aidan Cole and actress Blake Jelus.  Another actress takes on the role of an apostle: Erika Roberts, of Rose Valley, plays Peter.  She shares the role with last year's "Delco Idol Junior" winner Gregory Smith.

 

Dan Briglia and Owen Mannion are double cast in the somewhat humorous role of Herod, while Giannia Palmarini and Amber Duncan share the role of high priest Annas. Two older teens, Zack Brown and Nick Castillo, take on the very deep vocal range of Caiphas.

 

The Soul People, singers and dancers who represent the crowds of people who see Jesus' rise to fame and sudden downfall, are PatRick Murray, Blake Jelus, and Miranda Lieberman. The Ensemble is played by Madeline Bordley, Claire Donaher, Ally Duvak, Natalie Fairfield, TEd Harris, and Shawna McHugh, Christopher Smith, and Isabella Uknis.

For tickets to "Jesus Christ Superstar" at The Media Theatre, which has performances Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm July 13-August 5, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.