JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Concert Comes to the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Now thru 5/4

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Professional Company brings a new experience to Center audiences with the award-winning rock musical, "Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert." Under the direction of Artistic Director Gavan Pamer, singers, dancers and musicians will present the Center's first ever in-concert production today, April 25-27 and May 2-4.

Tickets are on sale now for as low as $15, and can be purchased online at www.lppacenter.org. People may order tickets by calling the box office at (724) 576-4644, and choosing option 2 during the normal business hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets are also available at the box office in Midland during normal business hours. Performances begin in the Mainstage Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

"Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert" chronicles the last week of Jesus Christ's life based on St. John's Gospel. Considered Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's best work, the show uses contemporary elements, and examines the psychology of Jesus and those closest to him, including Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot. Pamer said, "While the concert performance allows us to focus on the beauty and the meaning of the music and lyrics, we are also presenting the show with some very dynamic staging." Performers and musicians will be on stage together, framed by dynamic projections of classical religious paintings. A large cross will serve as the focal point. Pamer has also gathered a choir of forty professional, local and high school singers.

"Most people may not know that 'Jesus Christ Superstar' was originally developed as a concept album and the first live performance in the United States took place in Pittsburgh. It's exciting to bring the show back to the basics, while still incorporating visuals that serve only to further the story instead of getting caught up in expansive production aspects," said Pamer. "We're thrilled to present this musical in its truest form."

The cast is comprised of Center favorites, including Tom Rocco as King Herod. Rocco, who last appeared at the Center in "The Odd Couple," said, "I'm so excited about coming back to the Center, because I think the caliber of their productions is amazing. I know I'm going to have another artistically fulfilling experience." Steve Lowry (Peter) performed in the Center's first musical "Grease" and went on to perform with local Christian rock band 'Third from First', and Reed Worth (Simon) began in the Center's second musical "CATS" and last appeared here in "Oklahoma". Regional talent includes Ray Cygrymus as Jesus and Peter Matthew Smith as Judas. Both have performed in those roles before regionally but are appearing for the first time at the Center.

"Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert" will also feature artists who have been involved with the Center for years, yet are new to the Professional Company. Carla Bianco - the Center's Director of ArtReach - will sing the role of Mary Magdalene. Bianco is best known for her role as Maureen in the national tour of "Rent," and her compositions have reached the top of the Billboard charts. Don Cameron will appear as Annas. He can usually be found in the sound booth for shows. For five years, Cameron toured with the Marshall Tucker Band and also recorded three albums with them.

The cast also includes Cristina Aloe, Gregg Baker, Marissa Buchheit, J.P. Coletta, Brian Corey, Alessandro DiBello, Annette Elphinstone, Samantha Fabiani, Morgan Gorski, Victoria Homschek, Areo Keller, Nathan Kiliany, Jeramy Kuharcik, Carissa Lange, Ellen Lichius, Gavan Pamer, Rachel Robinson, Chris Roseberry, Mark Schlaegle, Krista Shovlin, Mark Tinkey, Brad Trump, Jennifer Verba, and Logan Williams.

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