BWW Interviews: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR's Bruce Dow
By: Kelly Cameron Sep. 21, 2011
Jesus Christ Superstar has been the surprise hit of Stratford's 59th Season, boasting a completely sold out run and visits from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice. Tickets are virtually impossible to come by, and when a few are released, they are snatched up within minutes.
Directed by Stratford's Artistic Director Des McAnuff, this new, lavish production of Jesus Christ Superstar started receiving Broadway Buzz almost as soon as it opened. While a Broadway transfer has not yet been confirmed, the entire production is going to La Jolla, San Diego to play a six week limited engagement.
The production comprises a cast and crew of some of the most talented actors, singers and dancers Canada has to offer - all of whom would no doubt make a stellar addition to the Great White Way. BroadwayWorld is thrilled to be devoting an entire week to this production of Jesus Christ Superstar, where we will feature interviews with many of the lead cast members and find out what it's like to be part of such a massive hit. Today we speak with Stratford veteran and all around great guy Bruce Dow, who plays the "villain" of the piece, King Herod.
Congratulations on Superstar - you are nearing the end of the run now, what's been the best part of the process so far?
The best part of the show has been the audience reaction. Going into any rehearsal process, you never know how the audience will accept the work. JCS has a "spotty" history as a stage production, though the music and lyrics have long been treasured. I think we all knew we had something special, but I've never seen a reaction to a show like this one. Never.
Stratford theatre is done in rep, so you have to juggle two different shows and roles. Have you ever had a moment of confusing which part you were playing on any given night?
Confusing roles only really happens about half-way through the rehearsal process when you sort of know-and-don't-know either piece. That's the only time I get jumbled. It's a bit of "What do I do now? No wait...that was the note from yesterday for the other show!" But once you know the material you're good. However, if we don't check our schedule daily, we have been known to go to the wrong theatre!
In all seriousness though, the hardest part of rep is the demands on your voice and body. A lot of an actor's job is to tune your voice and physicality into the play (be it musical or not). Having to juggle two different vocal and physical worlds can be very taxing. You never get a weekly rhythm going in your body, because every day and every week things are coming at you in a different order.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding this particular production of JCS, what is it that makes it stand out to you?
I would like to think it is Des' direction, the acting, and the story-telling. The show is always clear when you listen to it on recording, because it was written for that medium. Translating it to the stage is something very different. The story is being told in a slightly new way, with a new focus on the relationship between the three main characters, and a more political look at the rest of us.
What's different about Des' version of JCS compared to versions people may have seen over the last 30 years?
Well, aside from the new focus on the relationship between the three main characters, Des also really respects the piece. And that's important. Throughout rehearsals he kept saying "You know, this is a really good play"...and it is.
Treating it as a piece of theatre that deserves respect is something new for this piece, I think. It's been "concert-ized"; it's been staged and choreographed; but I don't know if it's really been worked on as a play - as a true piece of theatre.
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice both came to check out the show - did they have any tips or advice for you? Were you glad that you didn't know they were there until after the show?
I was thrilled NOT to know they were there. Everyone at the Festival who kept mum deserves a lot of gratitude from the company. I think we were all so in awe that they: came and that they came so quickly one after the other. We had heard rumours of Sir Tim coming in the fall, but then suddenly Lord Andrew was there and loved the show! He was very gracious, but I was such a geek with him that night! I will save those stories for the memoir *laughs* He said something about having to get Tim to see the show soon, and then Tim showed up the following week.
Both were very gracious and very happy with the production. Both specifically mentioned the acting and the story-telling, as well as the way Rick Fox (the Musical Director) really "got" the score. They applauded the balance of the rock elements and the musical theatre themed elements.
There has been much talk of a possible Broadway transfer when you finish your run in La Jolla - is that something you would like to do? And if so, is the hope to keep the entire cast intact if the show gets to go to NYC?
All we know at this point is that we are taking the show to La Jolla. I visited La Jolla in pre-Broadway tryouts for Jane Eyre and it is a beautiful place, an amazingly intimate theatre and has such wonderful people to work with. Of course, we have heard rumours of other things being in the works but we don't know anything for certain. One thing I do know is that it is very much Des' intention to keep the cast together. Wherever the show goes, he really wants it to be the "Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of...". He's made that very clear and it is a wonderful feeling to have that much support from your director.
When we spoke with Paul Nolan early on in the run, we discussed the potential for "rabid" fans when a show develops this kind of hype. At the time he said you didn't have many crazed fan stories or a lot of "groupies" like some shows - has that changed with the increased popularity and buzz surrounding the show?
The Stratford Festival audience is very different from any other audience. Even for a show like Jane Eyre, a beautiful show with a very specific appeal, we had the "Jane Eyreheads" (they chose the name!) as soon as the show got to New York. So while we haven't gotten much of that in Stratford, I would be shocked if the show went to Broadway and didn't end up swamped by fans.
And JCS has the added advantage of having a lot of die hard fans who are my age as well as getting tons of buzz from a much younger generation.
This could get out of control - in a good way!
Finally, what is the one reason you would give to encourage a younger audience to come and check out the show?
It's Jesus and it's Rock 'n Roll, Man! Seriously, regardless of your personal approach to either of those subjects, it's a great production of a very powerful piece of music theatre. It's fast, it's furious, it's very moving AND it's a blast!
Like I said - I've never seen a reaction to any show like I've seen for this one.
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When and Where?
Stratford Festival
Currently on stage until November 6th and SOLD OUT
Please visit the Stratford Festival's official website for ticketing details, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@stratfest) for updates on ticket availability.
November 18th - December 31st 2011
Performance Times:
Tues-Wed: 7:30 pm
Thurs-Fri: 8:00 pm
Sat: 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sun: 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Special 2PM weekday matinee performances on Nov 23, Dec 20, 22, 28 and 30th
Tickets can be purchased by phone at (858) 550-1010 or online at http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/the-season/plays/jesus-christ-superstar
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