BWW Interviews: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR's Josh Young

Yesterday BWW was thrilled to announce that the Stratford Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar is Broadway bound in March of 2012.  It 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 is sure to be a hit on the Great White Way come spring.

The production comprises a cast and crew of some of the most talented actors, singers and dancers Canada has to offer - all of whom will no doubt make a stellar addition to the Great White Way. BroadwayWorld has been profiling these actors over the last two weeks, and we are rounding out our series of interviews with Stratford leading man Josh Young, who plays Judas in the production.  He talks to us about what it's like being part of this massive hit, and about the Broadway buzz*:

Congratulations on Superstar - you are nearing the end of the run now, what's been the best part of the process so far?

Des' design and concept presentation on our first day of rehearsal is a moment that will forever be cemented in my mind as a high point in my career. The feeling in the room was that of wild, breathtaking anticipation. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I'd get to play Judas. But now I'd have to say the best part is getting to do it every day...having the opportunity to work with a group of actors who are always on their A game and say "yes" to any and everything that is happening on stage. And to sing with our incredible, amazing band.

Stratford theatre is done in rep, meaning you have to juggle more than one role. Have you ever had a moment of confusing which part you were playing on any given night?

I think it helps break up the monotony that can occur when just doing one show for an extended period of time. I have NEVER confused the role of "Connie Rivers" in Grapes of Wrath (a coward who abandons his pregnant wife amid the dust bowl) with "Judas Iscariot" in Jesus Christ Superstar (The most infamous and misunderstood traitor of all time). Aside from the major character traits which help me to distinguish one man from the other, the costumes are also wildly different. Something about long hooded robes and sequins keeps me in the world of Jesus Christ Superstar and out of the Depression era *laughs*

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding this particular production of JCS, what is it that makes it stand out to you?

I've actually never seen another stage production of Superstar. Des and the entire production team had a meeting way before the rehearsal period started and considered the fantastic material given to them by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice. With his artistic team he set out to tell the story as if it were the first time the production were being staged. Des, I am sure, asked himself "How do we best tell this story?" and then all the lighting, sound design, costuming and casting followed suit. But from what I hear, our production stands out due to the clarity of the storytelling which is what I think the Stratford Festival does better than any other theatre company in the world - tells the story.

What's different about Des' version of JCS compared to versions people may have seen over the last 30 years?

Well I don't feel I can compare our production to the Norman Jewson movie, which is just a brilliant classic of a different performance genre. That is the only version I've seen. So it's like Apples and Oranges there. The one thing we do have that no other production over the last 30 years has had is the best rock opera director ever directing the best rock opera ever. The first show I ever saw on Broadway was Tommy, so I make that statement with great certainty. I mean, if you're going to tell "The Greatest Story Ever Told," THE story that has had the most impact on society over the past 2000 years and you're going to do it with a heart pounding, gut wrenching score - Des McAnuff is the key. One of the ideas he really focused in on was the idea of a secular love triangle between Jesus, Mary and Judas. I think this idea adds lots of dramatic tension and conflict which is not inherent in the book.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and 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?

They came on two separate dates, and I had no idea either was there. Actually...When Sir ALW was in the house I was back stage during intermission and when places was called we heard the audience applauding. I looked in one of the video monitors backstage that is focused on Rick Fox, our music director/conductor, and I was able to see the front row behind him stand up. I was like "Really? A standing ovation at intermission for Justin Bieber?" When I found out it wasn't Bieber and who it was - I just couldn't believe it. I would have never thought that not only would I perform Judas, but I would perform Judas for Andrew Lloyd Webber AND that he would enjoy my work! It was absolutely crazy! He was lovely to us and Mr. Rice was even more generous with his praise. We're a very lucky cast. Had I known either was there before the show I would have gone on stage and performed the role of Judas "shaking-stuttering" Iscariot.

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?

To be perfectly honest, I am SO happy working at Stratford. However, I feel our show deserves a broader audience. Each performance truly does feel like an event is taking place and the feeling is palpable. I'm sure that it's a feeling that the audience shares and it's something extraordinary that doesn't exist with every show out there. If I were someone looking to transfer the show I'd think that what has been cultivated here is a delicate balance of hundreds of variables (not only the cast). The loss of any one of those pieces may offset that balance. I feel that the show is a living breathing piece of art that should remain as it was created. Plus...our cast kicks ass!

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?

I don't think we have anything akin to "mizzies" (Les Miserables fans) or "RENTheads," however we to have several nice old ladies that come all the time and try to set us up with their granddaughters.

And finally, what is the one reason you would give to encourage a younger audience to come and check out the show?

Because it f*cking rocks.

*Note: At the time of the interview the Broadway transfer was still speculation

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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.

La Jolla Playhouse

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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