Legendary rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' coming to Renaissance Theatre

The Renaissance Theatre is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's legendary rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar," for a limited engagement the next two weekends.
The musical, which has drawn in audiences worldwide for more than 50 years, reimagines the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, set to a 1970s rock score.
'Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic show because it challenges audiences to see 'The greatest story ever told' from a different perspective,' director Ryan Shealy said. 'This production is emotional and deeply human; audiences are in for something truly extraordinary.'
This production features a cast led by guest artist Caleb Predeep Mathura as Jesus of Nazareth, as well as Ohio-based talent and three women in the roles of Judas, Mary and Pilate; two of which are traditionally male roles.
Shealy shares some of his considerations when making those casting decisions.
'This adaptation asks the audience to understand that there are good and bad in all people, including the usual 'villains.' By casting these characters more diversely, we can see more of ourselves in this story and relate its lessons to today's world," she said.
Since its Broadway debut in 1971, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has attracted audiences with its blend of rock and theatrical storytelling. The show features songs such as 'Superstar,' 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' and 'Gethsemane,' performed by a cast that includes:
Kelly Knowlton as Judas Iscariot
Shauna Marie as Mary Magdalene
Samantha Woodill as Pontius Pilate
Robert Hardin-Leeth as King Herod
Jacob Poiner as Caiaphas
Nikki Stitak as Annas
Ensemble: Darius Darmody, Carter King, Molly McClanahan, Jackie Metz, Zakari Ramos, Christian Shepherd and Torre Webber
About Caleb Predeep Mathura
A Trinidadian-American performer, Mathura is a graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University with a BFA in musical theatre and a minor in dance. His career includes starring roles in "Come Fall in Love" (The Old Globe), "David" (Off-Broadway) and "Pippin" (The Pittsburgh Playhouse), along with his acclaimed portrayal of Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Timberlake Playhouse.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. March 8 and March 15 and 2:30 p.m. March 9 and March 16.
Tickets start at $15 and are available now at www.rentickets.org or by calling or visiting the Renaissance Theatre box office at 419-522-2726, 138 Park Avenue West.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Classic rock opera coming to Renaissance Theatre

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