Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, presents Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. This rock opera masterpiece is running May 13 and 14, 19-21, 25-28 and June 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview performance on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance May 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30 for general admission, $27 for seniors (60+) and $20 for children/students. For tickets or more information, call GVT’s Box Office at 304-645-3838 or visit www.gvtheatre.org.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s powerful rock opera tells the story of Jesus and his followers in a way the Gospels never did. Seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the last days of Jesus of Nazareth come alive through the magic of splendid, haunting 1970s-style rock music.
Jesus Christ Superstar has been popular since its Broadway debut in 1971. The rock opera has been a source of inspiration for depicting a part of the most famous story ever told and also of controversy for portraying Jesus of Nazareth’s humanity, not his divinity.
“I love this show because it gives a passionate and aggressive view of Jesus Christ as a man. We see him angry. We see him scared,” Christin Byrdsong, who will portray Jesus of Nazareth, said.
Byrdsong has been in three productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and portrayed Jesus of Nazareth twice, once at Musical Theatre Heritage in Missouri and once at Infinity Repertory Theatre in New York. His favorite song “Gethsemane” exposes the vulnerability that makes him love this show so much.
“It really humanizes Christ and causes the audience to see the characters of the story as human beings rather than characters in a story,” Byrdsong said. His experience in musical theater includes Angels in America and Songs for a New World, but Jesus of Nazareth continues to be a dream role. Taking on a part once filled by the talented Ted Neely has given Byrdsong the chance to put a new face on an iconic character.
“I focus on the honesty of my character and the story I want to convey. It’s such an important show regardless of one’s spirituality, or lack thereof. Even if you don’t believe in anything, I guarantee the music will move you,” Byrdsong said.
