Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, presents Jesus Christ Superstar. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera runs May 13 and 14, 19-21, 25-28 and June 1-4 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, contact GVT’s Box Office at 304-645-3838 or visit www.gvtheatre.org.
Rice and Webber set a new tone for Jesus and the Gospels in their timeless rock opera. Judas Iscariot takes the audience on a journey through the last days of Jesus’ life with unforgettable 1970s-style rock music.
Josh Robinson, GVT’s technical director, will portray the conflicted Judas. This show is an exceptional opportunity for Robinson because of how much it meant to him growing up.
“I didn’t become interested in theater or musicals until high school, but Jesus Christ Superstar was the first show that ever made me think and to make me realize that musical theater could be cool,” Robinson said.
The son of a minister, Robinson is familiar with the story of Jesus and his apostles. Judas is known throughout history as pure evil, but Rice and Webber present the audience with a different point of view. Seeing the story told from the perspective of one of history’s most infamous characters is what makes the show so appealing for him.
“If you listen to the lyrics that Tim Rice has written, it tries to show a view that most people are not willing to accept, and that is that Judas was extremely conflicted with how the situation was developing and that he was potentially asked by Jesus to betray him,” Robinson said.
The earliest stage credits for the New Jersey native include his high school roles as Jesus in Godspell and Applegate the Devil in Damn Yankees. During that time, Jesus Christ Superstar was a huge inspiration in his life, and those roles prepared him for the part of Judas.
Along with his roles as Judas and GVT’s technical director, he is also this production’s scenic designer. A recent trip through Italy and the film Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii inspired a rock concert setting designed to highlight the band as well as the cast. Recent design credits at GVT include You Can’t Take It with You and the underwater world of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
Robinson has made small appearances in The Skin of Our Teeth, You Can’t Take It with You and as a half man half alligator in Duck Hunter Shoots Angel. The part of Judas will be his first leading role at GVT.
“I truly love all three positions on a production and have my degree in theatrical design/production, but there is something about being in an epic show portraying an iconic role I’ve always wanted to do. Playing Judas is a highlight and a blessing,” Robinson said.