Sunset Playhouse’s Jesus Christ Superstar Offers an Illuminated Interpretation of the Lloyd-Webber Classic Rock Opera

In a time of elevated conflict in the Middle East, it might feel difficult to get too excited about a musical so deeply connected to the region and its conflicts. And yet… By the third bar of “What’s the Buzz,” I was captivated, if not totally transported. In this rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar, Director Tommy Lueck deftly realizes the 70s rock opera, charming some truly stellar performances out of a remarkably diverse and capable cast– including Colton VonDeylen’s menacing Annas and a soaring solo from Nick Sweet’s Simon.

Joshua Pope’s Jesus is rendered with a tenderness befitting his gorgeous, if sometimes blunted, tenor voice. This, in satisfying contrast to Jesse Weinberg’s leather pants-clad Judas, whose rock ‘n’ roll tenor is full of texture and the kind of wailing riffs fit for any arena. Natalie Wikstrom was similarly delightful. Her Mary’s lovely, clear soprano singing forth her quiet wisdom and warmth, making even this underwritten role feel necessary and realized.

Perhaps the greatest stand out of the evening, however, was Nicholas Callan Haubner’s Pilate. In Haubner’s interpretation of the New Testament antagonist, we see a man trapped in the throes of his own internal reckoning: to do what is just or to simply fulfill his job. Pilate arrives— dramatically lit, looming large on the highest platform. An imposing man in military garb, he delivers the premonitions of “Pilate’s Dream” with just the right balance of confusion and fear, communicating such clear-eyed pathos through his remarkable tenor.

While performances like Haubner’s are more than worth the price of admission, the light direction can’t be praised enough. Exceptionally, thoughtfully conducted, the show’s dynamic lighting choices functioned as character unto itself, adeptly enriching scenes with emotional tonality. The show’s final moments were rendered especially effectively and memorably. From the first strains of “The Crucifixion,” to the last, this scene in particular, found its emotional footing in the carefully curated vision of lighting director Matt Carr.

Indeed, we are living in times of immense strife and conflict. Perhaps all the more reason to celebrate the act of creating, of making something better and new and beautiful. Go see Sunset’s Jesus Christ Superstar and you’ll be well on your way.

Highly Recommended

Sunset Playhouse 

700 Wall Street

Elm Grove, WI 53122

Box Office: 262-782-4431