Everything’s Alright

Jesus Christ Superstar

Guitarist extraordinaire Paul Compton takes the spotlight centerstage, captivating the audience with the ominous opening chords of the show’s overture that sets the mood and fills the entire theatre with sound. This glorious rock-opera score, led by Phil Videckis’ accomplished onstage band, is heavy on electric guitar, keyboard, bass, brass, reeds and percussion. It’s a lush and layered new sound for the Meiley-Swallow Hall stage that may surprise the faithful BrightSide Theatre fans. Theatergoers who are unfamiliar with this musical will soon realize that they’re in for an edgy, very modern retelling of Christ’s final days on earth. However, the fans of this show will thrill to the promise of a rock musical that broke new ground, back in 1971. Because in BrightSide Theatre’s stellar new production, truly “Everything’s Alright.” 

Although the show initially started life as a concept album in 1970, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is acknowledged as one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s earliest and best-known collaborations. Its contemporary approach to the New Testament shocked many in the early 70’s but (along with Stephen Schwartz’s GODSPELL a year later) it also helped regenerate an interest in organized religion, especially with younger people. It’s easy to understand both its controversy as well as its appeal in this new staging. Directed by Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass, beautifully Choreographed with creative fervor by Jake Ganzer the rock opera builds upon the expert Musical Direction by Phil Videckis.

Mr. Cass and his creative team have done a great job of presenting this tale of personal conflict between two friends, Jesus and Judas Iscariot.  Dissent occurs and the two men grow further and further apart as Judas begins to sense the danger Jesus is bringing down upon his followers. At times Jesus appears to be simply a man deeply committed to a cause; but at other times, with Judas arguing that Christ’s growing need for fame and stardom is taking over his mission, Jesus comes off as a man obsessed by a need for celebrity. 

Judas also berates Jesus for his association with Mary Magdalene, a prostitute who he feels cancels out everything for which Jesus stands. But perhaps jealousy is Judas’ real motivation. Everyone who’s ever attended Sunday School knows how this story ends but, without the religious slant on events, the climax feels even more than tragic. To put it bluntly, the final scene, simply titled John 19:41, is absolutely gut-wrenching.

Edward MacLennan returns to the BrightSide stage to portray Jesus of Nazareth. Having dazzled audiences as Molokov in their recent concert productions of CHESS and as Guido in NINE, this talented actor is flawless in this tragic role. Audiences will marvel at this actor’s unbelievable vocal prowess, proving that Mr. MacLennan is the true Superstar of this production. The audience’s initial reaction might be that this actor is an unusual casting choice, but Mr. MacLennan immediately abolishes any doubts. Towering above the 21-member company, both in stature, experience and vocal talent, Edward MacLennan is simply magnificent in this role. His vocal renditions of “Gethsemane,” “Poor Jerusalem,” and the dramatic “The Crucifixion” are star quality performances.      

A much-welcome newcomer to BrightSide Theatre, Michael Davis Arnold is another astonishing, standout actor in this excellent production. As Judas Iscariot, this handsome, gifted young performer demonstrates so much brilliant, dramatic talent and an impressive vocal range. In addition, Mr. Arnold’s precise diction and emotional honesty shines through in every scene, particularly in “Heaven on Their Minds” as well as in the rousing title song. This is a particularly difficult role because, while not exactly the villain, Judas is certainly the antihero of the story. Michael may be remembered for his outstanding performance in Music Theater Works’ recent production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. In the end, both actor/singers bring heart and soul to their portrayal of two friends who’ve have drifted far apart. 

Also returning to BrightSide after an impressive appearance in this season’s opener, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, lovely Meghan Kessel sings beautifully as Mary Magdalene. Ms. Kessel brings just the proper emotional commitment to the role, as she provides devotion, affection and encouragement to Jesus. Meghan beautifully lifts her voice in her two solo numbers, “Everything’s Alright” and the sweetly honest, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” making it clear why these two songs became pullout hits.

Favorite Jon Cunningham, remembered for usually portraying the hero in so many BrightSide productions, plays against type here. He grips the audience with his profound portrayal of Pontius Pilate, a powerful man torn apart by Jesus’ seeming arrogance and unwillingness to cooperate. Mr. Cunningham’s rich, professionally trained baritone nicely contrasts with MacLennan’s soaring tenor during the final moments of the play. And Caleb Hand also returns to BrightSide Theatre after his performance in another Webber musical, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLORED DREAMCOAT. He plays a  nicely-restrained, but self-indulgent King Herod, backed by a bevy of bodacious beauties. 

Not only the Director of this production, Jeffrey Cass once again wears many hats in his contributions to this show. He’s designed both the Props and the open Scenic Design, while staging and assistant choreographing the entire production. The thrust stage playing area also houses the nine-member band, visible throughout the entire show, and tucked upstage at various levels amongst the shadows. The production’s illuminated with moodiness and peppered with blasts of rock concert brilliance, courtesy of Lighting Designer Kurt Ottinger. 

Cheryl Newman’s costuming is particularly excellent. She combines Biblical antiquity with modern, futuristic starkness. The sexy, blood-red attire worn by Judas’ voluptuous female tormentors nicely contrast with the austere garb of Caiaphas (an excellent Stan Austin), Annas (wonderfully sung and acted by EmmaWidlowski) and their fellow priests. She provides a timeless quality throughout the production with her anachronistic wardrobe.

But as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-repeated musical refrain goes, “Everything’s all right, yes everything’s fine.” It perfectly describes this entire ambitious production. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR concludes BrightSide Theatre’s Season of Passion, to be followed by nine free concerts in several of the area parks. All the elements of this rock opera are perfectly in place, including two star-making performances by Edward MacLennan and Michael Davis Arnold, supported by a talented supporting cast and crew. Together, under the shrewd and savvy leadership of Jeffrey Cass, this production brings new life and artistry to Webber’s 53-year-old rock musical for a whole new generation to enjoy.    

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 7-23 by BrightSide Theatre, performed at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-447-8497 or by going to www.brightsidetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.