Back to Past Shows The Observer, November 8, 2002 Footlighters performs Jesus Christ Superstar By Karen Graber Last weekend wails of anguish and edgy orchestral movements pulsated through Harkness Chapel, as Footlighters, CWRU’s musical theater group, staged Jesus Christ Superstar. Jesus Christ Superstar travels through the last few days before Jesus’ crucifixion, including all the messy details of Judas’ betrayal, the turning of the mob’s affection, and the final recognition of the loss of the spiritual leader. Created by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, and directed in the Footlighters’ production by Eric Michael Gray, the musical puts a modern twist on the biblical story, complete with megaphones, metal ladders used for crucifixes, and leather pants. Yes, leather pants. While performances by Victoria Moore as Mary Magdalene, Kate Moore as Simon of Zealots, and Alissa Barth as Peter were solid enough, the boys definitely stole the show in the production, taking turns trying to outdo each other on stage. Judas and Jesus, played by Jason Koebler and Jeff Stover, resembled squabbling members of a boy band, complete with leather pants, bleached curly locks, and shrill high notes that made the audience alternatively cringe and clap appreciatively. Sean Wedig (Caiaphas) and Brian Wolf (Annas) also gave notable performances as talented, nefarious evildoers. The monochromatic set resembled black and white paint-splattered Tetris blocks, on which the characters climbed up, down, and all around throughout the course of the performance. For once, the somewhat bizarre feeling that Harkness Chapel lends to Footlighters productions seemed appropriate: Jesus hung crucified underneath the vaulted ceiling of the chapel, and the wooden pews the audience uncomfortably shifted on made the entire production feel like a surreal Sunday School lesson.

Copyright 2005. Site created and maintained by Chad Fusco at MustRunFaster@aol.com