SAXTONS RIVER — “What's the buzz?” ask Jesus' apostles as they wake from sleep in the Garden of Gethsemane to find him being hauled off by Roman soldiers.
According to a news release, theatergoers are asking the same question as excitement revs up before the curtain rises on the Main Street Arts production of the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Bellows Falls Opera House Thursday, March 29, for the beginning of a two-weekend run.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice in what Rolling Stone magazine readers called “one of the 10 best musicals of all time,” the production is a modern telling of the passion of Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot.
The MSA production features a cast of 50 who work against a dramatic but pared down backdrop that suggests the power of the authorities, the rugged terrain, and the horror of the coming crucifixion.
Jesus is played alternately by Sean Roberts and William Sawyer, with Louis Vitale and Andrew Flaherty sharing the role of Judas. Gavy Kessler plays a larger-than-life Pontius Pilate as he struts around on dry waller's stilts in his black and silver outfit.
Herod is brought to life in all his malevolence by Henry O'Connell dressed in a dandy's feathered outfit, while Mary Magdalene is played dually by Allie McGahie and Hannah Hoffman.
The global phenomenon of the musical has wowed audiences for more than 45 years since its Broadway debut in 1971, and its songs have entered the lexicon of classics: I Don't Know How to Love Him, Everything's Alright, and the widely recognized title song.
The MSA production is directed by David Stern, with Ken Olsson as musical director and Annesa Hartman as choreographer. Sandy Klein and her assistant Veda Crewe have created costumes that are both fanciful (think Burning Man) and evocative.
Stage design is by Stern, with a crew that includes Edward Dinnany and John “Chip” O'Brien. Stage manager is Barbie Kurkul, assisted by Ronnie Friedman.
In addition to Thursday's opening, show times are Fridays and Saturdays, March 30 and 31 and April 6 and 7, all at 7:30 p.m., with matinees both Saturdays at 2 p.m.