*Editor's note: Stamford High School freshman Chloe Ryan Simner performed in her first professional production this weekend! ACT of Connecticut opened their Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar to a sold-out crowd Friday and Saturday evenings. Simner was one of three child actors in the production. Congratulations Chloe!
What's the Buzz? ACT's Reimagined Version of Jesus Christ Superstar will ROCK Your World!
Daniel C. Levine reimagined a play about the greatest story ever told and made it meaningful for modern times.
Humans have battled against tyranny since the beginning of time. In some ways, we must all remain vigilant freedom fighters. ACT of Connecticut Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine brings to life the present-day battle for liberty in his powerful adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar, a production influenced by modern-day events.
Levine says that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and his “obsession” with Margaret Atwood’s The Handmade’s Tale influenced his creative direction of Jesus Christ Superstar, a story about the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. ACT successfully made the timeless classic of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrist Tim Rice relevant for today while holding firm to the musical's deep-rooted message.
Don’t expect a traditional biblical production from ACT’s 25 person cast including 9 musicians and 3 children. “I’ve done that version before and I think that people are very familiar with that version. So, I was interested in telling the story in a different way,” Levine told the audience.
Combine Levine’s modern-day twist on the rock opera (complete with images from The Handmaid’s Tale) with absolutely mesmerizing choreography by Sara Brians and an all-star cast - BAM! ACT of CT has done it again! Jesus Christ Superstar is pure brilliance!
The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus Christ, played by Brett Stoelker and his disciples including Avionce Hoyles who stars as the betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Tony nominee Caitlin Kinnunen kills it as the compassionate and doting Mary Magdaline, her performance next to Stoelker is simply captivating.
Stroking the head of Jesus, Mary sings:
Sleep and I shall soothe you
Calm you, and anoint you
Myrrh for your hot forehead, oh
Then you'll feel
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine
And it's cool and the ointment's sweet
For the fire in your head and feet
Close your eyes, close your eyes
And relax, think of nothing tonight
Jesus Christ Superstar challenges the audience to dig deep. Here is a man, Jesus Christ, constantly being told of his insignificance, badgered about the futility of his sacrifice, and teased about the fact that no one will remember his name after His death. His friends and followers doubt him. He knows one of them will eventually betray Him, yet he perseveres, and it eventually costs him His life.
However, we all know now that His death was not in vain, His actions and legacy continue to inspire masses to vanquish the oppressors and live free.
Levine said it best, “We all go to the theater to be entertained but theater can also challenge us, move us, and in a sense remind us of what it means to be human.”
Jesus Christ Superstar runs through Sunday, April 17, 2022. Performances are: Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm; with additional performances on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2pm and Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 7pm.
ACT of CT’s special Sensory Friendly performance of the show will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 2pm (please call or email the box office for more details about this special performance which is not on sale to the general public).
To purchase tickets for all performances please visit actofct.org or call the box office at (475) 215-5497. Senior / Student and Group pricing is available. For more information about ACT of CT, ticket and annual subscription sales, spring and summer education programs, sponsor/donor opportunities, ACT of CT’s Audience Access program, and other theatre-related news and announcements, visit actofct.org
*Image courtesy ACT of CT