jesus christ superstar

Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts
February 23, 2018 - March 18, 2018

​Music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice

Directed by Geoffrey Short
Musical Direction by Anthony Campisi
Choreography by Daniel Nohrden
Lighting Design by Michael Graham

Starring

James Giordano as Jesus
Dante' Jamar Lamonte Murray as Judas
Del Marerro as Mary
Steven Fuentes as Pontius Pilate
Michael Biggs as Caiaphas
Meredith Cariski as Annas
Max Miller as Herod/Simon
Kaelea Murphy as Peter

with
Aaron Bravo
Elli Murray
Mark Demeter
Johanna Moise
​Destiny Cummings
Richard Anthony Forbes
Myria Jean Baum
Kelly McMurtrey
Ally Venegas

​The story of the last week of the life Jesus Christ has fascinated, inspired and horrified countless generations for centuries.  There are no spoiler alerts necessary for how this story ends – or begins depending on your perspective – and knowing how the story unfolds creates a gripping  tension that makes us, in turns, reflective, angry, sad, grateful, guilty and so much more.  Jesus Christ Superstar examines the very earthly and human elements of this very familiar story in some unfamiliar ways. 
 
That's part of the reason I've always loved this musical so much.  It does the things theatre is supposed to do.  Challenge, provoke, edify and entertain.  We present Jesus Christ Superstar with respect to all faiths and beliefs, and also with respect to the work itself - the lyrics and music of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber - entrusted to us without imposing our own personal faiths and beliefs on it.  Much like the many different personal relationships many of you have to the story of Jesus Christ, so to are the varied ways this musical can provoke and inspire.  It’s up to you to determine how it may do that for you. 
 
But one thing the authors have made clear is that Jesus Christ Superstar is not necessarily a Bible story nor a Passion play. In fact, it is a modern rock musical exploration based on the story of the last week of Jesus’ life.  It asks provoking, challenging questions that are timeless and can apply to our society today. That’s why this production is told in the context of current time and place.  This musical reflects our idolization of messianic celebrities (and our near bloodthirsty desire to seem them fall), political power struggles, faith and betrayal, racism and societal oppression. But there can be no doubt that these themes are examined through the story of Judas and his relationship with a very human Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ Superstar was written through the lens of political history as opposed to Biblical scripture.  The authors presented Jesus as a radical activist leading a growing social movement, not the devine figure many are familiar with and have faith in.  That’s part of what made this musical so controversial when it opened in 1971 and I’m sure is part of why we’re still enthralled by it today. But I suspect the killer rock score has a lot to do with it too.
 
Thank you to this incredible production team, cast and crew who have opened their minds and hearts to make it possible.  And thank you for opening your hearts and minds too and for joining us as we explore telling this timeless story in some new ways.
 
With Love,
Geoff Short

Geoff also performed as Judas at select performances.

Photos

Photos by Norman Black and Ron Pollack

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Set design

by Geoff Short

Geoffrey Short
Northeast Ohio Entertainer