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Brecksville Theatre on the Square
Brecksville, Ohio - March 2013 Music by Andrew Lloyd-Weber Lyrics by Tim Rice Directed by Geoffrey Short Music Direction by Jason Falkofsky Choreography by Jen Justice Stage Manager Caron Wykle Costumes by Luke Scattergood CAST: Rick McGuigan as Jesus Joe Pine as Judas Rachel Anderson as Mary Nick Bailey as Pilate David Williams as Caiaphas Jim Jarrell as Herod/Annas Justin Edenhofer as Simon Jacob Schaefer as Peter Company: Jeanette Luli Sally Spitz Beth Lee Anthony Salatino Brad Kohl Roger Connors Andrew Kondik David Turner Kate League Kimberly Eskut Sarah Durham Allison Naso Theresa Pedone 
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What happens when a charismatic leader whose influence and popularity has spawned a growing social movement viewed as a threat by the established power structure? What happens when that Leader is ultimately brought down by one of his closest followers who fears the movement will lead to death and violence? Themes of Faith vs. Doubt, Faithfulness vs. Betrayal, Popularity and Power collide into a central question: What would you do if you believed your closest friend, your idol, your MESSIAH and all your fellow followers had lost sight of the mission you thought you had in common and instead was a leading a movement that could cause the deaths of many?
This production was told through the lens of a swirling collage of modernistic images and rock music forming a Rock-N-Roll Passion Play in a contemporary, symbolic and timeless setting reflective of our society's idolization of messianic personalities and power struggles.
The intimate Brecksville Theatre on the Square stage is the perfect venue for this musical which has so often become bloated with concept, often at the expense of the fascinating content of this piece. The space allowed Geoff to focus Jesus Christ Superstar on the incredible story-telling and musical talents of the amazing cast. Looking at these historic characters in this way may not be for everyone, but in many ways Jesus Christ Superstar is about everyone.
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Geoff's Director's Note:
I've always heard you should never discuss politics or religion in mixed company. All of us involved with Jesus Christ Superstar - a story full of both - have pretty much thrown that old adage right out the window since our very first rehearsal. Now we're excited to add all of you to the discussion. I think.
The subject of Jesus Christ can be delicate at best and be the cause of holy wars at worst (I really hope that doesn't happen tonight!). I'm pretty sure it hasn't caused any wars yet, butJesus Christ Superstar has certainly had a controversial history. Primarily because its authors intentionally explored a perspective of the Greatest Story Ever Told that had never been explored in musical theatre before - Judas' perspective. The opening number - Heaven on Their Minds - not only reveals Judas' fears about Jesus' growing movement and the threat it has become to the occupying Roman empire, but also establishes Judas as the protagonist of the story. As you can imagine, Jesus Christ Superstar has been viewed by many as sympathetic to Judas and even blasphemous. This was the cause of a lot of controversy when JCS opened on Broadway in 1971, and it still is today.
Of course, 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.
"What would Jesus do?" That's been a popular question that has provided a moral and philosophical roadmap for many people. To me, it seems that by presenting Judas' perspective,Jesus Christ Superstar asks a different question. What would YOU do? What would you do if you believed your closest friend, your idol - your messiah - had lost sight of the mission you thought you had in common and instead was a leading a movement that could end in disaster? Jesus Christ Superstar is not a Bible story nor a Passion play. In fact, it is a modern rock musical exploration of provoking, challenging questions that are timeless and can apply to our society today. This musical reflects our idolization of messianic celebrities (and our near bloodthirsty desire to seem them fall), political power struggles, faith and betrayal. 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 in the last week of his life. 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.
Because the themes in Jesus Christ Superstar are timeless, this production takes place in a contemporary, symbolic and timeless setting reflective of our society today. The intimate Brecksville Theatre on the Square stage is the perfect venue for this musical which has so often become bloated with concept, often at the expense of the fascinating content of this piece (some have even added their own Resurrection scenes which the authors did not write). The space allows us to focus Jesus Christ Superstar on the incredible story-telling and musical talents of the amazing performers on stage. I have been so inspired by this cast who have always been ready to put aside what may or may not be their own personal beliefs to explore telling this story honestly and objectively. That, of course, is the whole idea of great acting. It's also easier said than done when the material is about Jesus Christ.
Thank you to our incredible cast. Their willingness to explore this familiar story in some unfamiliar ways has been a wonder. Whatever their beliefs are it's always been clear that their performances have been infused with passion and faith in whatever gives them strength. Thank you to our amazing production staff whose artistry is a miracle in and of itself. Thank you to Brecksville Theatre on the Square for your faith in me and for another incredible opportunity to direct here. Your courage to produce challenging works like Superstar should be a model for all theatres. Thanks and love to my family, Lisa, Mikey and Bailey for your never ending patience and support. And last but not least, thank you for supporting BTOTS and taking this journey with us with open minds and open hearts.
Looking at these historic characters in this way may not be for everyone, but in many ways Jesus Christ Superstar is about everyone. We can't wait to share this production with you.
In memory of Jeannette Winter, Founder of Brecksville Theatre on the Square. Rest in peace.
- Geoff Short
I've always heard you should never discuss politics or religion in mixed company. All of us involved with Jesus Christ Superstar - a story full of both - have pretty much thrown that old adage right out the window since our very first rehearsal. Now we're excited to add all of you to the discussion. I think.
The subject of Jesus Christ can be delicate at best and be the cause of holy wars at worst (I really hope that doesn't happen tonight!). I'm pretty sure it hasn't caused any wars yet, butJesus Christ Superstar has certainly had a controversial history. Primarily because its authors intentionally explored a perspective of the Greatest Story Ever Told that had never been explored in musical theatre before - Judas' perspective. The opening number - Heaven on Their Minds - not only reveals Judas' fears about Jesus' growing movement and the threat it has become to the occupying Roman empire, but also establishes Judas as the protagonist of the story. As you can imagine, Jesus Christ Superstar has been viewed by many as sympathetic to Judas and even blasphemous. This was the cause of a lot of controversy when JCS opened on Broadway in 1971, and it still is today.
Of course, 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.
"What would Jesus do?" That's been a popular question that has provided a moral and philosophical roadmap for many people. To me, it seems that by presenting Judas' perspective,Jesus Christ Superstar asks a different question. What would YOU do? What would you do if you believed your closest friend, your idol - your messiah - had lost sight of the mission you thought you had in common and instead was a leading a movement that could end in disaster? Jesus Christ Superstar is not a Bible story nor a Passion play. In fact, it is a modern rock musical exploration of provoking, challenging questions that are timeless and can apply to our society today. This musical reflects our idolization of messianic celebrities (and our near bloodthirsty desire to seem them fall), political power struggles, faith and betrayal. 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 in the last week of his life. 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.
Because the themes in Jesus Christ Superstar are timeless, this production takes place in a contemporary, symbolic and timeless setting reflective of our society today. The intimate Brecksville Theatre on the Square stage is the perfect venue for this musical which has so often become bloated with concept, often at the expense of the fascinating content of this piece (some have even added their own Resurrection scenes which the authors did not write). The space allows us to focus Jesus Christ Superstar on the incredible story-telling and musical talents of the amazing performers on stage. I have been so inspired by this cast who have always been ready to put aside what may or may not be their own personal beliefs to explore telling this story honestly and objectively. That, of course, is the whole idea of great acting. It's also easier said than done when the material is about Jesus Christ.
Thank you to our incredible cast. Their willingness to explore this familiar story in some unfamiliar ways has been a wonder. Whatever their beliefs are it's always been clear that their performances have been infused with passion and faith in whatever gives them strength. Thank you to our amazing production staff whose artistry is a miracle in and of itself. Thank you to Brecksville Theatre on the Square for your faith in me and for another incredible opportunity to direct here. Your courage to produce challenging works like Superstar should be a model for all theatres. Thanks and love to my family, Lisa, Mikey and Bailey for your never ending patience and support. And last but not least, thank you for supporting BTOTS and taking this journey with us with open minds and open hearts.
Looking at these historic characters in this way may not be for everyone, but in many ways Jesus Christ Superstar is about everyone. We can't wait to share this production with you.
In memory of Jeannette Winter, Founder of Brecksville Theatre on the Square. Rest in peace.
- Geoff Short
A Video Look at the BTOTS production of JCS.
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Click below for a review of JCS. 
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Geoff's early set rendering video. |
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Photos Photos by Geoff Short
Geoffrey Short
Northeast Ohio Entertainer
Northeast Ohio Entertainer