Superstar is Super Duper!
April 29, 2009 • written by By: Samantha Hartfiel
For many years, the Park High School theatre has been putting on exceptional performances for the community. This year’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera by Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, was no exception. The amount of talent showcased in the performance was breathtaking and was met by at least two uproarious standing ovations, many compliments from happy playgoers, and even a school wide display of appreciation from principal Dr. Agbamu over the morning announcements. “They were amazing,” the principal gushed, “If you see any of these students give them a pat on the back. They deserve it!”
Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera that began as a broadway show in 1971 and was made into a movie in both 1973 and 2000, is a musical about Jesus Christ’s last seven days on Earth before he is crucified. Park’s production starred seniors Justin Cooke as Jesus of Nazareth and Elizabeth Graves as Mary Magdalene. Both of these students have starred in many of Park’s previous productions, and their portrayal of these characters was highly impressive. Cooke’s powerful voice in his solo “Gethsemane”, a slow sad ballad sung about Christ’s thoughts about being sentenced to death, tugged at the audiences heartstrings and some audience members even admitted to getting a little misty eyed. Also, Graves’s crisp clear voice in her solos “Everything’s Alright” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” impressed audiences as well. The upbeat group songs, an all time favorite were also tied into this production. Songs such as “What’s the Buzz”, “King Herod’s Song”, and “Simon Zealotes”, left people swaying in their seats. “The songs are so fun,” said Emily Evans, a junior who played a Tormentor/ Jesus Lover in the seven showings. “I love them so much!”
However, a new student in Park High School’s theatre program definitely stole the show. Logan Greene, a sophomore, played Judas Iscariot, the apostle who eventually betrays Jesus. Greene started off the show with his solo “Heaven on Their Minds” and kept the audiences rapt attention throughout his complex struggle with whether or not he believed in Jesus’ holiness. Greene’s other songs “Damned for All Time” and “Judas’s Death” featured not only Greene’s impressive voice but also several dance moves.
While it took some actors a few minutes to get over some stage fright, they quickly gained the confidence to belt out their songs beautifully. Unfortunately, it was not until seeing the play a second time was it possible to completely understand the play. However, that is simply one of the downsides to having a musical without any spoken lines at all, some of the meaning is lost in trying to decipher what was just said in quicker paced songs.
All in all, Jesus Christ Superstar was a very worthwhile trip. The immense enthusiasm shining from every actors face made the play very enjoyable and kept the audience begging for more. Also, the serious scenes, such as Jesus’ crucifixion brought several members to tears. “You will cry,” Evans stated. As for being a controversial selection for a school, which is supposed to be separate from religion, Evans says “Some people from other schools made comments at a speech meet, but no one at Park has made a big deal about it.”
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Superstar isnt as SUPER DUPER as i am!!!!!!