Jesus Christ Superstar rocks River Campus

The Bedell Performance Hall was filled with rock ‘n’ roll Sept. 26-30 in ‘70s fashion with a performance of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance performed the story of Jesus’ last week on earth through the eyes of Judas in rocker clothes, gogo boots, grunge makeup and with themes of sex, drugs and rock and roll.

While the show maintained its ‘70s roots, it added modern elements. Jesus was treated like a superstar, complete with fans taking selfies on their smartphones, recording him and using their phone flashlights in true “lighters-up,” rock show fashion.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” was held from Sept. 26 to 30 at the Bedell Performance Hall.Photo by Hailey Hampton

The stage featured rock-show lights, which shined into the audience at times. Another standout effect was the LED light shirt Jesus wore on the cross, which accentuated his wounds.

After the performance Thursday, student choreographer Malachi Marrero said the actors’ energy was high.

“[The energy] was through the roof,” Marrero said. “These kids work their asses off, and it shows. They’re so excited whenever they enter the stage.”

The origin of his high energy was Judas playing the guitar in the overture which had the audience clapping with the beat, Marrero said.

Nick Kuchem, who played Judas, rolled his ankle the night prior during bows. He said the performance was good and he was focusing on keeping his energy up.

Noel Huntley, who portrayed Mary Magdalen, said the audience seemed hesitant to clap.

“There’s such quick segways between songs, and there has to be, so I don’t think the audience always knows when to clap,” Huntley said. “They didn’t clap after Superstar, which was shocking, but I figure it’s because Jesus was dying on the cross.”

Kuchem described being in front of a crowd as the “last piece of the puzzle.”

Kamron Underwood who played Jesus Christ said he felt the high energy, as well.

“The massive amount of people in the audience with energy helps us bounce it off of each other,” Underwood said. “Having that there has made this show high energy and high octane, as it should be.”

Freshmen Catherine Grzywa and Maria Bouche attended the show and said they thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

“I didn’t realize how much of a rock show this really was,” Grzywa said. “It was entertaining, there weren’t any slow parts and it was fun to follow.”

Bouche enjoyed the whole show, but a particular part stood out.

“One of my favorite parts was when Judas was singing,” Bouche said. “He is just so talented; it was fun to listen to him.”

The cast received applause and approving hollering during curtain call, ending the high energy show with a high energy response.