Studio Tenn
— presents —
Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Patrick Cassidy
Wed – Sun thru May 31
Ages 13+
Turner Theater, The Factory at Franklin
230 Franklin Road
TICKETS
Since its Broadway premiere in 1971, “Jesus Christ Superstar” has stood apart in the canon of musical theater, thrilling audiences with a score both bold and electrifying more than 50 years later. Born first as a concept album, the show became a global phenomenon, produced almost continuously ever since. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music — with lyrics by Tim Rice — remains the production’s driving force: eerie, jarring, haunting and emotionally relentless. Themes of betrayal, doubt, celebrity and mob mentality pulse through the score with a musical complexity few modern musicals attempt. Theaters that tackle this show are bold, indeed.
As Studio Tenn’s final production of the season, director Patrick Cassidy embraces both the chaos and intimacy of the material. The abstract set design (by Scenic Designer Andrew Cohen) — dominated by scaffolding and a towering mural of Jesus upstage right — underscores the harshness of the world surrounding Christ’s message of love and compassion. Lighting design by Darren E. Levin helps to create the shifting mood.
Mykal Kilgore as Judas. PHOTO BY SAMMY HEARN
This is not a straightforward Bible adaptation. Instead, the musical captures the emotional confusion and volatility of Jesus’ final week, shifting rapidly from furious rock numbers to moments of bleak sorrow and even flashes of satire. If the instability and tension leading to the Crucifixion could be translated into music, this would be it. And because Superstar is sung entirely through, the vocal demands are immense. Studio Tenn’s cast rises to the challenge repeatedly, matched by an excellent live band tucked out of sight.
Adam Pascal brings a melancholy weariness to Jesus, fully aware of the fate awaiting him. He moves steadily through the production as both leader and victim, adored one moment, condemned the next. His rendition of “Gethsemane,” performed alone downstage, sends chills through the theater. Yet Superstar belongs just as much to Judas (Mykal Kilgore), and his performance here captures the disciple’s bitterness, doubt and lingering remorse with powerful vocals and emotional depth.
As Mary Magdalene, Olivia Valli delivers a tender “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” portraying Mary less as a fallen woman than a devoted and compassionate follower from beginning to end.
Among the supporting cast, W. Scott Stewart (Caiaphas), Parker Jenkins (Annas) and Garris Wimmer bring commanding presence to the High Priests. Geoff Davin nearly steals the show as Pilate, balancing humor and cruelty in a memorable royal blue pantsuit and cape. Meanwhile, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva makes the most of King Herod’s brief but unforgettable appearance, delivering a gloriously over-the-top, glitter-soaked spectacle complete with dancing acolytes.
The balanced ensemble anchors the production, moving between anguish and joyful release. Standouts here include the vibrant Emma Rose Williamson, Lane Adam Williamson, Harrison Hall and Connor Adair.
I attended the invited dress rehearsal, which included a few very minor hiccups, but the performances themselves never faltered. Studio Tenn continues to take big risks in the Turner Theater which is exciting for Middle Tennessee audiences. Taking on the juggernaut that is Superstar with confidence and heart, the company turns out an emotional and entertaining production.
MORE PHOTOS
Adam Pascal as Jesus with the Ensemble. PHOTO BY SAMMY HEARN.
Geoff Davin as Pilate. PHOTO BY SAMMY HEARN.
Adam Pascal as Jesus with the High Priests, Pilate and Ensemble. PHOTO BY SAMMY HEARN.
