"Students have been working diligently to bring this theatrical experience to WCHS, and now as they begin to put the final preparations on the show, you can see their excitement as the puzzle pieces begin to fit together. It is truly a rewarding experience," said WCHS director Patrick Schuttrow during the final week of rehearsal. "It is a great experience to be a part of the arts, and this gives one more venue for students to express themselves."
Originally an album released in 1971 which made its way to the Broadway stage, Jesus Christ Superstar, was written with music by famed composer Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Its explosive and invigorating music quickly soared to the top of the charts and for the past 40 years has remained a popular musical performed by high schools, community theatres, private schools and colleges, and as well has enjoyed numerous professional runs on and off Broadway. The premise of Jesus Christ Superstar is the story of the last week of Jesus Christ's mortal life. It also presents the story in a unique way by telling it through the confused and tormented eyes of Judas Iscariot. Ultimately, the story ends with the renewal of hope and triumph of good over evil.
“Andrew Lloyd Webber has always challenged the audiences of his musicals to bring timeless themes and plots to a new level by adding modern elements that in essence, prove the timeless nature of the story while bridging the gap between generations. That is exactly what Jesus Christ Superstar does,” says Schuttrow.
“We have had a wonderful and challenging time putting this show together. It has exciting and upbeat music and choreography that the students all have been attracted to," he adds.
"The show has not been without its challenges. Students have many activities they are participating in, schedules have been tight with weather delays and cancellations, and the production of the show the week after returning from spring break have all posed challenges to the hectic rehearsal schedule," Schuttrow continues. "However, as the opening draws closer, students are starting to put the pieces together for a show that is bound to excite, touch and inspire the audience."
In addition, the challenge of accompaniment became an issue this year, and the cast will perform with a rental system that fully orchestrates the entire show. This is the first time that such a system has been used at WCHS and "though challenging, will be very rewarding," Schuttrow says.
The director firmly believes that the students have grown not only as actors, but as people through this experience. “Being in any show is an experience which may enrich you as a person. This show inherently is so rich in its plot that the students have grown not only as actors, singers and performers, but they are looking at the subtext of the show's plot. They are realizing deep truths and facing challenges with creativity and innovation. That is true application of knowledge and that is what excites me.”
Jesus Christ Superstar is a production that has been staged in a multitude of ways in the past 40 years. Its script lends itself to almost any interpretation and staging. Though much of the story is told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, it only lets the audience see deeper into that character's confusion and despair.
“I have performed the role of Judas Iscariot in a production of Godspell several years ago, and it is a difficult character to play. The inevitable outcome of his role is certain, but to convey the confusion and torment is any actor's welcome challenge, as it is such a dramatic role,” says Schuttrow.
The 2011 WCHS production was set in a modern-day construction site. “The whole set, staging, etc. are all symbolic,” says Schuttrow. "As with any show, great care has been given to the music, lyrics and staging so that it remains faithful to the script, but also faithful to the reverence of such an inspiring subject matter."
Several students, WCHS alumni, parents and parents of WCHS alumni have participated in the creation of this production.
"What has been created over the years is a WCHS Drama family and we are so lucky to have each and every member of this family," Schuttrow says. "From our costume and make-up designers to our set builders and from our hair stylists to our bulletin board designers, we are a family that believes in what our students can achieve and believes in importance of the arts. When we see graduates and parents of graduates from over a decade ago still willing to come back and help us, we are truly grateful. We are also a very blessed community to have so many community organizations and even private citizens who have donated to help us fund our accompanimental program for this year. All who have contributed in any way have helped to bring this production to WCHS."
Tickets will be available in the WCHS main office beginning on Monday, March 28. Please call (574) 9 46-7955. Tickets are $6 each and will also be available at the doors of the production.
Performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2; and 1 and 6 p.m., Sunday, April 3. Doors open 45 minutes prior to each production. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance due to limited seating.
Cast for Jesus Christ Superstar
2011 WCHS Spring Musical
Jesus..................................................................................Ridge Parks
Judas.................................................................................Jordan Morning
Mary Magdalene..............................................................Emily Paulsen
Annas.................................................................................Kyle Collins
Caiaphas............................................................................Caleb Schmicker
King Herod........................................................................Tyler Abbott
Peter...................................................................................Cody Wilson
Pontius Pilate....................................................................Jonah Christensen
Simon Zealotes..................................................................J.T. Garnett
Maid by the fire/Crowd....................................................Sarah Doty
Old Woman#1/Crowd......................................................Tori Gardner
Old Woman #2/Crowd................................................Emerald Blankenship
1st Priest..............................................................................Aaron Hoover
2nd Priest................................................................................Luke Weldon
Apostles:
Brandon Ball, Chance Blankenship, Josh Tankersley, Nathan Sommers, Jake Minnick, Eric Sass, Jeremy Bentle, Ralph Thomas, Brennon Morning
Crowd:
Alyssa Garnett, Luke Weldon, Nicole Johnston, Hayley Harper, Baleigh Dickson, Kenzie Fisher, Alexis Calabrese, Alina Fernandez, Carrie Walter, Alexis Craft, Rachel Tetzloff, Jessica Fox, Jamie Callahan, Abby Jackson, Teddi Rausch, Jennifer Beal, Elizabeth Eldridge, Katy Sayer, Allie DeFries, Chris Moreland, Sierra Rife
Extras: Will Kocher, Steve Wagner, Keegan Kasten
Youth Choir: Mary Murray, Madeline Murray, Sidney Mrak, Taylor Smith, Anabella Niewiadomski
Stage Manager: Steve Wagner
Lighting: Zach Markley, Steve Tratar
Sound Design: Dan Gingrich/Gingrich Services
Set Design: Neil Field
Choreography: Emily Paulsen
Costume Design: Nancy Allman
Make-up and Hair Design: Sharon Fritz
