It’s been three days since seeing Jesus Christ Superstar at Lyric Opera’s Civic Center and I still find myself going from character to character in the kitchen, in the car, while I’m working, while doing chores around the house and, moments ago, in the elevator. I may not be able to hit the brassy baritone notes sang by Cavin Cornwall as Caiaphas (or any of the character’s notes for that matter) but I give it my best shot because it’s just one of those shows – the songs stick – as they should. After all, we are talking about what many consider Andrew Lloyd Weber’s greatest work and perhaps one of the most masterful musicals of our time. We are talking about a musical that does not have a single weak number.
Having seen several variations of Jesus Christ Superstar from it’s very early runs in the 1970’s with Ted Neeley, many as he aged (the last while in his mid-sixties), and with a handful with others in the role of Jesus, Lyric Opera’s stage adaptation stays true to form – and then some. Cast members donned in hoods spread out across the main floor of the theatre before running to the stage during the opening overture. The set and costumes take us to a somewhat post-apocalyptic era, and though unnecessary as the musical is ever so effective taking place in biblical times, we still get the point.
With clever and ever-so-fitting lyrics by Tim Rice and an unbeatable soundtrack by Lloyd Weber, Jesus Christ Superstar takes us through Jesus’ rise in popularity as the promised messiah for his people over his last days. At the same time the pharisees show alarm and fear as Jesus is as a threat to their teachings – a threat that must be destroyed. While taking us through the last supper and eventually the crucifixion, the musical closely examines the love/hate relationship between Jesus and Judas, and the inner conflicts had by the latter. We also get a look at Rice and Weber’s perception of Mary Magdalene’s bond with Jesus, as she takes on a motherly approach in “Everything’s Alright” and that of almost a confused lover in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”.
Jo Lampert as Mary Magdalene soothes Jesus (Heath Saunders)
Over eighty artists take the stage to perform with the thirty-seven musicians strategically placed in plain view on the set. The talent in this production is nothing short of spectacular, the choreography original and fun, particularly in that of the pharisees in the number “This Jesus Must Die,” adding a unique element of menace. The standouts in this show are many. Ryan Shaw delivers big as Judas holding true to the role’s intention immediately impressing from his opening number “Heaven on Their Minds” while Jo Lampert as Mary Magdalene shows great vocal command as she goes from gentle and soothing to prevailing power.
Ted Neeley who portrayed Jesus in the 1973 film, touring the role prior and still doing so to this day, along with Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan who was the voice of Jesus on the original album recording, set a precedent that, if not met, can lead to disappointment by the production’s most loyal fans. Gillan and Neeley set the bar high. The two were so successful in adding a rock and roll element to Jesus - screams and all - so that many in the role to follow were doomed to fail. This is not the case in Lyric’s current production. Heath Saunders exemplifies what the Jesus Christ Superstar loyal want to see in the role of Jesus. Diehards of the production call for a rock and roll Jesus and Saunders gives them just that. While stunning the crowd with his wide vocal range and hitting the highs where we’ve come to expect the highs, Saunders also gives us a Jesus who is sensitive, caring and embodies that of a teacher.
After tearing it up as Judas in Paramount’s 2017 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and taking on an ensemble role in the recent NBC televised special, Mikal Kilgore returns to the classic musical, this time as Simon Zealotes. Kilgore again puts forth an untouched performance, only leaving the audience with the regret his lead numbers are limited. Michael Cunio as Pilate Shaun Fleming as Herod are equally impressive as they pass the buck on who will be responsible for Jesus punishment that is called for by the people. Rounding out the sensational cast are Joseph Anthony Byrd as Annas and Cavin Cornwall as Caiaphas whose performances as the sinister pharisees are also on point.
Shaun Fleming as Herod
Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the great modern-day musicals and Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of Chicago’s premiere venues. Their pairing makes a lot of sense. Lyric spares no expenses presenting an all-around magnificent cast, a collection of Chicago’s finest musicians, superb direction and choreography and a set and lighting design that includes a 37-foot cross illuminated with 101 lights and seven full-sized trees that stand in the background overlooking all the action.
Categorically recommended.
Jesus Christ Superstar is being performed at Lyric Opera of Chicago through May 20th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.lyricopera.org.
Kinky Boots has now come through Chicago a few times and I am glad I finally had a chance to see this musical, being so hyped everything. With lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, I was curious to see how her music would translate to live theater.
Based on a true story, the play starts at Price & Son’s gentlemen shoe factory in Northampton, England. It centers on Charlie Price (Adam Kaplan) trying to turn around his father’s failing business. With the help from Lola (J. Harrison Ghee), who happens to be a drag queen, they collaborate to build a new direction for Price & Son and take it all the way to Milan.
What stands out more than anything else in this play is Ghee’s performance as Lola. Ghee is an amazing singer who exudes the energy you’d expect from a Broadway performer. Additionally, many of the other characters that are part of Lola’s Angels do a fantastic job (Joseph Anthony Byrd, Sam Dowling, Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald, JP Qualters, Xavier Reyes, and Sam Rohloff). They are toned, vibrant, and of course beautiful!
Another stand out performance is Tiffany Engen as Lauren. Lauren is a longtime employee of Price & Son and has a crush on Charlie. Engen is quirky and effortlessly breaks the ice when she is on stage. I would have liked to see more of her character in the play than the script allowed along with her fun dance moves.
I felt like there was some disconnect with the casting for Adam Kaplan. I had a really hard time connecting to his portrayal of Charlie. So much so that in the end, I just wished that Lola took over the entire operations at Price & Son.
Kinky Boots is fun and full of many ups and downs. If anything, you should go for the solo Ghee performs close to the end of the show. I felt remnants of Whitney Houston in the air and a lot of soul.
More importantly, the play touches on many of the injustices that are faced around the LGBTQ community. This is something that is still a challenge and many people still are not familiar or understanding of the community. I would implore people to watch this play and actually have a real conversation about gender identity. Although the play has a humorous tone, there is an underlying message that should be discussed.
You can catch Kinky Boots at the Oriental Theatre (24 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601) during their short engagement ending on September 4th. Ticket prices range from $25-$98.
Get ready for men dressed lavishly in drag, big laughs and plenty of high-flying dance action. Kicking off their 40th season in fabulous fashion, Marriott Theatre presents the smash hit musical La Cage aux Folles, a comedy that can be as touching as it is glamorous.
In this musical that debuted on Broadway in 1983, longtime life partners Georges and Albin run the glitzy St. Tropez nightclub where dazzling all male revues are regularly performed. Georges is the club’s master of ceremonies while his “wife” Albin is the star performer “Zaza”. But when Georges’ son Jean-Michel surprisingly announces that he plans to marry the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician bent on shutting down the so-called “filth” in his district, their lives take a hectic turn – and the chaos begins. In Jean-Michel’s efforts to impress his fiancé’s visiting parents, he requests for Albin to make himself scarce and proceeds to “un-gay” his father’s home in order to also appear conservative. Naturally, this is upsetting and hurtful to Albin though a reluctant Georges insists it is just for one night and that it will be something they can laugh over for years to come. However, once Jean-Michel’s fiancé arrives with her parents nothing goes as planned and the pandemonium really begins.
Throughout this very funny theatre-in-the-round production we encounter numerous song and dance numbers superbly choreographed by Melissa Zaremba, most notably its big opener “We Are What We Are” where the audience gets blitzed with drag dancers pulling off a series of colorful costume changes. We meet a variety of characters including a take charge whip-wielding diva and can only be impressed with the St. Tropez dancers’ precision and flexibility. However, while we enjoy stunning costumes, overdone makeup and overly exaggerated female characteristics, at times we wonder if women are celebrated or parodied.
David Hess as Georges and Gene Weygandt as Albin truly light up the stage. The chemistry between the two is dynamic and projects a real sense of love and admiration for one another. Their closeness can easily be envied by so many, displaying a sincerity that is truthfully touching, uplifting and lasting. Hess and Weygandt stalwartly captain the helm of this humorous but moving story that tells us to never be ashamed of who we are.
Brian Bohr puts out an adequate performance as Jean-Michel but the show’s real support comes from Joseph Anthony Byrd who is charming as Jacob, the couple’s butler who wants to be recognized as the maid and also desires a spot in La Cage. Always a pleasure to see Larry Adams perform, the Chicago acting veteran is entertaining as ever in this time a limited role as waiter M. Renaud.
La Cage aux Folles is a well-directed show that is as fun yet tender and should not be missed. La Cage is being performed at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through March 22nd. For tickets and/or more information visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.
A collaboration of Chicago dance and Germany lighting sculpture live on stage About the Program: This program, set within an…
Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce the pre-Broadway World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER is now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre…
I think my favorite thing – well, one of my favorite things – about Wyatt Kent’s take on HAMLET is…
Frolicking season is upon us once again and Joffrey Ballet welcomes summer with the return of Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s…
As the audience takes its seats we are greeted by an atmosphere of foreboding, a trestle bridge girder to the…
Director Chuck Smith returns to Goodman with another major August Wilson revival–“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”. This is the second…
The Gift Theatre is pleased to announce its 2024-25 season featuring Suzan-Lori Parks' masterpiece Topdog/Underdog directed by Shanésia Davis and the world premiere of Cygnus by Susan Soon He…
Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce that individual tickets for the world premiere of the first ever touring production…
Full cast and crew have been announced for BrightSide Theatre's upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the rock opera that…
Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and reimagined opera, closes its 50th Anniversary season presenting the final performances of…
Tim Rhoze, Artistic Director of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, has announced the company's 2024 season of four productions. The season will open with…
David Williamson, regarded as one of the top magicians in the world today, makes his Rhapsody Theater debut with Ridiculous! Known for his tours…
Curious Theatre Branch is pleased to announce the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, May 25 - June 30 at six venues across Chicago. The…
It’s often said that in the workplace you should refrain from talking about politics and religion; too personal, too easy…
BALLET 5:8 is a female - and minority-led ballet company resident at Harris Theatre in Millenium Park. Under the leadership…
When life’s chaos is full of impossible choices, how are we possibly meant to move forward? Brooklyn Laundry is about…
I would absolutely bomb out of jury selection cos I have a very definite bias: I’ve been a fan(atic) of…
You got trouble, my friends, if you’re going to put on Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. If you’re going to…
This year's Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 65th-anniversary engagement at Chicago's historic Auditorium Theatre held particular importance as it marked…
For the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit…
Chicago’s National Landmark Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly announces its 2024-25 performance season presenting a vibrant mix of…
Chicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be…
If you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin:…
Jackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast…
Born and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by…
The Player (Lorenze Rush Jr) has just run into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his troupe of players. As he explains…
Those were my first words when I left the performance of COCK to David Zak, producer and resident wizard of…
If you’re a magic enthusiast, Joshua Jay’s captivating new show, Look Closer, is currently enchanting audiences at the Rhapsody Theater. But even…
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Sometimes you want to be surrounded by people to experience the…
About Face Theatre announces casting for the Midwest Premiere production of Lavender Men by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Lucky Stiff, running May 9 -June 8,…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.