The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” has wowed audiences for more than 40 years. OB Playhouse brings the musical to the stage through April 15 at 4944 Newport Ave., with performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be no performance on April 1.
OB Playhouse and Theatre Company artistic director Jennie Gray Connard directs this special concert event in collaboration with music director Kirk Valles. “We are both huge fans of the music in this show and felt it was a perfect time to bring it to the OB Playhouse stage,” said Connard. “We both agreed that doing it as a concert would be a wonderful way to pay homage to the musical’s original inception. “Not too many people know that “Jesus Christ Superstar” started out as a concept album, which before heading to Broadway, was presented in Pittsburgh as a concert production. We’re truly so fortunate to have exceptionally talented performers in this show who know how to portray and project the nature and feeling behind this iconic piece,” said Connard. The rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, “Jesus Christ Superstar” follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” features outstanding San Diego talents: SeeJay Lewis as Jesus, Chris Miller as Judas, Keri Miller as Mary, Kaleb Scott as Pontius Pilate, James (Mike) McCullock as King Herod, Brian Evans as Caiaphas, Kylie Young as Annas, Meredith Russo as Simon and N. Cody Ruch as Peter. The ensemble includes Jack Connard, Jay Keener-Welsh, Chrissy Allen, Amanda Blair, Alyssa Guttendorf, Melanie McCorkle and Vanessa Miller.
OB Playhouse is an intimate playhouse and a destination theatre with multiple options for dinner, drinks and late night kitchens right outside the front door
Husband and wife team, Bill Connard (executive director) and Jennie Gray Connard (artistic director) took over the OB Playhouse in June 2016, creating the production company, OB Theatre Company and haven’t looked back since. Their mission was to create high quality community theatre where actors, directors and theatre artists could come and work in a warm, familial yet professional environment. “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber;
Lyrics by Tim Rice;
Directed by Jennie Gray Connard;
Music direction by Kirk Valles;
Produced by Bill Connard and Jennie Gray Connard.
When: March 23 – April 15, Thursdays – Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: OB Playhouse & Theatre Company, 4944 Newport Ave.
Info: Tickets can be purchased at obplayhouse.com, 619-795-9305.