Antrobus Arts’ production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is dynamic and moving with powerful performances by the talented cast..
The concert-style production is running Sundays through July 7 at Coplay Saengerbund, 205 S. Fifth St., Coplay.
Conceived by Antrobus Arts’ Bob Fahringer and Peter Schmidt as a concert in a bar, staging the production in a small space creates an intimacy with the performers as well as an immersive feel.
Adding to that immersiveness, Schmudt announces at the beginning of the show that the audience is welcome to sing along on the choruses of several songs including “What’s The Buzz?” “Everything’s Alright,” “Hosanna,” “The Last Supper” and “Superstar.” The numbers also are notated in the playbill.
During the opening night show, members of the audience eagerly joined in on the singing.
Mary Ann Green, portraying a conflicted and driven Judas, opens the show strongly with “Heaven On Their Minds” showing off her alto belt. Green gives a strong performance throughout exploring Judas’ brashness and growing confusion in “Strange Things Mystifying” as well as Judas’ torment in “Damned For All Time” and “Judas’ Death.”
Jay Fuentes is tortured and passionate as Jesus. Fuentes skillfully interprets the human side of Jesus as he questions his path in the heartrending, as well as flaunt his falsetto in “Gethsemane.” Fuentes also conveys a myriad of emotion, even when he is standing quietly of stage.
Melody Cruz is warm and poignant as Mary Magdalene, putting her own mark on "I Don't Know How to Love Him," and "Everything's Alright." Noel Cruz plays Mary Magdalene on July 7.
Brady Love’s Pontius Pilate is confused and appalled but pompous in the affecting “Pliate’s Dream.”
Matt Walczer adds a bit of fun as an an enjoyably flamboyant King Herod. George Spelvin plays Herrod on July 7.
In “This Jesus Must Die” and other songs, the contrast between Josh Fogerty as the high tenor Annas and Mitchell Hendricks as booming bass Caiaphas is effective and enjoyable to listen to.
Mike Daniels also delivers as Simon Zealotes in his eponymous song and Connor Green is a defensive Peter.
All of the cast, which also includes Resa Hall, Sean Hall, John Kelly, Jennifer Patchen and Katie Rehatchek, contribute to the tight harmonies.
A small rock band made up of Frank Hall on piano; Phil Henderson on keyboard; Fahringer on guitar; Mark Simmons on bass and John Lucas on percussion provides a big sound to anchor the show and ably back the singers. Fahringer also is music director.
There is no dialogue in the production. Schmidt says the two men conceived of presenting a concert-style performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sung-through rock opera since it was initially released as a concept album in 1970. The original double-record LP sold more than 7 million copies worldwide and led to the 1971 Broadway production.
Tickets are $20 adults and $10 students.
Performances are 7 p.m. June 30 and July 7, at Coplay Saengerbund, 205 S. Fifth St., Coplay.
For information, go to www.facebook.com/Antrobusarts/.