‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

opens tonight

By DEVIN HEILMAN

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — When you're cast as Superstar Jesus Christ, you have to get the singing right.

"Jesus is a lot of fun to play," said actor Robby French. "It's challenging for the voice, the body and mind. The voice range is four octaves — challenging for any singer."

French stars as Jesus in Lake City Playhouse's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the first rock opera to light up the stage since the theater returned to its LCP moniker.

And while Jesus' vocal talent may require a stretch, French is prepared for the challenge.

"I always like to do shows that will push me beyond my normal limits," he said. "Otherwise, I never grow as an actor."

The story of "Superstar" follows Jesus and his disciples through the final days of Jesus' life. While the events leading up to crucifixion are widely known, this tale is from the perspective of Judas Iscariot (Jadd Davis) and highlights his struggles with Jesus.

"I love the fact that Jesus is a completely human being in the show," French said. "He's not portrayed 'divine,' but a real man making really hard decisions. He has rage, anger, love and compassion. He is so often played as this stoic perfect being. And the show challenges that."

The production made its Broadway debut in 1971, but director and choreographer Troy Nickerson said this version is much more current with its dance numbers and setting.

"It's almost post-apocalyptic, and that's reflected in the sets," he said. "The costumes have a 'Mad Max'-y vibe about them."

As a rock opera, the show has no spoken dialogue. Instead, characters converse through song.

"I think that one of the many things people enjoy about 'Superstar' is the amazing score written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. I think it's his strongest show, and he wrote it at 20 years old. Amazing," French said. "The rock music in it feels so current, even today, and the story is recognizable across the world."

French said the show's messages are up for individual interpretation and he hopes people leave the playhouse feeling moved and inspired.

"Politics, betrayal, loyalty, sacrifice, love, government. These are all represented in the show. And they're all very relevant today," he said. "Our world is changing, our country is changing, and I believe because of that, this show is more perfect now than ever."

Nickerson said audiences will enjoy the whole "Superstar" experience as the nearly 20-person cast is filled with a "who's who" of Coeur d'Alene talent: French, Davis, Abbey Crawford as Mary Magdalene, Patrick McHenry-Kroetch as Pilate, Lance Babbitt as Herod and Diana Trotter and several other strong artists cast as disciples.

“There are those shows that you know are going to be special right from the start,” Nickerson said. “I really think this is going to be one of those shows.”