Westmoreland Performing Arts will present “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Palace Theatre for two shows only, March 17, 18. Featured in the cast are Anthony Marino Jr. (CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol) as Jesus, Zoe Abuyuan as Mary Magdalene, Tony Marino as Judas, Renata Marino as King Herod, John Noble as Caiaphas, Kevin O’Leary as Pilate, Cory Sigler as Annas, Alex Podolinski as Peter and introducing Ben Federico as Simon Zealotes. Eric Barchiesi will Musically Direct. This show marks WPA’s first appearance on the Palace Stage.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the Passion. Initially unable to get backing for a stage production, the composers released it as a concept album, the success of which led to the show’s Broadway on-stage debut in 1971. The show has local ties as well. The first authorized American concert of the rock opera took place in front of an audience of 13,000 people at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Civic Arena in July of 1971.
Director Tony Marino: Having taken part in this show for the past 30 years, I obviously have a great deal of affection for it. Dr. Ken Gargaro from Pgh Musical Theatre, gave me my first chance to do it, and also instilled my love and respect for the material. He also bestowed to me what I think is the correct artistic ethos for the show which is; It’s a story that is ALWAYS relevant, its your job to make that happen in your production. Meaning, it’s a living breathing thing, it doesn’t matter what you believe religiously, we can all benefit from this story. That’s the challenge. In our production we are examining the idea of belief. How hard is it to believe in something? How hard is it to make people believe you? We live in a world where false narratives and lies have an easy time gaining traction and hurting people. This story is about a person who suffered the ultimate cost of that, but still spoke the truth. Plus, the music rocks! There is no doubt if you love this show, you’ll love the community that has gathered to produce it.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar” will be performed Friday March 17th and Saturday 18th at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg, PA. Start time for both shows is 7:30. For tickets please call the Palace Theatre Box Office at 724.836.800 or visit their website www.palacetheatre.org.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is produced by Westmoreland Performing Arts, 132 Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601. For more information on us visit www.westmorelandperformingarts.com or call 724.672.3322.
