Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto, Ontario - Opening January 16, Hart House Theatre is thrilled to present the iconic and ground-breaking rock-opera, Jesus Christ Superstar. Directed by Luke Brown (The Wedding Singer, Theatre Aquarius, Neptune Theatre, the Charlottetown Festival and Talk is Free Theatre) and featuring the city's finest emerging talent, this staging of Jesus Christ Superstar is a prime example of what Hart House Theatre does best: pairing professionals with trained emerging youthful talent in theatre that has a high production value and is both compelling and unique.
Jesus Christ Superstar has enthralled audiences since its historic and contentious Broadway opening in 1971. Based on the gospel accounts of Jesus' final days, it is the first musical of its kind to question the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Thrilling audiences as much as it ignites debate, Jesus Christ Superstar contains some of the most memorable music of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career-energetic, bold rock 'n' roll with a vocal score that is as epic as the story it tells.
Heading up the creative team is Director Luke Brown. From his director's notes:
I was 14 when I was introduced to "Jesus Christ Superstar"...With that opening guitar riff, I was completely hooked...As I grew up, though, I discovered other people whose first exposure to the show was the first time that theatre meant anything to them. I was not alone.
Approaching the show as a director, I searched for a way to make it relevant today. How would a person claiming to be the Son of God and challenging authority be treated today? In a world where a young woman is shot for wanting to learn and a band is jailed for criticizing the government, it's hard to believe that events would turn out any differently today. One day while stuck in traffic due to a protest march, my mind started to race. As I watched the angry 20-somethings desperately tried to draw attention to their cause I couldn't help but notice the cops watching in the distance, prepared to jump in if someone crossed the line. I also noticed people passing by them, impatient with disdain, myself included. Would Jesus and his followers have looked any different than these kids in the park?
Tasked with creating the visual landscape of our 'occupied' space are Set Designer Laura Gardner, Costume Designer Sara Brzozowski and Lighting Designer George Quan. Using the recent occupied movement as a base, Sara is working to recreate that spirit of revolution, civil unrest and determination as depicted in these images used as inspiration.
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Luke Brown*
Musical Direction by Anthony Bastianon
Choreography by Amanda Nuttall
Set Design by Laura Gardner
Costume Design by Sara Brzozowski
Lighting Design by George Quan
Jan. 16-31, 2015
Week 1: Fri. and Sat., 8 pm
Week 2: Wed. to Sat., 8 pm
Week 3: Wed. to Sat., 8 pm and Sat., 2 pm
Postshow Talkbacks: Sat., Jan. 17, 2015 and Thurs., Jan. 22, 2015
Preshow Artist Chat: Sat., Jan. 31 at 1 pm
Tickets & Box Office
Single Ticket Prices
Adults: $28
Seniors: $17
Students: $15
$10 Student tickets every Wednesday night
$17 Alumni tickets every Thursday night
UofTtix Box Office
416.978.8849
2014-12-15
Toronto: Hart House Theatre presents "Jesus Christ Superstar" January 16-31