July 29, 2005

CMT MAINSTAGE presents Jesus Christ Superstar July 29 – Aug. 7

Evergreen residents Jarrod Washington, Paul Leschofs, and Nicole Roca are featured in Children’s Musical Theater San Jose’s updated version of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” July 29-Aug. 7.

Jarrod Washington plays Judas, Jesus’ main follower who later betrays his leader. Paul LeSchofs is one of the Apostles, Jesus’ core group of followers. Nicole Roca is part of the Soul Girls, the vocally impressive trio that helps tell the story through song.

Other Evergreen residents appearing in the production in supporting roles include: Cory Jones, Kelly Jamello, Elizabeth Loi, Lyn Mehe’ula, Lydia Merriam-Pigg, Angeline Navarro, Victoria Rees and Rebekah Sousae.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” was written in 1969 by Broadway great, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Using a rock-opera score, the show dramatically depicts the final part of Christ’s life as a philosophical and religious leader and studies the effects of society on one’s rise to power.

Through music and dance, the show respectfully follows history and tells a truthful story of Christ’s final days, by portraying the religious leader as a human being, one who tried to walk among his followers on a daily basis.

In 1969, Webber said, “What we are trying to do is bring Christ to the people: to make him more real, and bring him down from the stained glass window.”

CMT’s Mainstage production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be an updated version from that originally produced on Broadway, posing the question, “What if Jesus walked among us in 2005?”

By using film and movement, the show’s prologue offers a look at historical figures throughout the ages that have led the masses on a quest of faith: Buddha, Mohammed, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, Bernadette of Lourdes, Teresa of Avilla, Sitting Bull, Ghandi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa.

This rapid trip through time leads to images of the present day actor who will play Jesus, connecting him with the spiritual leaders that have preceded him. From there the familiar story begins. The events and characters are slightly altered in an effort to tell a story that rings true when set in today’s society, yet the message of absolute faith in the face of brutality and certain death remains the same.

The Mainstage production is being produced with the help of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for access to artistic excellence. All performances will be held at the Montgomery Theater, in downtown San Jose at the corner of Market and San Carlos streets. Tickets are now on sale for $18 for adults and $13 for children 12 and under. A special Target Family Matinee performance will take place on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. All tickets are $9.50.

The performance schedule for “Jesus Christ Superstar” has been altered as to not coincide with the San Jose Grand Prix. Performance times are as follows: 7/29 at 8 p.m., 7/30 at 8 p.m., 7/31 at 8 p.m., 8/4 at 7 p.m., 8/5 at 7 p.m., 8/6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., 8/7 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

A free shuttle service to the downtown area during race weekend will be provided for patrons attending the first weekend of performances July 29-31. For more information about the shuttle service, please visit http://www.cmtsj.org/prod_JC.html.

To purchase tickets, please visit us online at www.cmtsj.org or phone the CMT Box Office at (408) 288-5437. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CMT Box Office, 1401 Parkmoor Ave. (at Meridian), San Jose, Monday through Friday, noon-6 p.m. or the Montgomery Theater one hour prior to performances.