Landmark holds auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar

Auditions: Sunday, May 1st 2022 6:00 - 9:00pm Monday, May 2nd 2022 6:00 - 8:30 pm Thomaston Opera House 158 Main Street, Thomaston, CT

Performance Dates: July 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8:00pm July 17, 24, 31 at 2:00pm

Landmark Community Theatre will be holding auditions for the rock opera, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, on Sunday, May 1st and Monday, May 2nd on the main stage. Auditions will be on a first come, first served basis. No appointments are required. Auditions will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday May 1st and from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday May 2nd. Foster Evans Reese will direct and choreograph the show with music direction by Sean Lewis. The show dates are July 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 for a total of 8 performances. Rehearsals will begin on May 9th and continue to be held 2-3 times a week. Rehearsal days will be determined on cast availability. LCT is asking that all people interested in auditioning must be fully vaccinated.

Auditioners must bring sheet music with them and be prepared to sing 32 bars (about a minute) of a fully memorized musical theater song showcasing the style and vocal range of the character for which they are auditioning. Songs from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will be allowed. Additional vocalizing may also be a part of the audition to determine vocal range and harmonizing skills. An accompanist will be provided; no recorded accompaniment is permitted. This production is comprised entirely of movement and song. Therefore, all people auditioning should be expected to dance at their audition. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Auditioners will be required to wear a mask or face covering until they are seen. Vocal warmups will not be allowed inside the building. LCT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to attend every audition. To performers with disabilities, you are encouraged to audition. Please indicate if you need special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Andrea Bingham, Production Manager, andrea@landmarkcommunitytheatre.org

Plot Summary: A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon and perfect pick for schools, community theaters and professionals alike, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.

Character Breakdown:

• Jesus Christ - Tenor - Protagonist of the story, leader of the twelve Apostles, and son of God, Messiah and King of the Jews.

• Judas Iscariot - Tenor - One of the twelve apostles of Jesus; concerned for the poor and for the consequences of Jesus' fame. A tragic figure, a conflicted man, and a powerfully passionate guy. Most certainly not a bad guy he's as desirous of being pure as Jesus is, and believes he is doing the right thing.

• Mary Magdalene- Alto - A female follower of Jesus who finds herself falling in love with him. She's a prostitute, and she tries in her way to care for Jesus, so there is tenderness, and desire, but this is a woman of great strength.

• Pontius Pilate –Baritone - Governor of Judea who foresees the events of Jesus’ crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation. A man of his time and a leader capable of great brutality, yet also a man of a certain conscience.

• Caiaphas- Bass - Joseph Caiaphas was the high priest of Jerusalem who, according to Biblical accounts, sent Jesus to Pilate for his execution.

• Annas- Tenor - Fellow priest at the side of Caiaphas who is persuaded by Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat.

• Peter- Baritone - One of Jesus' 12 apostles; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus' arrest to save himself.

• Simon Zealotes - Tenor - One of Jesus' 12 apostles; urges Jesus to lead his followers into battle against the Romans.

• King Herod - Baritone - The King of Galilee; Jesus is brought to him for judgment after first being taken to Pilate.

• Ensemble: Apostles, Priests, Soul Girls, Lepers, Merchants, Soldiers.