Review: 'Jesus Christ Superstar' by Sacred Heart University Theatre Arts Program

“This production in memoriam of Caitlin Nelson” - in the program

Fairfield, CT - The Sacred Heart University Theatre Arts Program presented their excellent production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ during Palm Sunday weekend. I attended the preview performance for which all student ticket proceeds were donated to Kappa Delta Shamrock the Runway in honor of Caitlin Nelson, the SHU student who passed away that week.

I am on the record as a JCS snob, so I entered with very high expectations for the university students in their mainstage production of one of my favorite shows. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice was brought to life by many up and coming actors in this visually stunning contemporary take on the musical. Director Jerry Goehring’s vision was clear and he was assisted by SHU student Patrick Robinson.

I posted parking lot thoughts immediately after the performance and I began with how impressed I was with the staging of the overture. Sophomore Henley Solomon as Judas nailed the opening “Heaven On Their Minds” in his black leather jacket, continuing the momentum of the overture. High priests in all black did well in “This Jesus Must Die;” tenor Sean Whelan was perfectly cast in the role of Annas and Alex DeChino was a more baritone (but just as commanding) Caiaphas. Palms were replaced with handmade signs for “Hosanna” and the soldiers were replaced with police in black riot garb. I have never seen such debauchery as in “The Temple,” but it was very effective. “King Herod’s Song” was flashy and fun with Bradly Taylor as the king, while the scourging of Jesus in “Trial by Pilate” had no whip but plenty of blood.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW ON ONSTAGE

I was so proud of the students at my alma mater (‘81 and ‘89 MAT) for all the hard work they put into the rehearsal process for their four performances. How exciting is it that plans for their upcoming seasons include ‘Comedy of Errors,’ ‘Next to Normal,’ and ‘Noises Off’ in the spring and ‘Be More Chill,’ ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ and (wait for it…) ‘In The Heights’ in the spring of 2018. I will be there.

Nancy Sasso Janis is a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news to local Patch.com sites. Follow her new Facebook page Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417