Theater Review - 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at ACT of Connecticut

RIDGEFIELD - The biblical subject matter of “Jesus Christ Superstar” has always been easily recognized. Throughout its production history, it has allowed directors to reimagine the iconic Andew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical with their personal stamp. I have lost count of the number of productions of this show I have seen, beginning when I was a teenager, and have certainly experienced a wide variety of directorial visions, some more memorable than others. However, the production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at ACT of Connecticut, directed by Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, hits a new high in so many ways.

Levine, who performed in the 2000 Tony Nominated Broadway revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” consciously set out to rethink the musical. In his director’s note in the printed program, he admits to being a bit obsessed with Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” (as am I.) While watching the fourth season of the Hulu series, Levine was struck by the similarities between Atwood’s dystopian Republic of Gilead and the Roman occupation of the biblical Galilee. He boldly decided to restage the typical (and expected) biblical version of the musical, weaving “Handmaid” tenants into many aspects, but not discarding the essential musical elements that make the beloved score what it is.

While the tenor of the show is more contemporary, I am fairly confident that patrons unfamiliar with “Handmaid’s Tale” would not find the references distracting, but for fans of the television series, this is a collaboration made in “Heaven On Their Minds.”

“Handmaid’s” fans that plan to attend an upcoming performance at ACT should skip the next two paragraphs.

At the opening of the performance, we can hear walkie-talkies as Guardians of the Faith check identity cards, while Marthas walk in pairs and three children holding onto a rope for safety are led by an Aunt. High priest Caiaphas (Issac Ryckeghem) is dressed as a Commander, as is Pilate (Michael McGuirk,) and a High Priest played by Ben Cherington looks eerily like the Guardian Nick Blaine. Notably, High Priest Annas is played by Katie LeMark dressed in the blue of the Wives. The temple marketplace has morphed into Jezebels and the lepers at the end of “The Temple/Make Us Well” accost Jesus in a prison, and thankfully, not The Colonies.

In the role of Mary Magdalen is Caitlin Kinnunen, who is a Tony nominated actress for her work in “The Prom.” Mary is implied to be an escaped Handmaid in this vision and Kinnunen sings the melodies in her role with a gentle loveliness, especially as part of the trio for “Could We Start Again Please.” Don’t miss her final exit, when she acts just as June would.

Brett Stoelker, who was part of the national tour of “Les Miserables,” portrays the title role of Jesus. Randy Donaldson makes his ACT debut as a slightly understated Herod who has a great entrance and exit. South Carolina native Avionce Hoyles as Judas is a work of art, knocking all of his solos out to the rafters.

The show includes striking contemporary choreography by Sara Brians. The music direction by Jeffrey Campos, with music supervision by Grammy nominated Bryan Perri, takes a few liberties with the score, including one very effective key change, and is thankfully the perfect volume throughout. The ten-piece band rocked out without overwhelming the space. The scenic design by Jack Mehler is urban in theme and a bit tight, but it works and is made more effective with the lighting design by Penny Jacobus. Nathan Rubio gets the credit for the great sound design.

The costume design by Claudia Stefany takes the uniforms of Gilead very literally for the most part, with the inclusive group of disciples in contemporary urban garb. I was not sure why there was a woman dressed in purple and the three young girls wore gray Pilgrim outfits, perhaps as members of the Econopeople class.

This unique and stellar production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will run through April 17.

Performances are Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m, Sundays at 2 p.m; with additional performances on April 14 at 2pm and April 10 at 7 p.m. A special Sensory Friendly performance of the show will take place on Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit actofct.org or call the box office at (475) 215-5497.

ACT of CT’s 2021-2022 Season will conclude with RENT (May 26 – June 19, 2022).

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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