Jesus Christ Superstar This Weekend Only at BHS

After months of hard work, the Bloomfield High School winter musical Jesus Christ Superstar opens this weekend.  Director Cormac McGowan says this ambitious production has just "clicked."

"We hold our students to a high standard," says the  English teacher and accomplished director of 16 BHS musical theater shows. "We try to model ourselves after the top high school programs in the state.  My goal is that you experience something close to a professional show.  I want our audience to say, 'That was one of the best high school shows I've ever seen'."

To be sure, the scene in the well-equipped 850-seat auditorium is impressive at the dress reharsal, as an 18-20 piece professional orchestra warms up and lighting and sound checks are carried out efficiently.  Even the young stage crew displays an air of calm professionalism as they move scaffolding across the stage and check the stage marks.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a Biblical rock opera.  It tells the story of Jesus and Judas Iscariot, infusing it with a modern sensibility. Dressed in torn jeans and sparkling stilettos, the young performers sing and dance exhuberently while displaying 21st Century symbols such as "I (heart) Jesus" banners.  The effect is an energized hybrid of classic and contemporary musical theater.

"My job is to provide the students with an experience they'll enjoy, whether the want to become professional actors or not," McGowan remarks as he keeps an eye on the preparations going on around him. "This may be the last time some of them will ever be on the stage."

The cast, comprised of ninth to twelfth graders, features Jeremy Medina as Jesus, Nasir Mallette as Judas Iscariot and Schuylar Doemling as Mary Magdalene.  Also featured are Jarred Lee as Pontius Pilate, David Domingo as Caiaphas, Nora Nalepka as Annas and Wilson Mendez as Peter.

"I tell the students their job is to be storytellers," said McGowan.  "All art has themes.  We try to teach the performers how to communicate."

One of the student stage managers, Cara Donovan, agrees that the ability to communicate is critical to a show like Jesus Christ Superstar, where the entire plot is coneyed through song. 

"I thought it would be difficult with this show because there's no dialogue," she said.  "It's important the message comes across.  But [the cast is] absolutely able to handle it.  There are some really strong singers."

Assisting McGowan and stage managers Donovan and Grace Fucci (both BHS juniors) is a lighting director, sound engineer, set designer, costume designer, choreographer and two musical directors.  Students make up the entire stage crew and help with lighting and set design, while teacher volunteers sell tickets.  It is truly a team effort.

"I have an excellent staff," says McGowan, who notes that the musical directors, costume designer and choreographer recieve stipends.  "Over the years I've surrounded myself with people who are very competant and professional.  Working with them provides a valuable learning experience for the students."

On Wednesday afternoon, the students performed their last dress rehearsal before their opening night on Thursday.  As a testimony to their hard work, the run-through went smoothly, with the students delivering polished, heartfelt performances. 

McGowan says the 60-member cast and crew have been preparing for this weekend since November, rehearsing at least five times a week, and the results are well worth the effort.

"The kids are working hard.  The stage crew is excellent.  The production values are strong," smiles McGowan. "The most important thing about this show is the vocals.  This is a rock opera.  We've worked hard on everything but at the end of the day, the vocals are the heart of the show."

Tickets for the BMS production of Jesus Christ Superstar are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.  Call 973-680-8600 for tickets.  The show will be performed for one weekend only February 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 pm and February 26 at 2:00 pm.