'Jesus Christ Superstar' at Delco's Most Popular Professional Theatre

The Andrew Lloyd Webber classic rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar” features one of Broadway’s most recognizable scores. When released on vinyl in the 1970’s, it became an immediate overnight sensation, with songs like “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” and “Everything’s Alright” captivating listeners around the globe.

The Teen Ensemble will perform the musical July 13 to Aug. 5 in a contemporary style production. Featuring a live rock band with music direction by the theatre’s resident music director Tom Fosnocht, the show brings Webber’s stage musical to a new generation and is directed by Jesse Cline.

Here I must add my own personal viewpoint: This is the finest Teen Camp Production I have ever seen! We have done several others in the past including "Rent, School Edition," "Les Miserables School Edition," "Grease" and "High School Musical"---none have come close to the level of talent and depth that this summer's "Jesus Christ Superstar" brings to the stage.

It's truly amazing to think that these are actors who are, for the most part, still in high school--some even younger. A few are on their way to college in the fall, but only a very small percentage. The subject matter of the musical has always been a magnet for conversations about religion and politics, personal beliefs, and the changing viewpoints of the world around us. But this young BRAVE cast tells the story of Christ's final days without flinching, without cowardice, and with a mature perception.

They have been guided by Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director of the Media Theatre, yes---but he has allowed them to grow within the circumstance of the piece on their own, carrying their unique perception into his point of view mingled with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's music and lyrics which, in turn, had their own agenda--to highlight the struggle within Judas Iscariot and the human side of Jesus. It all adds up to an intriguing, moving, and quite memorable two hours of music theatre in which audiences are taken along on a journey by this young and extremely talented group of aspiring actors and singers.

It is more than worth the $15 ticket price and let me just say that, as jaded as I am after having seen show after show after show and having appeared in Webber's musical twice myself, this production brought me to tears.

It's due to the subject matter, the honesty of the performances, and the amazing phenomenon of watching new 'undiscovered' talent place their heart and soul into the piece. Don't miss it!

Jason Armstrong, of Newtown Square, plays the lead role of Jesus. In a complete 360 degree turn on the diagram of possible roles an actor might portray, Armstrong was seen as Angel in the 2011 teen production of “Rent” at The Media Theatre. He is a wonder to behold, at the age of 18, in the role of Jesus and is headed to college this fall.

17, who has been with The Media Theatre for a decade, is astonishing as Judas. Honestly, this is beyond belief for such young actors. They are backed by a magnificent ensemble.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” has seen a renaissance in popularity recently, with a Tony nominated 2012 Broadway revival. The musical began as a rock and roll concept album before its first staging in 1971. Based loosely on a mingling of the four Gospels’ accounts of the final days of Jesus’ life, it ends with the Crucifixion, therefore following the format of a traditional passion play. Webber and his lyricist Tim Rice intended to highlight political and personal struggles between Judas and Jesus within 20th-century attitudes, with contemporary slang and the ability to incorporate allusions to the present day or the time period during which the show was written.

For tickets to “Jesus Christ Superstar” at The Media Theatre, which has performances Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. July 13-August 5, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.