NKU’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was an incredible feat of vocal ranges, dance numbers and live music. Shown in the Corbett Theatre, this 20-year anniversary performance rocked the stage.
The haunting and heavenly vocals gave a lasting impression on the audience. At times, particularly during songs like “Hosanna” or “Crucifixion,” the theatre was reminiscent of a church service. The collection of angelic voices left goosebumps on the skin.
In other instances, the stage resembled a rock concert, complete with drums and electric guitars. Songs such as “The Temple” and “Judas’s Death” showcased Burton and Moore’s broad vocal range, reaching extremely high notes.
This blend of historical and modern elements influenced more aspects of the production, such as the costumes.
The actors each wore similar costumes, but all were unique in different ways. Hairstyles varied, with most featuring some type of braid. Clothes were comfy but tattered, with cut-up tops. Judas wore a classic biker’s jacket, paired with a skeleton shirt and mohawk. This edgy look spoke to his character, the elusive and complex traitor of Jesus.
Bodie Moore embodied Judas perfectly, bringing an electrifying energy to the character. When he wasn’t lurking in the background, drawing eyes, he was a commanding presence on stage, moving and singing with effective urgency. The audience couldn’t help but feel pity for his struggles, which were vividly conveyed through his extravagant gestures and emotions.
Moore’s act complemented Isaiah Burton’s portrayal of Jesus. Whereas Moore was mercurial, Burton provided a steady, trustworthy contrast. Donned in white, Burton exuded a radiant quality, but he also effectively revealed the humane side of his character. Just as he drew in the ensemble with his magnetism, he did that with the audience as well.
When Mary Magdalene, played by Kelly Messer, came on stage, the crowd was granted a reprieve from the intense music and singing. Messer’s melodic voice in numbers such as “Everything’s Alright” and the iconic Mary Magdalene solo “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” soothed the audience, delivering a calming presence.
The ensemble’s dance and singing lifted the leading actor’s performances to another height. The role of an ensemble is to support and add color to the story, and that’s exactly what happened. The choreography by Roderick Justice flowed with the graceful numbers like “Could We Start Again, Please?” and struck the stage with power when the scene was tense.
A few standout performances were from Michael Kirby in his role as Caiaphas and Charlie Norman in his role as Peter. Although they were not the leads, the two characters had very important vocal roles in the rock anthem.
Caiaphas has a signature deep bass-baritone that frequent “Jesus Christ Superstar” goers wait on the edge of their seats for. Kirby had the voice made for this role. Although the voice of Peter is not as recognizable, Norman captivated the audience with his comforting performance.
Overall, NKU’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” left us with an unforgettable experience. The vocal genius and original choreography created a thrilling atmosphere, while the obvious camaraderie on stage pulled us in even more. With the cast and musicians pouring their souls into the entire performance, the newest rendition truly deserved a standing ovation.