Casting for the Spring production of Theatre 29’s 2024-25 season, the boundary breaking rock opera “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR”, have been announced and the cast are already hard at work. This modernistic retelling of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” will take the stage for four weeks beginning April 18th through May 4th.
With lyrics and music by the legendary team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR” is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the power structure of Jerusalem’s elite and Roman Empire itself. A passionate story without being a passion play, Superstar provides a soaring unapologetic rock score.
Award winning veteran Artistic and Musical Directors Charles Harvey and Kathryn Ferguson have rallied a diverse cast of award-winning veteran performers as well as many fresh-faced newcomers to welcome audiences to a version of Jerusalem set in a contemporary world where the Roman Empire never fell!
In the role of the man from Nazareth, Jesus, is Desert Theatre League 2024 “Best Male Actor in a Musical” winner, Scott Clinkscales. In the role of the conflicted right-hand man, Judas, is Booker Harrap who is fresh off his work in “A Streetcar Named Desire”. The soulful role of Mary Magdalene is Catt Christine seen earlier this season as Liesl in “The Sound of Music”. The remaining twelve apostles include Spencer Nelson as Simon, Pauline Pisano as Peter, Tiffany Crocker as James son of Zebedee, Lisa Hodgson as Philip, Cindy Ross as Andrew, Alex Brown as Thaddeus, Samantha Crocker as James the Less, Joe Rego as John, Cruz Jimenez as Bartholomew, Tori McSpadden as Matthew and Mark Cockcroft as Thomas. The “Law and Order” Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, will be portrayed by Deacon Hedges just off a triumphant run as Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire”, egged on by the uber pious High Priest of Jerusalem, Caiaphas, played by newcomer Paco Diaz and the real power behind the throne Annas, played by Kat Cheek. The ever-entertaining King Herod will be portrayed by Victoria Shupe, also a “Streetcar” alum as Stella Kowalski. Choreographers Makasi Boykin and Lisa Hodgson’s all singing all dancing ensemble include Zaria Ferguson, Melissa McNiel, David Diaz, Nancy Abramson, Manda Frances, Martha Boyd and Lula Allen.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is rated 13+ for violence and adult content that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. The production will open April 18th with an opening night gala hosted by the Twentynine Palms Kiwanis for $30 including heavy Hors d-oeuvres that will be “Good Friday friendly”, drinks, dessert and a silent auction beginning at 6:00PM. Tickets for opening night available through any 29 Palms Kiwanis member or at the Twentynine Palms Farmers’ Market on March 29. April 5 and April 12 or by calling 760-972-7205. The remaining performances weekends through May 4th can be purchased now through theatre29.org, through QR Codes on show posters throughout town or by call (760) 361-4151.
This production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is proudly supported by Visit 29. For more information on area events go to visit29.org. To book lodging in the Twentynine Palms area go to https://visit29.org/stay/
Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer, non-profit Community Theatre organization. Donations are actively sought and will be gratefully accepted.
