Auditions for the Spring production of Theatre 29’s 2024-25 season, the boundary breaking rock opera “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR”, have been scheduled for Sunday, February 23rd at 5:00pm on the Theatre 29 Main Stage at 73637 Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms. The story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ, told from the point of view of Judas Iscariot, will take the stage for four weeks beginning April 18th through May 4th.
With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, “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. This staging will be enveloping and modern ensuring the story is accessible to audiences of all ages and walks of life.
Award winning veteran director Charles Harvey will be seeking a cast of around 25 (PRINCIPALS 1 Woman & 7 Men, ENSEMBLE: Male and Female, Large ensemble of singing-dancing musical performers for this production (portraying apostles, soldiers, the people of Judea). ALL ROLES MUST SING AT LEAST CHORALLY! Seeking a diverse corps of performers, all roles are open to all ethnicities and both men and women will be considered for all appropriate parts. There are no roles for children, seeking performers 16+. The roles being cast are:
Judas – 20s-30s; Jesus’ strategic confidante; dedicated, passionate, conflicted, unshakably practical; torn between an aggressive sense of self-preservation and the ideals of Jesus’ religious movement; Rock Tenor – low D to high E Jesus – 20s-30s; as much a pop culture idol as a religious leader; driven, charismatic, attractive, sincere; has a greater understanding of the dangers and matters at hand than any of his followers;
Rock Tenor – low Bb to high E
Mary Magdalene – 18-30; struggles with aligning her worldly past with Jesus’ message; hopeful, steadfast, fragile, sweet with an edge; Folk Mezzo – low G# to B
Pontius Pilate – 30s+; Roman Military Governor; calculated, thoughtful, adept at handling pressure, not quick to use the gravity of his power; Rock Baritenor – low A to Bb
Caiaphas – 30s+; High Priest of the Sanhedrin; at the top of a crumbling system and violently resistant to conceding his place; cold, severe, strategic; Bass – low C to middle F
Annas – 30s-50s; High Priest of the Jews; Caiaphas’ Father-in-Law, the real power behind the apostolic throne; Stealthy, a bit of a serpent; Rock Tenor – low Bb to high E
Simon – 20s-40s; particularly enthusiastic supporter of the anarchist aspect of Jesus’ mission; reckless, extreme, ready for an uprising; Rock Tenor
Herod – 30s+; Roman installed King of Galilee responsible for determining the fate of its Jewish captives; corrupt, condescending, decadent, charming with a sneer; Baritenor – low B to high B
Disciples, Priests, Ensemble – 16+; must be singers who are at home in pop/rock stylings; must move well.
Auditions will consist of vocalization for 16 bars in the style of the show (Pick Broadway standards in the style of Andrew Lloyd Webber or strong rock standards that will show your range, please), movement and cold readings. Bring a karaoke or non-vocal backing track on CD (Musical Theatre piece, no original works or pop songs). An accompanist will not be provided. If you bring accompaniment on mobile device or phone, please bring a speaker for the device as well. Dress prepared to move. Production is also seeking technical assistance as stagehands, set builders and costume construction. Any wishing to participate in these capacities, please also attend auditions (you will not be required to audition).
For more information, check out the audition details on Theatre 29’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Theatre29TwentyninePalms or on www.theatre29.org/auditions or contact the director, Charles Harvey, via email at [email protected].
