Local 'Superstar' production set in present

Daytona News Journal

By DIANE FALK | News-Journal Correspondent

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

DELAND — Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice made theater history in 1971 with their first rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Told entirely through rock 'n' roll music, the story chronicles the last seven days of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, from his entry into Jerusalem to his death at the hands of Pontius Pilate.

The Rivertown Players hope to make a little history of their own this week as they present their own production of the well-known story, opening Friday.

"We're really trying to push the envelope and elevate the standard of community theater," said Timothy Turner, musical director and choreographer.

Director Darlene J. Lentz, assistant director Jenny Sejansky and Turner collaborated to update the already familiar story, keeping all the original songs and storyline while incorporating familiar images and settings for today's audiences.

Jesus' encounter with Herod, for example, takes place on the set of a game show.

While the team has worked to modernize the show, modernizing the story with current events and parallels, however, they have also striven to remain faithful to the context of its biblical and historical basis.

"It is our hope to bring this story to life for audiences, using modern references. We want to show how important and relevant Jesus' teachings still are today," Lentz said.

"If people leave thinking, we will have done our job," Turner said.

Orlando actor Scott Charles stars in the role of Jesus of Nazareth.

The production team had a preconceived idea of what they wanted in their portrayal of Jesus and hoped the right person would appear at their auditions, Lentz said.

When Charles walked into the room, they all looked at each other and knew he was the one.

"There is a quality about him . . . a look in his eyes that is calm and deep-thinking," she said.

"It's an intimidating role to play . . . the most difficult character interpretation I've ever done," Charles acknowledged. He said he has wanted to play Jesus for a long time.

"My parents took my siblings to see (Superstar') when I was very young and I got left at home," he said. Afterward, his father played the music every Saturday morning. When Charles finally got to see the play on Broadway, he knew that he could do it better.

"Being a Christian, I want to be sure that I'm bringing it out the way God wants me to," he said.

The cast also features Rick Breeze as Judas, Pam Swanto as Mary, Eric Alexander as Herod, Dustin Gillis as Simon, Mike Becker as Peter and Bruce Fogleman and Toni Finley as priests Caiaphas and Annas, as well as a large ensemble of players.

The theater's largest pit orchestra, including electric and bass guitars, provides the musical accompaniment.