04/24/2011 - Jesus Christ Superstar Rocked San Diego County

Jesus Christ Superstar Rocked San Diego County

By Howard Kotliar and Ken Barnes

On Friday March 25, 2011 at The Mission Theater in Fallbrook an Event took place that was so powerful and moving that it brought the audience to an inspirational emotional pinnacle...

The Event?... Opening Night of the "Re-Conceived For A New Generation" Jesus Christ Superstar Rock Opera.

As the crowd was entering The Mission Theater, some with their tickets, some going to "Will Call" and some buying their tickets right there on the spot - there was something in the air about this night - a sense, a feeling, a hunch, you could even call it "A Belief" that something commanding was going to take place inside those theater walls...

As the theater lights dimmed, the strategically placed TV monitors on stage, burst from TV snow into compelling world and local news events. The entire audience just knew then and there that this was not the Jesus Christ Superstar of 1971 - it was going to be even far better!

Then the music started, the band was onstage during the whole performance - which gave a new creative aura to this re-conceived timeless classic. The robust sounds of the drums that accompanied the band, came from behind the curtain on stage as what look like it was floating until it rested in its prevailing space, stage right.

The scenery, the costumes, the props were all about today's generation and environment. It was all so significant and incredible to the audience.

This "Sung-Through" operetta from the very first song "Heaven on Their Minds" to the classic "I Don't Know How To Love Him" to the final song "The Crucifixion" was a complete and total masterpiece! It was a true work of art. The performances from each and every actor had such energy and passion that it left the audience with a total sense of gratification and deep feeling right thru to the closing scene.

The closing scene was so well performed that the emotion that was provoked from the audience, created practically not a dry eye in the house. This just goes to prove the complete creative commitment and passion this all teen cast has for their artistic and theatrical calling.

It is my sure bet that most of these extraordinary performers will end up on Broadway, if they so choose too.

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Director J. Scott Lapp who is San Diego born and raised has been working in the theater business for over 24 years performing in over 100 shows. Mr. Lapp's credits also include assistant directing the recent pre-Broadway run of Bonnie & Clyde (Which he will be Assistant Directing on Broadway in the Fall of 2011) at the Asolo Rep in Florida. After smash hit runs of 13, Fiddler on the Roof, RENT & 7 Brides for 7 Brothers in Temecula, he is joining forces with the Fallbrook Players for the first time! Mr. Lapp's credits also include assistant directing the recent pre-Broadway run of Bonnie & Clyde at the Asolo Rep in Florida and Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin at the La Jolla Playhouse.

Choreography will be by Chelsea Nicole who has performed in over 50 shows and was recently seen as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. She is an alumnus of The Pulse 2010 Teacher Workshop in New York. Her recent choreography credits include 13, RENT (associate choreographer) and successful runs of The Wedding Singer, All Shook Up and Oliver.

Assistant Directing is Willie May. He has been performing all his life. Willie has shown his talents in various entertainment venues such as: Big River & Suessical the Musical Moonlight Stage, Sequins the Musical (World Premier) Performance Riverside, Sideshow 3-D Theatricals, To Kill A Mockingbird & RENT the Musical TVP. TV/Film: CSI Miami, With A Trace, American Dreams, Bernie Mac, Malcolm In The Middle, JOan of Arcadia & Tears of the Sun to name a few. May enjoys instilling confidence in young performers, enlightening minds and inspiring talent.

Joshua David Cavanaugh is joining the team as Musical Director after completing his vocal performance degree from Chapman University. Recent credits include Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof and San Diego Opera's production of Aida.