CCM’s Mainstage Production of Jesus Christ Superstar continues Wednesday, Feb. 28 and runs through Sunday, March 4. Tickets are limited for the remaining performances, please call the CCM Box Office for ticket availability.
Local arts critics praised the opening weekend performances of the rock opera, which is based on the last week of Jesus’ life. The iconic rock score features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. CCM’s production is directed and choreographed by Diane Lala with musical direction by Roger Grodsky.
“CCM’s mounting incorporates copious amount of dance, showcases the seemingly never-ending pool of talented performers and includes some impressively stark design elements,” writes Scott Cain of Talkin’ Broadway.
Cain adds that Bryce Baxter is “vocally stunning” as Jesus, and Jordan Miller “clearly communicates the torment and inner conflict” of Judas. “The entire hardworking ensemble deserves kudos for their dancing and vocal support throughout,” he writes. He also praises the scenic design by Matthew D. Hamel, the costumes by Ashley Berg and the lighting design by Erik McCandless.
“Like most CCM productions, between the phenomenal talent on stage and the incredible behind-the-scenes work from the technical students, you feel like you are seeing a Broadway show,” writes Anne Simendinger of The News Record. “It can be hard to believe the cast is comprised of college students.”
The roles of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene are double cast in CCM’s production. The Sappy Critic Kirk Sheppard saw the musical twice so he could experience both sets of performers. He compliments Stavros Koumbaros‘ “solid singing voice and powerful physique” in his portrayal of Jesus, and Alex Stone‘s “exquisite vocal range” as well as his ability to express Judas’ “righteous anger and emotion.” Sheppard adds:
“Ciara Alyse Harris and Keaton Whittaker both shine as Mary Magdalene, with such professionalism and heart.”
In her review for the League of Cincinnati Theatres, Laurel Humes declares: “From stunning dramatic images to outright comedy, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music has staged a terrific production of Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Tickets for the remaining performances of Jesus Christ Superstar are extremely limited. Please call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 for ticket availability.
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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Creative Team
- Diana Lala, director and choreographer
- Roger Grodsky, musical director
- Kevin Chlapecka, associate director and choreographer*
- Matthew D. Hamel, scenic designer*
- Erik McCandless, lighting designer*
- Matt. D Birchmeier, sound designer*
- k. Jenny Jones, fight choreographer
- Ashley Berg, costume designer*
- Meredith Keister, hair and make-up designer*
- Kyle Birdsall, stage manager*
- Levi Kiess and Mara Tunnicliff, prop masters*
*CCM student
The Company
- Jesus – Bryce Baxter^, Stavros Koumbaros*
- Judas – Jordan Miller^, Alex Stone*
- Mary Magdalene – Keaton Whittaker^, Ciara Alyse Harris*
- Simon Zealotes – Ej Dohring
- Peter – Christopher Kelley
- James – Daniel Marhelko
- John – Donelvan Thigpen
- Thaddeus – Ben Pimental
- Thomas – Matt Copley
- Andrew – Emily Ashton Meredith
- Phillip – Areo Keller
- Bartholomew/Priest 3 – Marissa Hecker
- Matthew – Emily Royer
- James, the lesser – Madelaine Vandenberg
- Caiaphas – Gabe Wrobel
- Annas – Madison Hagler
- Pontius Pilate – Phillip Johnson-Richardson
- King Herod – Derek Kastner
- Priest 1 – Hank Von Kolnitz
- Priest 2 – Nick Berninger
- Ensemble – Andrew Alstat, Anya Murphy Axel, Aria Braswell, Michael Canu, Emily Celeste Fink, Kylie Goldstein, Joshua Johnson, Elijah King, Jenny Mollet, Kyle Pollak, Bryn Purvis, Erich Schleck, Ethan Zeph
- Swings – Haley Holcomb, Quinn Surdez
^ Friday, Feb. 23; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, March 1; Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, March 4
* Thursday, Feb. 22; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25; Wednesday, Feb. 28; Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m.
Performance Times
- 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
- 8 p.m. Thursday, March 1
- 8 p.m. Friday, March 2
- 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3
- 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4
Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets for the remaining performances of Jesus Christ Superstar are extremely limited. Please call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 for ticket availability.
Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar are $31-35 for adults, $22-25 for non-UC students and $18-21 for UC students with a valid ID. Student rush tickets will be sold one hour before each performance to non-UC students for $12 or $25, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid ID, based on availability.
Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.
For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.
For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.
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CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s
Musical Theatre Production Sponsor: Elizabeth C. B. & Paul G. Sittenfeld
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