“Jesus Christ Superstar” at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland. Sammy Jungwirth as Jesus. Photo by Diane Smith ‘
Children’s Playhouse of Maryland shows us that there is more than one superstar. In this production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” every member of the cast has dynamite vocals and dance moves. Andrew Lloyd Weber’s rock opera has a demanding, relentless score, and the cast handles the songs like pros, making it all look so easy and effortless.
…you can’t help but be wowed by the unbelievable talent of the cast. They really are all superstars.
The show is the retelling/reimagining of Jesus Christ’s betrayal, torture, and crucifixion, based loosely on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life. It also shows tension between Judas and Jesus as well as affection between Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Lloyd Weber and lyricist Tim Rice created a rock opera which requires a lot of rock-style singing and belting. Emma Hammett as Judas puts her heart and soul into the role, expressing the torture faced of Judas when he has to betray Jesus. Sophia Koman as Mary Magdalene has a sweet, beautiful voice which makes us believe she “doesn’t know how to love him.” Sammy Jungwirth as Jesus is effortlessly cool, giving off rock star vibes with his combat boots and scruffy facial hair. We can see why the masses flock to him.
The musical is played against an industrial backdrop, with the band sitting beneath a steel structure. The orchestra (Charlotte Evans, Jarrett Rettman, Joe Napolillo, Greg Bell, and Lisa Wood) is an important and integral part of the show given that it goes from song to song without any spoken dialogue. Props go out to the orchestra for its amazing performance of the complicated and tireless rhythms and melodies. Set Designer (and construction) Diane M. Smith and scenic artist Laura Miller create an edgy background suitable for a rock opera. The show begins with blinking LED lights which adds to the rock ‘n’ roll theme thanks to lighting designer Ed Lake.
There are certain points of the show which are entirely unexpected. Herod (Tiffany Lynn Zellner) makes her entrance with sequin pants and an enormous shiny cape and sings ‘King Herod’s Song’ with added flamboyance and style. In the infamous song, “Superstar;” the Angels are wearing white dresses and wings; there are “soul girls” in sequin dresses; and Judas jumps around the stage and raps in a flashy coat, as if we really are at a concert.
It’s hard to believe the entire cast is 18 or younger given the difficulty of this show. They make the harmonies, demanding dance moves, and challenging vocals look easy. Although the subject of the show and the ending could be controversial to some, you can’t help but be wowed by the unbelievable talent of the cast. They really are all superstars.
Running time: Two hours with one 15-minute intermission
Advisory: Adult themes including the (implied) repeated flogging of Jesus and his crucifixion.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” runs through May 21, 2023 at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21237. Two shows remain this weekend, Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. Online ticket sales will close on Friday but tickets will be available at the door 1 hour prior to show time. Adults $15 Student/Child $10. For more information and tickets, call 443-840-2787 go online.
