When the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” opens at Kelsey Theater on Friday, November 7, it will have a West Windsor element. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on November 7. The show runs weekends through Sunday, November 16.
The musical is directed by West Windsor residents Frank Ferrara, with musical direction by his wife, Shannon Ferrara, a music teacher at Grover Middle School. Christopher Singh, also a resident of West Windsor and a health and physical education teacher at Village School, portrays one of the apostles. “I heard about the show from Shannon, the former band teacher at Village School,” says Singh. “This will be my stage debut.”
The show, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice as a concept album, opened on Broadway in 1971. Songs include “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “What’s the Buzz,” and “Superstar.” Nominated for many Tony Awards in 1972 and later for revivals of a musical, the show only received Drama Desk and Theater World awards.
Loosely based on St. John’s Gospel account of the last week in the life of Jesus, the complex story is intensified by its musical retelling through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Mixing issues of religion, politics — both ancient and decidedly contemporary — mob psychology, and personal responsibility, the show is a must-see production for its groundbreaking place in the annals of musical theater.
Jesus Christ Superstar, Kelsey Theater, Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $20. Weekends through Sunday, November 16. 609-570-3333. www.kelseytheatre.net.
