CVRep’s latest offering is “Jesus Christ Superstar” and super is the perfect adjective for this sensational production.
For those of you who have been living in isolation for the past 50 years, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the story of Jesus set to a rock-pop score and is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s earliest hits. First seen on Broadway in 1971, the musical quickly became an international hit producing pop hit singles including, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
From the moment you walk into the theatre, director Adam Karsten and his very talented cast and design team have created an immersive and almost intimate atmosphere. The audio playing in the house is very subtle yet eerie and chilling in its effect as designed by Joshua Adams. The set, in my opinion, is one of the best that the talented Jimmy Cuomo has created for CVRep. It is made of remarkably realistic-looking stone and rock, enhanced by the shadowy lighting, beautifully designed by Moira Wilke. The set’s flexibility easily transports us from a brightly lit town square to the Garden of Gethsemane to the entourage-filled throne room of King Herod. This is design work at its best, brought to life by a very talented and creative team.
CVRep-Jesus Christ Superstar-Christin Byrdsong as Judas-Mar 2025 by David A. Lee 
CVRep-Jesus Christ Superstar-Steven Grant Douglas as Jesus-Gethsemane-March 2025 by David A. Lee 
CVRep-Jesus Christ Superstar-Steven Grant Douglas as Jesus-crucifixion-Mar 2025 by David A. Lee 
CVRep-Jesus Christ Superstar-Christin Byrdsong-as Judas & Steven Grant Douglas as Jesus-Mar 2025 by David A. Lee
The sung-through rock-opera score is not an easy one to navigate. But happily, this cast is more than up to the challenge. You can see and feel the emotional depth and raw energy in every performance, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both heartfelt and unforgettable. As Jesus, Steven Grant Douglas does a great job vocally, and his strong acting skills make us believe every word he sings! Christin Byrdsong’s Judas is electrifying. His vocal performance all through the show is strong and emotionally honest, His large and expressive eyes let you look into his soul and show every bit of his anguish, sadness and, eventually, guilt.
Emily Kate Decker’s Mary Magdalene lets her vocals soar. With her warm and beautiful voice, she conveyed all her love and devotion to Jesus in both, “I Don’t Know how to Love Him” and “Could We Start Again Please? Her Mary Magdalene could be, in my opinion, a bit more ‘earthy’ but overall it was a really solid performance.
In a short but memorable scene, Jim Bullock is clearly having a blast playing King Herod. He delivers his one song in an almost British ‘Music Hall’ style. Aided by two back-up boys and the terrific choreography (here and throughout the show) by Karen Sieber, he brings home the laughs and loud applause.
In fact, every cast member sounds great and gives his/her all. There is truly a lot of talent on that stage and they all deserve a big round of applause.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a musical that can challenge, inspire, and move an audience. Its look, ideas and melodies will stay with you long after you have left the theatre. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have created a rock opera that, for over half a century, continues to resonate with audiences all-around the world.
For tickets or more information, visit their website at www.CVRep.org.