Jesus Christ Superstar Coming to New Britain
By Frank E. Bradley | Special to the City Journal at May 22, 2024 | 9:30 am | Print
“Jesus Christ Superstar”, celebrating its 44th Anniversary, will be presented by Phoenix Theater Company at Trinity-on-Main in New Britain, CT from May 22-June 7. The production will take place this May 22nd – June 7th with Friday and Saturday shows at 8:00pm and Sunday shows at 3:00pm at Trinity on Main.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a 1970 rock opera, whose music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and whose book and lyrics were written by Tim Rice. The musical started as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. It became a movie in 1973. The musical is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible narratives. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play. Come and see the spectacle and enjoy the great music: “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Everything’s Alright” and “Superstar”.
Cast members come from all over the state. The leads in the play are Adam Boe of Enfield as Jesus, John Demetre (East Haven) as Judas Iscariot, Jeannine Prey (Torrington) as Mary, Len Fredricks (East Berlin) as Pontius Pilate, Ari Vener (North Haven) as Caiaphas, Jon Pisani (North Branford) as Annas and Herod, J Loren Truby (Torrington) as Peter, and Josh Thompson (Berlin) as Simon.
The show will be directed by Chris Ryan of Bristol. Keri Boe of Enfield is the producer, choreographer, costumer and stage manager. The music director is Jason Ferrandino of New Britain. Joe Maturano of Kensington is the technical director running lights and sound
Others in the cast include Nick Hirth (Hartford), Will Caswell (Berlin), Robert Mathis (New Britain), Jenn Lohmann (East Hartford), Kathleen McKay-Pyne (Waterbury), Tracy Peters (Cheshire), Rowan McDonald (Hartford), Karen Vinick (Vernon), Louise Tyler (Cheshire), Frank Wibhey (Waterbury) , Brian Borry (Plainville), Aurora Boe (Enfield), Gabbie Hasson (Hartford), Hannah Thompson (West Hartford), Virginia Skinner (North Haven), Ashley Kus (Newington) and Christi-Lyn Levesque (Meriden).
Trinity-on-Main is an art and educational center at 69 Main St. Tickets are $22 in advance and $24 at the door. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and there will be refreshments and a cash bar. For reservations please call 860-292-2072 or go online to www.phoenixtheater.us.
