A Perfect Resurrection of the Rock Opera

Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

What’s the buzz? The buzz at Huron Country Playhouse is that Drayton Entertainment’s Jesus Christ Superstar is a triumphant success. (Note:  Now playing until July 27 at the Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge) Opening night was perfection; I wouldn’t change a sequin. There’s no need to battle traffic in a big city to see a high-quality performance with top-notch musicians, lighting, crystal clear audio and every other imaginable detail that goes into making magic on stage. Huron Country Playhouse has come a long way from its humble beginnings over 50 years ago, and so has Jesus Christ Superstar, which began as a concept album about the same number of years ago.

Jesus Christ Superstar, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, directed by David Rogers, is a modern retelling of The Passion, the final week of Jesus’ life. The characters are largely unnamed, but it’s not difficult to discern the principal roles. Costumes are modern but help pinpoint the characters, such as Mary Magdalene’s peasant dress, the short but white cloak of Jesus, and the ICE-style officers who arrest Jesus.

The music for the catchy, well-known songs is brought to life under the direction of Mark Payne. The singing voices are angelic. Notably, the voice of Robert Markus, as Jesus, is incredibly expressive and he has an impressive range. He conveys a range of emotions with “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say).” Emily Lukasik, who plays Mary Magdalene, sings beautifully with a sweetness and crystal-like sound reminiscent of Karen Carpenter. Her “Everything’s Alright” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” are very moving. Justin Bacchus, as Judas Iscariot, is all power and Motown. Andrew Jackson and Jade McLeod, as Caiaphas and Annas, are exceptional. McLeod’s vocal skills remind me of the powerful singer P!NK. Luciano Decicco, who played Tony Bennett at Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia, is excellent as Simon Zeolotes. Lee MacDougall as Pontius Pilate expertly conveys the conflict he feels as he bows to the pressure to crucify an innocent man. Jonathan Gysbers as Peter shows his struggles as he denies knowing Jesus. Gysbers voice is excellent and he even accompanies himself on acoustic guitar for a brief interlude.

Spoiler alert: Jesus dies, but the audience is left on a high note at the finale. Graphic scenes have been mercifully softened. The swarming of the lepers and the whipping of Jesus are gloriously choreographed by Christine Watson. A noose is thrown over the beam to symbolize Judas’ suicide. There is plenty to cheer about, including the campy performance of King Herod (Christopher Ning) and company.

The stage is dominated by a scaffold structure, with an oversized arched door behind it. The simple set works perfectly. There’s no need to change the scenery when the focus is on the singing and dancing. The rows of Marshall amps and visible musicians, one wielding a wailing electric guitar, demonstrate that this is the definitive rock opera. The requisite cross is like a brightly lit marquee to showcase the Superstar before his crucifixion.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs approximately two hours, including intermission. It’s worth every minute to hear the angelic voices and iconic music, and see this modern take on the last days of Jesus. Senior audience members will be carried back to 1971 when Jesus Christ Superstar first appeared on Broadway and the original album came out, followed by the movie in 1973. Seeing this brilliant production will be a beautiful nostalgia trip for those of a certain age.

Jesus Christ Superstar continues until June 28th at Huron Country Playhouse, Mainstage, then continues at Hamilton Family Theatre beginning July 3rd. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, or Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.

Photos: Robert Markus as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. Company in Jesus Christ Superstar. Photos by Cassidy Clemmer.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by David Rogers
Choreographed by Christine Watson
Musical Director – Mark Payne
Performed by Robert Markus, Justin Bacchus, Emily Lukasik, Lee MacDougall, Andrew Jackson, Jade McLeod, Jonathan Gysbers, Luciano Decicco, Christopher Ning, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Mainstage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend – June 11 to June 28, 2025
Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge – July 3 to July 27, 2025
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes