“Jesus Christ Superstar” (JCS), a seminal rock opera, debuted on Broadway in 1971. The Vietnam War raging on the home front, desegregation, the sentencing of Charles Manson and his followers, the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida, and the introduction of the McDonald’s quarter-pounder made for a combustible cultural mix. JCS was beloved by many and controversial for some, given the overt religious content. No one could deny that the music and lyrics were electric. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice – both Englishmen – JCS quickly became wildly popular and a cultural flashpoint. For many people who were brought up in a secular world, JCS – along with “Godspell,” a 1973 film – quickly helped them understand the Gospel of Matthew's account of the Passion of Jesus.
Cut to 2025, with different wars raging, a climate on fire, and a deeply divided America. Coachella Valley Repertory’s production of the now-classic “Jesus Christ Superstar” is sure to delight viewers anew. This staging of the rock musical will run from March 5 to 23. The production – boldly reimagined by Adam Karsten, CVRep’s executive artistic director – “tells the story entirely through song of the struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire,” according to the organization’s website. “CVRep will present a semi-immersive version of this show in a way that has never been seen before.”
JCS explores the broad and universal themes of life, love, loyalty, and betrayal through the lens of religious teachings, rock music, and 21st-century sensibilities. The production is sure to arouse viewers spiritually, intellectually, and artistically. This production toys with the idea that perhaps Jesus and Judas were childhood friends; Karsten says of his Jesus, ”[In] each production I’ve seen, he is portrayed as angry and ‘screaming,’ while we are looking for one with more natural inner peace but possessing extraordinary strength.”
Look for inspired costuming, traditional attire with distinct and stylized modern twists, and innovative lighting in the production. It is, after all, a rock opera.
As the lyrics in “Everything’s Alright,” one of the many iconic songs in JCS, say:
“Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you, oh
Don't you know
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine
And we want you to sleep well tonight
Let the world turn without you tonight.”
The retelling of this formidable and spectacular production, reimagined for a new era, might be a balm for the soul and move you again or for the first time. For tickets and more information on CVRep’s robust season, head to the theater – located on E. Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City – or visit CVRep.org.
