‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ launches in Jamaica
WESTERN BUREAU:
AS THE Lent season draws closer, Jamaicans will have an opportunity to see the story of the week before Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in a different format with the showcasing of the 48-yearold Broadway musical Jesus Christ
Superstar in Montego Bay on April 13 and 14.
The musical, which was originally crafted by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber and premièred on Broadway in 1971, had its official media launch in Jamaica at the Hard Rock Café in Montego Bay on Thursday evening.
Patrons at the Hard Rock Café got a musical preview of what to expect from the upcoming show, with actors from First Dance Studios performing special excerpts that included the classic scene of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and the Pharisee’s plot to kill Him.
The production is being overseen by executive producer Andre Dixon, who had previously played the role of King Herod during the musical’s early Broadway shows.
“This venture is all about filling a void in this area of the country, specifically for high-quality theatre presentation. We want to do our part by doing more of these shows to help drive the local economy in our own small way,” Dixon told the audience.
“This is a multibillion-dollar industry and we are doing our part to continue to lead the highway to success in entertainment, and I hope that what we’re putting on here is an absolute hit,” Dixon added.
The musical will be held at the Iberostar Hotel on Saturday, April 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, April 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, 15 per cent of all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jamaica Lupus Foundation.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett sanctioned the musical as a timeless stage production which remains relevant for Christians.
“For those who remember the 1970s and the impact of some great stage productions of that era, Jesus Christ Superstar must definitely count among them. Nearly 50 years later, the story remains relevant and appeals to a wide cross section of people, especially in societies where Christianity plays a dominant role in their spiritual lives,” said Bartlett.