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Home › News & Events › News › Arizona Daily Star Review: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ musical rocks the stage in Tucson

Arizona Daily Star Review: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ musical rocks the stage in Tucson

November 21, 2023
Photo by Julius Schlosburg. Scenic Design by Joe C. Klug. Costume Design by Cass Frazer. Lighting Design by Ken Phillips. Sound Design by Matt Marcus. Technical Direction by Daniel Staggs. Stage Managed by Paige Suthard. Fight Direction by Brent Gibbs. Dramaturgy by Katie Browne. Music Direction by Jamie Reed. Direction, Choreography and Intimacy Choreography by Christie Kerr.

The Arizona Daily Star today published a glowing review of the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Critic Kathleen Allen praised director/choreographer Christie Kerr for “packing lots of action into the small stage at the Tornabene Theatre on the University of Arizona campus. [Kerr] convincingly conveyed the frenzy of the crowds following Jesus and those calling for his crucifixion with dance moves that never felt contrived. There were no chaotic moments except when it is intentionally so. Corralling a cast of 21 is no easy feat, and she did it with intention, humor and expertise.”

Clayton Lukens, in the titular role, was credited for embracing all the songs, in particular for “his rendition of ‘Gethsemane,’ where his singing and acting chops really impressed.”

Allen also gave kudos to several supporting roles including Lydia Schmidt and Brach Drew among others.

“Lydia Schmidt played the love-sick Mary Magdalene with tenderness and grace, and when she sings ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him,’ it is heartbreaking.”

“Practically stealing the show was Brach Drew as King Herod, who infused the humor and outlandishness that this dark tale needs. Drenched in glitter, Drew strutted, mocked and sang such lines as ‘Prove to me that you’re no fool, walk across my swimming pool,’ with a wink-wink conviction.”

The lighting design by Ken Phillips “pumped everything up, amplifying the music, underscoring the frenzy following Jesus, and softening at the gentler moments.”

Jesus Christ Superstar has 4 remaining performances from Friday Dec. 1 through Sunday Dec. 3 in the Tornabene Theatre.

FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

Read the full review on Arizona Daily Star

Get tickets to 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

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School Of Theatre, Film & Television

Theatre

P.O. BOX 210003
1025 N Olive Rd.
Drama Bldg, Rm 239
Tucson, AZ 85721-0003

Email: theatre@cfa.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-7008

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P.O. BOX 210158B
845 N Park Ave.
Marshall Bldg, Rm 220
Tucson, AZ 85721-0158b

Email: ftvinfo@cfa.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-7352

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Centennial Hall
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Box Office Hours:

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Please note: The Box Office observes limited hours or is closed during most university recognized holidays. If purchasing tickets in person, please call ahead to confirm hours.

Online: tickets.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-3341


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P.O. BOX 210004
1017 N Olive Rd.
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Email: finearts@cfa.arizona.edu

Phone: (520) 621-1302