What’s the Buzz? I’ll Tell You What’s Happening at Gateway Playhouse
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
by Aidan Rowe
Gateway Playhouse’s electrifying production of Jesus Christ Superstar is now in motion. The rock opera musical, written by Tim Rice with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, shows us the story of Jesus Christ from his grand entrance to Jerusalem to his dreaded crucifixion.
The stage is framed by tall columns at each side of the infamous cross positioned at the center of the backdrop. The columns and surrounding scenery are covered in graffiti, adding a sense of grit and playful camp, thanks to scenic artist Janelle Hawkes. Maybe the most foreboding is the ominous “Judas was here”.
The lighting frequently highlighted the looming cross, growing almost psychedelic in intensity near the show’s end, with flickering flame effects glowing from the braziers atop the columns. Peter Avagliano’s work as the set and lighting designer was perfect. Light technician Reagan Ade hit every beat.
This is a departure from the 70s flower children seen in the film to a new wave of rebels who come wearing black boots and mesh. Costume designer Philip Pallitto and assistant Karen Sutherland did a fabulous job, it was cohesive and striking.
The strongest points are definitely in character work and the unstoppable vocals of the entire cast. Coby Alavez, who portrays Jesus Christ, is without a doubt a superstar. It’s a massive undertaking to bring the word and woes of the messiah to life, but he does so in heart wrenching cries, and powerful screlting.
Witnessing the peak of Jesus’ dangerous popularity, a passionate Judas (Alaina Famularo) is not as entranced. Instead, deeply disturbed and conflicted, Judas feels the original message has been lost. Alaina does a remarkable job at showcasing adoration, fear, and remorse.
While outside forces seek to destroy the influence of Jesus Christ, the real threat are those who follow and benefit from him. Judas may make his oppositional stance known, but some are not so transparent. Peter, played by Nick Efstatos, is predicted by Jesus to deny him three times. Nick displays human fragility and self-preservation in a very real way, choosing to act like a stranger when finally tested.
The other apostles were supremely strong - you can easily view them as any young group of people who are enthusiastic, vibrant, but fleeting in their convictions as well as affections. True rebels with or without a cause, the show would not be the same without the energy of Kacie Burnett, Julie Byrne, Joanie Daigle, Lindsey DeVol, Nick Efstatos, Gabe Lewis, Taylor Mulford, Gemma Schleper, Ephraim Smith, Rob Swift, and Chloe Verderber.
Simon Zealotes, played by Gabe Lewis, brought a rallying cry. It becomes apparent things are escalating out of Jesus’ control, with many having a desire to challenge authority with Jesus at the helm as a political leader. As numerous expectations land on Christ’s shoulders, we watch the tribulations of someone who feels all too human, being used and twisted to satisfy his own followers' wants and needs.
With the shaking ground of a runaway movement, the one thing that holds steady is Mary Magdalene (Danielle Cordivari). Danielle’s vocal performance was the necessary softness that grounded the world around Jesus, and separates a follower from a devotee. When many ask for everything but give nothing in return, she is the only source of comfort.
Caiaphas, as portrayed by Cormac Morrissey, delivered a commanding presence with rich, deep vocals that gave the character total authority whenever he appeared. Cormac carried a clear sense of weight and control that suited the role of the high priest well when having to address the threat of a potential rebellion.
Annas (Eric Meron) is a complementary right-hand man to Caiaphas, serving as a catalyst. He effectively guides pressure towards Pilate (Scott Friedman) to take direct action against Jesus. Watching the inner conflict Scott depicts when caving to the masses’ pleas of violence is compelling from start to finish. Additional priests, portrayed by Camille Averso and Ephraim Smith, added a strong physical presence and movement.
Herod, also portrayed by Ephraim Smith, is the ultimate show man who’s hell-bent (no pun intended) on showing Jesus up - with demands for him to live up to his reputation.
The rest of the ensemble, essential to the flamboyantly raw atmosphere, are Camille Averso, Kacie Burnett, Joanie Daigle, Alissa Dirato, Lindsey DeVol, Eloise Leupold, AJ Mass, Audrey McGowan, Taylor Mulford, Liz Podolski, Shawn Shuman, Ephraim Smith, and Lisa Weck. They brought infectious energy and dramatic silhouettes.
The production team as a whole clearly put in a great deal of work to bring such an ambitious show together. The pit band consisting of Brian Conover, Rich Kurtz, Herb Moore, Henry Moore, and Jim Glenn made you feel like you were at the heart of a lively concert. Musical director Brian Conover ensured a solid and star quality sound all throughout the production, only heightened by the work of choreographer Karen Cleighton who had everyone dynamic and perfectly in sync. Stage manager Kim Tunney maintained steady pacing and kept everything running efficiently.
While the performances and artistic choices were thoroughly enjoyable, I will admit the only hurdle was an imbalance in sound quality. Volume and mixing could have been finer-tuned, but all the performers held the moment hostage. Sound engineer Michael Kropinack and technicians Sarah Kropinack and Reegan Liberatore rolled with the punches and did amazing work.
Technical director Peter Avagliano and assistant director Jason Spatz were very successful in maintaining a smooth, well-executed production. Director Chip Garrison has a lot to be proud of - with all of the wild and wonderful pieces of the puzzle that is Jesus Christ Superstar falling together impeccably. It is well imagined and even better created.
If you’re ready to play some air guitar, you can catch the production April 9-12th & 16-19th at Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, NJ. Find your tickets here:
