For Melina Schein, a good musical is all about the power behind the songs.
That91裸聊视频檚 why when Schein (formerly Moore) of Big Apple Productions had the opportunity to bring Andrew Lloyd Webber91裸聊视频檚 Jesus Christ Superstar back to the Vernon stage May 17-18, she knew she had to jump on it.
And with a chorus of 75 singers under the direction of Lana O91裸聊视频橞rien, this year91裸聊视频檚 show is sure to be of biblical proportions.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 all about the quality of the music for me,91裸聊视频� Schein said. 91裸聊视频淭hat91裸聊视频檚 what musicals are meant to be. We91裸聊视频檙e going to make sure that91裸聊视频檚 the focus of this.91裸聊视频�
Visuals, while important in a musical, have taken over as the centre of attention in many productions, Schein said. Webber91裸聊视频檚 Jesus Christ Superstar, on the other hand, is a classic true sing-through 91裸聊视频� a theatrical production where the story is largely told through song rather than dialogue.
91裸聊视频淚 really like the music, honestly,91裸聊视频� said Craig Howard, who dons the garb of Pontius Pilate. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 very powerful. There are times you can hear a pin drop.91裸聊视频�
Backed by a stunning 10-piece band comprised of Okanagan legends, Schein said, the chorus and principal characters have been hard at work for three months to put what Schein calls her rock symphony of more than 20 songs together.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a true rock opera. It requires a lot of talent,91裸聊视频� Schein said. 91裸聊视频淚 think it is for sure Webber91裸聊视频檚 best work.91裸聊视频�
A partial reason for that, Schein said, is it91裸聊视频檚 a timeless tale.
Based loosely on Gospel accounts of Jesus91裸聊视频� final week, Jesus Christ Superstar differs from many tellings in that it91裸聊视频檚 told through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, brought to life on stage by local star Judy Rose.
91裸聊视频淚 think it kicks (butt) that Judas is a woman, especially in this time,91裸聊视频� said Rose, who is also a co-producer for the show, adding that it91裸聊视频檚 empowering to have a woman lead. 91裸聊视频淚 am thrilled to be singing Judas91裸聊视频� role again this year and look forward to rocking all with this magnificent music.91裸聊视频�
Big Apple Productions brought Jesus Christ Superstar to Vernon91裸聊视频檚 Trinity United Church last year and sold out three performances.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 just had a big revival,91裸聊视频� Schein said, noting NBC91裸聊视频檚 recent Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert that featured Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winner John Legend.
And, through tremendous community support, Schein was inspired to bring it back and take it to the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
91裸聊视频淲e have a cast of incredible people, many returning from last year,91裸聊视频� Schein said. 91裸聊视频淲e thought we would move it to bigger digs.91裸聊视频�
A now heavily bearded Paul Rossetti will again take on the role of Jesus in Big Apple Productions91裸聊视频� performance.
91裸聊视频淲hen I was watching an interview with Tim Rice (lyricist), they talked about their interest to show Christ as a human being 91裸聊视频� what he would have gone through as a man,91裸聊视频� Rossetti said.
It was a life-changing experience for him when he performed the titular role last year, and one Rossetti knew he had to repeat.
91裸聊视频淚 didn91裸聊视频檛 really know how important it would be to me until I was doing it. The week of performances, it took on a really profound meaning. It affected me deeply on a spiritual level,91裸聊视频� Rossetti said. 91裸聊视频淓very rehearsal has been a real gift. I believe this performance is moving, and I think the audience feels that.91裸聊视频�
For Brian Martin, a local radio personality who appears in many of Schein91裸聊视频檚 musicals, Jesus Christ Superstar is what originally caught his attention.
91裸聊视频淭his is the first musical I ever saw live. I hated musicals until I saw this,91裸聊视频� grinned Martin, who portrays Caiaphas.
Charlotte Backman as Mary Magdalene, who first uncovered the musical through last year91裸聊视频檚 performance, said it has provided her with an opportunity to grow.
91裸聊视频淚 find it91裸聊视频檚 out of my comfort zone to do and very challenging,91裸聊视频� Backman said. 91裸聊视频淭he whole show is very emotional.91裸聊视频�
Jesus Christ Superstar, Big Apple Productions91裸聊视频� 15th full-scale musical, will overpower the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre stage May 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $46.50 adults, $43 students and seniors and are available through the Ticket Seller, 250-549-7469, .
