“Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first big hit from the writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the stage in 1971 to return again and again to adoring crowds.
The musical is back this weekend at The Paramount in Seattle with three shows scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
The plot is based on the last seven days of Jesus’ life on Earth. In the first few acts, the authorities are questioning Jesus’ activities. The Apostles are also questioning, growing ever anxious about what’s in store for them. Meanwhile, Judas is set to betray Jesus and does so with a kiss. As the musical progresses, Jesus is arrested by the high priest.
He is brought before Pilate, who says the man before him has done nothing wrong. But a mob is screaming for Jesus’ death. Jesus is flogged and condemned to crucifixion. The apostles are left to comfort each other and ponder the impact that Jesus had on their lives.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” comes with a score of well-known songs such as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz,” “Superstar” and “Heaven on Their Mind.”
Taproot’s new season: In keeping with its mission to provide enlightening and entertaining experiences, Taproot Theatre Company’s 2008 Mainstage Season is packed with a diverse repertoire of performances to help audiences discover love, truth and freedom while they reflect on the joys and challenges of life.
The offerings include a remaking of a Shakespeare comedy set during the hippie movement, a story of Italian immigrants who hold their family values in a new land, a Tony Award-winning adaptation of a Mark Twain classic and a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama centered on the mystery of uncertainty.
All performances are at the 226-seat Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle. Shows are Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with matinees on Saturday afternoons. Prices range from $20 to $33. 206-781-9707, www.taproottheatre.org.
The season lineup is:
“As You Like It”: By William Shakespeare, Feb. 1 — March 1. Shakespeare’s romantic comedy will whisk audiences back to 1960s America, a time when young people distrusted the establishment. In this interpretation, which spans the United States, people escape to the forest to try a new philosophy and discover transformation.
“Doubt”: By John Patrick Shanley, March 28 — April 26. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play has Sister Aloysius bravely facing the issue of molestation in the Catholic Church.
“Over the River and Through the Woods”: By Joe DiPietro. May 16 — June 14. Likened to the hit film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” this play draws on the traditions and family values of an Italian-American family and how they change through the generations. There’s laughing and crying during this comedy by the playwright behind “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”
“Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”: With book by William Hauptman, adapted from the novel by Mark Twain, music and lyrics by Roger Miller. July 11 — Aug 9. This seven-time Tony Award-winning musical reminds audiences about freedom and friendship as they follow the story of Huck and his friend Jim, a runaway slave, who make their journey down the Mississippi River.
“Susan and God”: By Rachel Crothers, Sept. 26 — Oct. 25. The charming socialite Susan Trexel returns from Europe looking great and accessorized with a newfound faith. But is this real or a fad? This sophisticated play became a film in 1940 starring Joan Crawford as Susan with Rita Hayworth and Fredric March.
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