I know that I always throw people off that I love to listen to rock music and write about it, but I also love musicals and Broadway. That is why I was so excited to get the opportunity to see Jesus Christ Superstar at Lyric Opera of Chicago this last week. This is one of the best shows I've ever seen! There are so many reasons you should go see Jesus Christ Superstar.
Synopsis
For those who haven't seen Jesus Christ Superstar, it is one of the greatest stories ever told. It's an iconic rock musical that reinvented musical theater. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this global blockbuster tells the story of the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, from the perspective of Judas Iscariot. As Christ’s followers grow more fervent, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal while we watch (and hold our breath).
Lyric Opera of Chicago
First, I have to talk about about Lyric Opera. I had not been there before, and seriously it is awe inspiring. Some interesting facts we learned about Lyric Opera of Chicago are that when you on stage you are looking out over a city block!
Lyric Opera goes up 6 stories high too! It's amazing to look out. The building itself is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. It definitely is someplace you have to see a show or Broadway musical at. It is the pinnacle of the Chicago Entertainment scene!
For Jesus Christ Superstar, the orchestra is moved from the pit and the 37 musicians are at the back of the stage. This allows for 74 exclusive, front row pit seats! You can get a view unseen till now!
The Actors
Okay, onto the show –Jesus Christ Superstar was absolutely amazing. The stage isn't huge, so you get a intimate feel from it (and having been on the stage myself I can verify that!). They amazingly get over 80 artists on stage throughout the performance with 9 principal actors! It's hard to not get into the show. You'll find yourself getting goosebumps with some of the songs. I found myself impressed with the diverse cast. Heath Sanders is Jesus, and he's exactly what I'd imagine Jesus would have looked like.
Jo Lampert was Mary and for me, stole the show. Her voice is amazing. You can't help but hear the pain and sorrow in her voice. Everything's Alright and I Don't Know How To Love Him were awesome.
Cavin Cornwell was Caiaphas. His low baritone voice catches you by surprise and you can't help but to be mesmerized by him. I loved that his staff was also his microphone.
Shaun Fleming's Herod was showstopping too (especially for his song!).
The Costumes
As you can see from the photos, the costumes for the show were awesome in their own right. There were over 150 costumes for this broadway musical. An interesting tidbit of information is that Herod's capeis 25 feet long!
There are so many reasons besides the ones I listed to go see Jesus Christ Superstar! I can honestly tell you that this is unlike any show you've seen before! When you get your own tickets, use code THOUGHTS to save 20%*! There will be 25 performances between April 27-May 20 with ticket prices as low as $29! Seeing a Broadway musical in the Lyric Opera House is an experience worth having!
*Offer is subject to availability, available for Monday-Saturday performances only, and not applicable to Main Floor Prime or Box seating. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with another offer. Only specially allocated seat locations can be assigned. Prices subject to change.
Exchanges are not guaranteed and discount may not carry over. Fees apply. Expires at the discretion of management.