Today will be the final two performances of the Premier Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar in which Constantine portrayed the role of Judas. The show had a 10 performance run which began on June 13th at the Henderson Theater in Lincroft, NJ.
I went on opening night and was pleasantly surprised. Why that? Well normally, opening night, particularly when there have been no preview shows, is one where little slips and mistakes occur. And a theater goer as regular as myself is willing to overlook them. But that was not the case with this production. The cast and the musicians were in fine form and gave a wonderful and memorable performance. It was a true pleasure going to this show. I have since returned to see the show and was similarly pleased with what I saw. In fact, last Saturday’s show had an energy to it that shows how the company had worked to improve on what was already a good performance.
The set was sparse but it lent itself beautifully to the actions that took place on stage. Having stairs and ramps and different levels allowed the performers to show scenes taking place and movement to and from the problems developing on the stage.
I truly enjoyed the entire cast and I think the casting was well done. And I do want to mention a few that were in lead parts.
Joseph Russo played a Jesus who is both vulnerable and strong. His voice is a gift to listen to. Sections of the JCS score involve notes that are quite a pull on a male voice, but Joseph smoothed them and made them more easy to listen to than I have heard in some other productions. He has a terrific vocal range that was well used and a wonderful stage presence.
Tara Beams played Mary Magdaline. Her voice is nicely trained and well in control. When she sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” at last Saturday’s show, I listened with new interest to a song I have heard many times. Her vocal range and smooth adaptation of difficult note runs added so much to the character she was playing. Tara is a fine actress and singer.
And then of course, there was Constantine. I must admit that his portrayal of Judas made me look at this man who I learned years ago betrayed the Son of God in a very different light. Watching him descend into the depths of his sad demise was very intense. Constantine was totally in character every second of the show. Watching his character struggle with what he thought he should do and with what he felt he had been willed to do was heart wrenching.
Constantine’s interpretation of the songs and his acting all combined to make Judas’ confusion and despair tragic to watch. When he accepted the 30 pieces of silver, so torn is the man that I had to hold myself back from yelling out “don’t do it.” It seemed like it was happening for the first time right in front of my eyes rather than over 2,000 years ago. Constantine has that acting ability to transform the audience from viewers of a show to actual participants in the moment. I felt the tears welling in my eyes during “Judas’ Death” as he sings “my mind is in darkness now.” He is on his knees seeking some form of consolation but we know there is no turning back. As Judas prepared to hang himself, the true recognition of his role in Jesus’ death was brilliantly displayed by Constantine acting/singing in the role. His singing voice was perfect for the storytelling aspects of “Heaven on Their Minds” as well as the pathos that ensues in later scenes. He, too, brings a fullness to the songs so that the difficulty of singing certain measures is very pleasing to hear.
Thankfully, the play ends on a joyous note and Constantine is dressed in modern day clothing as he leads the cast in the closing song “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Constantine’s unique personality as a performer came out very well during this song. It was a great way to end the show.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the outstanding orchestra that played throughout the entire show. There were guitars, drums, horns, wind instruments. Hope I didn’t miss any part because truly they did a great job all evening.
To the wonderful cast of this show – Thank You! Thank You! Bravo and brava!
To Constantine – Thank You! Thank You! Bravo – what a show!
Constantine took part in the ROCKERS ON BROADWAY–ROCKS TO REBUILD benefit show held this past Monday, March 1 at BB King Blues Club in NYC. The show was a joint effort from BB King Blues Club and the PATH fund who joined forces and will be donating 100% of the proceeds of this special benefit concert to UNICEF and Save the Children, organizations working in Haiti to provide safe havens for the thousands of children left homeless by the earthquake.
Appearances, Constantine Maroulis News, Uncategorized | Karen | 
March 3, 2010 10:23 am | 
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Constantine is scheduled to sing at two appearances announced this week:
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