'Jesus Christ Superstar' draws all-star cast
Mike Eldred and Eric Michael Krop perform with the Alpine Theatre Project in 2017. Eldred plays the role of Judas and Krop plays the role of Jesus in ATP’s current production “Jesus Christ Superstar” showing March 8-10. (Photo by Brenda Ahearn for Alpine Theatre Project)
For nearly 50 years, “Jesus Christ Superstar” has electrified audiences around the globe, and has become the standard by which all future rock operas have been measured. Alpine Theatre Project brings together an all-star ensemble of singers and rock musicians to present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ’70s rock-infused musical at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center in downtown Whitefish.
Whitefish’s own Mike Eldred will play Judas Iscariot. Eldred starred in the 25th anniversary tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Ted Neely, Carl Anderson, Dennis DeYoung of Styx and Irene Cara.
Other cast members include Broadway and London West-End veterans Eric Michael Krop as Jesus, Amelia Cormack as Mary Magdalene, Dan Sharkey as Caiaphas, and DeWitt Fleming Jr. as Simon, as well as ATP founder Luke Walrath as Pontius Pilate and Nick Spear of the New Wave Time Trippers as Herod. ATP artistic director Betsi Morrison directs the show.
Multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-nominated musician Erica Von Kleist will be joined by The MAC Band, made up of celebrated local musicians Ross Bridgeman, Rebecca Nelson, Jeremy Reinbolt, Matt Seymour and Zac Fawcett. A group of local singers, led by celebrated local musicians Halladay Quist and Tabitha Spencer, and a children’s chorus round out the production.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” “Gethsemane,” “Heaven on their Minds” and “Superstar.”