Jesus Christ Superstar

one day back in November 2010, my work buddy John (of Musically Reclined, and no stranger to theater) persuaded me to head down to the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket R.I. to audition for a role for a Theater Works production of Jesus Christ Superstar. to be completely honest i was aware of the 1973 movie, but never familiar with any of the songs from the musical (at least that i know of). however, that same day i went down there, filled out a form, had a head shot taken, and received a white adhesive label written with the number 37.

i sat in one of the theater seats waiting and wondering what to do once i was called up. when my name was announced up i ran to the stage thinking that if i could induce some excitement it would help minimize any anxiety coming over me. however, once on stage the realization of my unpreparedness would suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. i preemptively warned the director that i had no knowledge of any of the songs. i wasn't looking to take on a prominent role, but instead was simply looking to be part of the crowd. he ask me to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus - which did seem appropriate seeing is that it was the Christmas season. so i did. in the end i received an applause from all the other participants - their way of helping me to feel good about the audition. my nervousness on stage must have been very apparent. three weeks later, against all personal odds, i had received a call-back, and was assigned a role of an apostle.

since then i have attended numerous rehearsals for both vocal and blocking. rehearsals are ramping up the closer we get to the opening dates. next week the cast will perform the final rehearsals at the actual theater along with costumes and a full orchestra.

i've gotten acquainted with almost every one in the cast. it's quite a diverse collection ranging in age, ethnicity, and more. every single one of them seem like good people, and share a collective desire to perform well together. we applaud each other during rehearsals when a scene runs better than expected. we have our silly moments. the singing is always at it's best, and every cast member i have talked with were approachable and friendly. just the kinds of things to help me overcome my awkward shyness in social situations.

the director, Paul Adams, is very passionate about this production, yet he knows when to have fun with his cast. and talk about crisis-management; Paul's had to deal with a number of cast members dropping out due to personal matters, and somehow he managed to get replacements on such short notice.

the music director, Sue McClain, makes the singing process as painless as possible - at least for me, someone who has had little musical experience (i was part of a gospel choir once long ago). every time the cast worked with Sue i induce a sense of self inadequacy - unable to read or follow a music sheet, or even sing well - but by the end of each rehearsal any feelings of doubt of being part of this production was diminished and the opposite reinforced thanks to her.

it was all fun and games in the beginning, but lately things have gotten a little more serious. i'm getting a little more nervous and excited at the same time each day we get closer to the opening dates. being on stage in front of hundreds of strangers to perform a musical is something i just can't put into words right now. i'm hoping that the many familiar faces that will attend will help with my anxiety.

this is my first time doing anything like this - unless you want to count my role as King Midas during summer camp when i was 11 years old - and i gotta tell you that if it weren't for John's persuasion this opportunity would have come and gone by without a thought. this isn't something i normally do, but after this experience i'm hoping to pursue this some more.

to Paul, Sue, the cast, and the rest of the production staff, thank you for letting me be a part of this experience. broken legs all around!!!

peace,
@riel