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Cole Thannisch,as Jesus Christ Superstar at the Riverside Theatre (Photo by Tai Randall.
By Linda Gordon Hengerer
Heed the warning. This Jesus Christ Superstar at the Riverside Theatre is a contemporary telling of a story that feels as fresh in 2026 as it did in 1971 when it opened on Broadway, and as disturbing now as the events it portrays from two thousand years ago. What’s old is new again, indeed.
I’m familiar with the story of Jesus Christ’s betrayal by Judas Iscariot. I didn’t expect Jesus Christ Superstar to be as powerful as it is, which is a testament to the terrific cast and crew in Vero Beach through March 22.
Told entirely through song, Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera about the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire during the week before Jesus is crucified.
Act One begins with music building to a powerhouse opening before we see the cast. A spare industrial set includes the musicians seated at the back of the stage. In shadow, they are both orchestra and witness.
Themes of power, faith, betrayal, and revolution are explored. We see who has power, who wants it, and what they are willing to do to get it. Who blindly follows, who questions. Who is a rebel, who leads a rebellion, and the fallout when action is taken.
With any revolutionary figure there’s a question about whether they are more useful to the status quo dead or alive. We know this story ends with death.
As Jesus’s popularity grows it affects the relationships and dynamic of those around him. Do his disciples question or blindly follow? Does Jesus want to lead a revolution or is he a reluctant leader? What do Pontius Pilate and King Herod fear more: Jesus himself or his ideas?
Judas’s dissatisfaction with how Jesus is leading and his potentially romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene show why Judas is willing, albeit reluctantly, to betray Jesus. We see Judas’ struggle to stay loyal or to betray Jesus as he questions his faith. Is Judas his own man or is he being used to further the ends of Pontius Pilate and King Herod?
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” has very different meanings when sung in Act One by Mary Magdalene and reprised in Act Two by Judas Iscariot.
Act Two opens with “The Last Supper” and Jesus suggesting to his disciples that wine as his blood and bread as his body might be symbols to remember him by when he’s gone.
The 55-year-old score brings you in, the songs are relevant, and the cast are incredible. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice haven’t aged.
Cole Thannisch, David Toole, and Ruby Lewis play Jesus Christ, Judas Iscariot, and Mary Magdalene, respectively. Cole shows us Jesus’s ambivalence about being a leader. David portrays the anguish of betraying a friend, and Ruby is both attracted to and tender towards Jesus.
They lead a cast of 25 with extensive experience in musical theater, including other productions of Jesus Christ Superstar. Song and dance are effective and well done.
Mattew Hugh Diston who plays Simon.
Direction and scenic design are by Riverside Theatre’s Artistic Director. He has assembled an experienced production team who showcase their ample musical theater experience in this production.
Ruth E. Kramer (Production Stage Manager) has produced Jesus Christ Superstar four times, and this marks the 50th anniversary of her first production in 1976.
Returning to Riverside Theatre are DJ Salisbury (Associate Director), Kurt Alger (Costume & Wig Designer), Yael Lubetzky (Lighting Designer), Craig Beyrooti (Sound Designer), Anthony Narciso (Assistant Sound Designer), Lydia Runge (Assistant Stage Manager), and Katie Wilhelm (Assistant Stage Manager).
Scott Wojcik and the Wojcik Casting Team have been casting Riverside Theatre productions for over 25 years.
New to Riverside Theatre are Jennifer Lee Crowl (Choreographer), Andrew H. Austin (Music Director), and Jake Turski (Associate Music Director).
Live theater has an anything-can-happen vibe and during Tuesday’s opening night an audience member suffered a medical emergency shortly before the end of Jesus Christ Superstar. The professional cast and crew were held in place, house lights came up, the audience obeyed directions to stay in their seats, and medical personnel attended the stricken guest. After a short interlude the musical resumed from the point that made most sense to get the audience back into the drama of the story.
Jesus Christ Superstar began life as a concept album in 1970 after Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were unable to raise funding for a stage production. The immediate success of the album enabled them to stage a 1971 Broadway show. Amid mixed reviews, Jesus Christ Superstar was nominated for five Tony awards (including Best Score) without winning any.
Andrew Lloyd Webber did win a Drama Desk Award for “Most Promising Composer,” a promise he has more than fulfilled.
Venue doors open one hour before showtime, and theater seating opens 30 minutes before showtime. A full bar and indoor seating are available for early arrivals and during intermission. The new Executive Chef has revamped the Grill menu and added an optional fine dining experience before the March 15 show (call the box office if you’d like to exchange your tickets to include this dinner).
Riverside Theatre’s remaining productions this season are the musical 9 to 5 and the romantic comedy Almost, Maine. Year-round offerings on Friday and Saturday nights include The Comedy Zone (on the Waxlax Stage) and Live in the Loop (free outdoor concerts), and the Grill and Bar.
Backstage tours, Behind the Scenes classes, and dance classes for adults are available. Youth classes include theater, dance, and music appreciation. An acclaimed children’s theatre has moved from their cramped former quarters onto the Main Stage.
Warning: This show contains contemporary imagery, suicide, crucifixion, and mature themes.
Jesus Christ Superstar runs through March 22 at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL, 32963 (Riverside Park). Matinees are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2 pm; Evening performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays 7:30 or 8:00 pm. Running time is approximately 120 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets range from $35.00 (Student Age 17 or younger, weekday matinee Balcony seat) to $95 (Adult, Saturday night Orchestra seat). Call the theater box office at 772-231-6990 or visit riversidetheatre.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
