FeaturesMarch 30, 2017
What's that buzz? Cape Central to present 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
From the lead actor to the director -- and all people and points between -- there's a consensus: The Cape Girardeau Central High School theater program has taken on a challenge with its first-ever opera. The school will present "Jesus Christ Superstar" next week, and it's been a collective challenge from performers, to stage crew, to music, to director Kimi Wibbenmeyer...
From the lead actor to the director -- and all people and points between -- there's a consensus: The Cape Girardeau Central High School theater program has taken on a challenge with its first-ever opera.
The school will present "Jesus Christ Superstar" next week, and it's been a collective challenge from performers, to stage crew, to music, to director Kimi Wibbenmeyer.
The 1970 rock opera, which debuted on Broadway in 1971, begins its three-day run Thursday at the school's Richard D. Kinder Performance Hall.
It's a big step for Wibbenmeyer, who also serves in a multitude of functions, including choreographer and designer, in her third year with the theater program.
In the past, the program has presented musicals such as "Cinderella," which it performed last spring.
Such productions clearly move from scene to scene, but the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics of Tim Rice will flow from start to finish, with just a 15-minute break between the two acts, which are each about an hour long. There is no curtain to drop or breaks for the weary.
"It's constant music," Wibbenmeyer said. "It's very hard music. Not many high schools attempt this show, and we thought it would be a good idea."
Central students are tackling every element, including stage design and creation, costume-making and manning the orchestra pit.
"Every year, we've been growing each of the elements, a little bit harder, a little bit harder," Wibbenmeyer said. "I'm kind of stupid; I kind of don't like not taking a challenge on. I think educational theater is for that purpose. We have to educate; we have to learn about something new."
Wibbenmeyer decided to take on the production at Thanksgiving when she obtained the rights, and the students began work Jan. 1 for the theater's third and final full-length presentation of the school year.
Wibbenmeyer said several of the school's members of the International Thespian Society attended a state conference in January and learned techniques in painting, carving, technology and acting for the show.
She calls it the most elaborate set created at the school, with full-wood construction covered by insulated foam carved to look like Roman and Judean architecture. The stage surface has been painted to resemble marble and stone.
In all, there are 68 students involved: 28 cast members, 25 in the orchestra pit and 15 on the crew.
"The music is extremely daunting," Wibbenmeyer said. "Our pit has been working on it for months. The music that the actors sing is daunting."
At the pinnacle of the challenge is senior Kamron Underwood, who navigates the role of Jesus with his high-tenor voice, which has served the school's choir well since his freshman year.
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"Kameron does have some high notes in there," Wibbenmeyer said. "That kind of sold at the audition. He had to be able to hit those high falsetto points."
Underwood made the transition into theater his junior year, using his talents as Prince Charming in "Cinderella." He said his current role, in which he sings in all but two songs, is much more demanding.
"When I was first cast, it was very, very daunting because people hold this caricature to such a high standard, and people expect something from you when you do it," Underwood said. "Doing a show like this where anything can really happen with any character at any time, it's really going to throw some people off when they see this."
Underwood looks comfortable with the acting and singing challenges and even wears facial scruff to sell the character.
"Kamron has an amazing voice, and he fits the role really well," said junior Uriel Achilleus, who plays Pontius Pilate. "My friend Ta'Liyah [Thompson], who plays the role of Judas, is amazing. I really like the whole cast."
Achilleus' acting experience and talent are apparent in his portrayal of Pilate, but he's also stepping outside his comfort zone in a musical. While he has a speaking role, it's timed to music, and he has some footwork to perform.
"The dancing is really challenging, at least to me; I'm not a dancer," Achilleus said. "But it's definitely a lot of fun despite the challenge."
The story is told through the eyes of Judas, played by Thompson. She's also taking on her biggest challenge after serving as Cinderella's understudy last year. She started with the program on the technical side as a sophomore, helping with lighting and sewing.
"I accepted the challenge," Thompson said about taking on Judas. "I like challenges."
It's been a learning experience for the senior.
"The most surprising thing to me is figuring out portraying the role of Judas as a male, being female, and how I can put my own character inside of this character and blend my vocal skills with what's demanded of a male's voice, and how I can have fun with it and do my own little twists," Thompson said.
Other students playing main characters are Lydia Gentry (Peter), Caroline Rollins (Mary Magdalene), Matt Diamond (James), Matt Holman (Simon the Zealot), Jackie Lang (Pilate's wife), Zach Glenn (Caiaphas), Grace Goeckeler (Annas) and Caitlyn Limbaugh (King Herrod).
Wibbenmeyer said it will be an "intense" experience for audiences.
"If you like the original movie and like the soundtrack that sold millions of records, this show, you're going to love," Wibbenmeyer said.
Show times will be 7 p.m. April 6 to 8. There also will be a sensory-friendly show at 2 p.m. April 8.
The box office will open at 6 p.m. each day, and the theater doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $7 for students, faculty and Central alumni and $10 for the general public. A Central Tiger badge will be available on a social-media account. The general public can present the badge at the box office to receive the $7 Tiger price.
jbreer@semissourian.com
(573) 388-3629
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