‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ closes this weekend in St. Charles
Submitted by Onesti Entertainment
Onesti Entertainment Corp. is producing a live theatrical event, “Jesus Christ Superstar — A Rock Opera.”
The Arcada Theatre’s five-show run is a collaboration with Natural Talent Productions, founded last year by Benedictine University alum Jacqueline Schultz. The final showtimes are 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, with a special evening show at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Arcada, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles.
“I’ve wanted to bring live theater of this caliber to the Arcada for the past six years,” said Ron Onesti, who owns the 900-seat venue. “Ms. Schultz is a driven and talented visionary who is bringing an amazing repertory musical experience to this historic stage.”
The musical is based very loosely on the Gospel’s account of Jesus’ last week of life. Onesti said although the work, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for its 1971 opening, is often scheduled in the spring season, Onesti chose it for the year’s end because of its thought provoking relevance. Onesti Entertainment’s three decades of experience ensure the production — which also features a live rock band — will engage audiences visually, musically and intellectually.
“Jesus Christ Superstar highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible,” Onesti said. “With current economic challenges and political topics so many of us are thinking about, I think a new perspective is invaluable as we head into the new year.”
Schultz, a Warrenville resident whom Onesti described as an up-and-coming producer with a passion for dance, stage and history, graduated from Benedictine College in 2010 and has worked innumerous community productions including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Den of Thieves,” “Seussical!” and “Alice in Wonderland.” She choreographed the “Jesus Christ Superstar” production and worked with Onesti to cast it. Schultz will also play Mary Magdalene for the 3 p.m. Dec. 17 show, an opportunity she described as her “dream role.” Other actors include: Harrison Ashley of Carol Stream as Jesus Christ; Kevin Glover of Naperville as Judas; Marcus Gentry of Chicago as Pontius Pilate, and Gabriella Marzetta of St. Charles, as Mary Magdalene.
Tickets to the show are $20 and $15. Seniors and students receive a 20-percent discount on $15 tickets.
More information is available at Onesti Entertainment’s website, www.oshows.com. Tickets can be purchased online, at the door on show days, or via telephone at (888) 695-0888.
More information about Natural Talent Productions is available at www.naturaltalentproductions.com.