Paramount's 'Superstar' to feature black cast

Paramount Theatre in Aurora announced Monday its revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar" will feature an all-black cast.

Broadway veteran Destan Owens ("Chicago," "Rent") plays the titular role in Paramount's revival of the 1971 Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera, which chronicles the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ and features such well-known songs as "Everything's Alright," "Hosanna" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him."

Paramount artistic director Jim Corti selected the show not just for its thrilling score but for what the musical has to say.

"It brought voice to celebrity and politics and mob mentality," Corti said. "There seems to be something very timely about it, something very human about it. It's Shakespearean in a way, in the timelessness of personalities and characters in the middle of a social and political heat wave. It's thrilling in that way."

Corti says he knew in his gut an African-American man would play Jesus.

"I felt this character needed the stature of an African-American man," said Corti. "It is going to sound different, feel different and I think we'll feel differently about it."

Paramount's revival will not be a gospel version, he said. "It'll be exactly as written."

The production, which concludes Paramount's 2016-2017 season, marks the Paramount debut of director/producer Ron Kellum, whose credits include serving as artistic director for Cirque du Soleil's "Kooza," staging musicals and sporting spectacles like 2017's NFL Pro Bowl halftime show.

"Ron is an amazing man," Corti said. "I hope we get him to direct here every year."

Previews of "Jesus Christ Superstar" begin April 19 at 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The show opens April 22 and runs through May 28. Tickets cost $44 to $59. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.