'Superstar' on stage in Palatine now
Northwest suburban theater patrons have been queuing up to see Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's classic rock opera spectacular “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Cutting Hall in Palatine, which runs through May 1.
“Though we had anticipated good crowds for this classic, audience numbers have been solid and building since opening night,” said Heide Gotsch, chairman of the Palatine-based Music On Stage. “With three weeks left of performances, we believe the inherent appeal of the show, the strong performance of the cast and the audiences' reaction to this moving and timeless story are all contributing to a buzz that people just want to see for themselves.”
Theatre Nebula and Music on Stage, two veteran award-winning theater troupes, have come together to present a unique production for the 2011 Easter season.
“By combining the resources of both Theatre Nebula and Music On Stage, we have been able to assemble an extremely talented, accomplished, and veteran cast to tell this powerful story in an entertaining and respectful manner that we believe will resonate with any theater patron,” said J. Spencer Greene, executive/artistic director of Theatre Nebula.
Performances are held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and 3 p.m. Sunday afternoons through May 1 at the Cutting Hall performance center, 150 E. Wood St. There is no performance on April 22, Good Friday.
Set in two acts, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is an epic retelling of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, when men and women were driven to their fate by forces beyond their control.
Frank Roberts directs a cast of 27 performers with musical direction by Ann Stewart, choreography by Becky Lugovsky, scenic design by J. Spencer Greene, lighting design by Steve Nickerson, costume design by Patty Halajian, and accompaniment by a five-piece pit band.
If you go
Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets: $20; $17 for 62 and older; $18 for 12-under. Add $2 if bought at the door. Groups of 10 or more: $17 per ticket. Buy at ticketturtle.com/index.php?show=17399; or box office, open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at Cutting Hall, (847) 202-5222.
Dinner-theatre package for additional $17; Easter Day champagne luncheon package for $20 additional ($15 for under 8). Both with Vince's Italian Restaurant in Palatine.
More details: theatrenubula.org; musiconstage.org.
Crew
Director: Frank Roberts, Schiller Park; Music Director: Ann Stewart, Barrington; Choreography: Becky Lugovsky, Barrington; Scenic Design: J. Spencer Greene, Palatine; Costume design: Patty Halajian, Kildeer; Lighting design: Steve Nickerson, West Dundee; Sound design: John Sobtzak, Schaumburg; Scenic painting: Sharon Damisch, Palatine; Stage Management: Tom Hermanson, Round Lake Beach. Producers: J. Spencer Greene; Heide Gotsch, Lake Zurich; Kathy Conick, Streamwood; Kathy Pazdioch, Lake Zurich; Kathy Zimmerman, Palatine.
Cast
Arlington Hts.: Peter Buckley, Christine Barnes; Barrington: Steve Lugovsky; Bartlett: Taylor Benoit; Rick Johnson; Batavia: April Martinez; Buffalo Grove: Anne Arza; Cary: Matt Sirotsky; Chicago: Patrick Carlisle; Crystal Lake: Gary Gruebnau; Des Plaines: Alma Lumabas, Willow Schneider; Hoffman Estates: Brendan Foley; Ingleside: Colette Todd; Inverness: Dan Kubera; LaGrange: Bruce MacLean, Lilibeth MacLean; Lake in the Hills: Robert Falco; Daren Walsh; McHenry: Aaron Gomez; Kurtis Krail; Palatine: Donny Schiek, Brad Manker, Kathy Blaheta; Tower Lakes: Tyler Callahan; Vernon Hills: Krist Neumann; Wheeling: Don J. Orlando.