'Jesus Christ Superstar' reports strong sales at Cutting Hall
PALATINE, Ill. April 12 – Northwest suburban theatre patrons have been queuing up for tickets to see Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice's classic rock opera spectacular "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. The incredibly well received production 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, both known for their professionally high production values, attention to detail, top notch performers, musicians and designers, have come together to present a truly unique and exquisite production of this dynamic musical/rock opera during the Easter season of 2011.
“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 theatre patron,” explained J. Spencer Greene, executive/artistic director of Theatre Nebula. “There is still time to see this reverent telling of the Passion of Christ.”
The first joint production by Music On Stage and Theatre Nebula, two of Chicago's leading community theater groups, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is half way through an unprecedented six-week run.
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. through May 1st the Cutting Hall performance center at 150 E Wood Street in Palatine. There is no performance on April 22, Good Friday.
When "Jesus Christ Superstar" first exploded onto the stage in 1971, it was clear that the musical world would never be the same again. Acclaimed as a masterpiece, it has attained the status of theatrical legend. It is packed with hit songs including "I Don't Know How to Love Him", "Could We Start Again, Please" and, of course, "Superstar". Fierce rock rhythms, chunky power chords, and heart searing ballads.
Set in two acts, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is an epic retelling of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. It tells the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through to his death on the cross.
Telling the story of men and women driven to their fate by forces beyond their control, this unique musical is as powerful and compelling today as the day it was written. Frank Roberts directs a cast of over 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 Patti Halajian, and accompaniment by a five-piece pit band.
“We believe, no matter someone's particular religious persuasion, this timeless epic is, at its heart, a reverent and spiritual telling of one of the Bible's most famous stories. We are honored to offer this entertaining production to the area,” Roberts said.
Tickets purchased in advance for "Jesus Christ Superstar" are $20 for reserved seating, while ‘Silver Citizens' (age 62 & over) are $17 and children (12 & under) are $18. Add $2 if purchased at the door. Groups of 10 or more pay $17 a ticket. Performance times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM.
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?show=17399 . For more information, go to www.theatrenebula.org or www.musiconstage.org. You may also call the Cutting Hall box office at 847-202-5222, or visit the box office at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood Street in Palatine. Regular box office hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A Dinner-Theatre Package is available for only $17 added on to your ticket price. Also, a special Easter Day Champagne Luncheon Package is available for only $20 additional ($15 for children under 8.) Both are in conjunction with Vince's Italian Restaurant in Palatine. Details are available on our websites, www.theatrenebula.org and www.musiconstage.org , or by calling the Box Office.
Directed by Frank Roberts of Schiller Park
Music Direction by Ann Stewart of Barrington
Choreography by Becky Lugovsky of Barrington
Scenic Design by J. Spencer Greene of Palatine
Costume Design by Patty Hilajian of Kildeer
Lighting Design by Steve Nickerson of West Dundee
Sound Design by John Sobtzak of Schaumburg
Scenic Painting by Sharon Damisch of Palatine
Produced by J. Spencer Greene of Palatine, Heide Gotsch of Lake Zurich, Kathy Conick of Streamwood,
Kathy Pazdioch of Lake Zurich, and Kathy Zimmerman of Palatine
Stage Management by Tom Hermansom of Round Lake Beach
Properties Coordination by Ann Stewart of Barrington
Cast:
Patrick Carlisle of Chicago;Steve Lugovsky of Barrington; Colette Todd of Ingleside; Dan Kubera of Inverness; Bruce MacLean and Lilibeth MacLean, both of LaGrange; Peter Buckley and Christine Barnes, both of Arlington Heights; Brendan Foley of Hoffman Estates; Tyler Callahan of Tower Lakes; Gary Gruebnau of Crystal Lake; Aaron Gomez and Kurtis Krail, both of McHenry; Robert Falco and Daren Walsh, both of Lake in the Hills; Krist Neumann of Vernon Hills; Donny Schiek of Palatine; Matt Sirotsky of Cary; Brad Manker and Kathy Blaheta, both of Palatine; Don J. Orlando of Wheeling; April Martinez of Batavia; Alma Lumabas of Des Plaines; Anne Arza of Buffalo Grove; Willow Schneider of Des Plaines; and Taylor Benoit and Rick Johnson, both of Bartlett.