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Many folks over the age of 40 can probably remember where they were when they first heard the distinctive electric guitar intro to “Heaven on Their Minds,” the stirring Judas Iscariot opener in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s groundbreaking rock opera. It’s still a kick-ass song, and the rest of the JCS score has certainly held up theatrically—“I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “King Herod’s Song,” “What’s the Buzz”—which is somewhat remarkable given that the music was first issued as a rather famous early-’70s pop album (Brown cover? Remember?) before a script ever was mounted. Through countless revivals and two film versions (with a third rumored), JCS endures—not a bad story, of course, with book and lyrics by Tim Rice. Webber never really went back into “rock mode” after this one, but if it was a novelty for him, it was certainly one for the world. The musical’s not done very often in these here church-infested parts—is its irreverence still too much?—but Boiler Room Theatre rectifies that with a production that definitely bears watching. Director Jamey Green also serves as musical director, and he’s entrusting the key roles to BRT newcomers Ben Van Diepen (Jesus), Ciaran McCarthy (Judas) and JoAnn Coleman (Mary Magdalene). Ensuring stage-wide stability are talented vets like Scott Rice, Alan Lee, Lauri Bright Gregoire and Nancy Whitehead. There’s still no Resurrection, but the jive apostles alone should be capable of carrying the day (and the message).
Tuesdays, Thursdays-Saturdays. Starts: Aug. 21. Continues through Sept. 19, 2009
Tuesdays, Thursdays-Saturdays. Starts: Aug. 21. Continues through Sept. 19, 2009
