Jesus Christ Superstar At The Keller Auditorium
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I received complimentary tickets to this show in exchange for my honest review and sharing show details with my readers.
Broadway In Portland is BACK! Shows have officially started again at the Keller Auditorium, and they are welcoming in the season with Jesus Christ Superstar, playing for the first time in 566 days- just in time for their 50th anniversary.
The energy was at an all time high, with eager Portlanders (and farther) lining up to see their first show in months. And though the crowds were large, there is no need to worry. The Keller Auditorium’s COVID-19 procedures were top notch, requiring either a valid vaccination card & ID for entry, or a negative COVID-19 text within the last 72 hours.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a classic show, and a perfect opener for the season. The energy was set high, and the cast, orchestra, & production team didn’t miss a beat even after such a long break.
I went to JCS not having a clear background on the show, and honestly that almost made it even better! The stage began with thick rolls of fog, and ominous rock music playing. And as the cast bolts to the stage, you are already grinning ear to ear.
But what I was not expecting, was to absolutely melt when I heard Jesus (Aaron LaVigne) belt his first few notes. Umm, did it suddenly get HOT in the auditorium?! The crowd was immediately filled with gasps, sighs, and even a few people needing to fan themselves with their programs.😏
But it didn’t stop there, each of the voices on stage will blow you away including Judas (James T. Justis) for his phenomenal act, Mary (Jenna Rubaii) during her classic soul snatching solos, Caiaphas (Alvin Crawford) for his impressively rumbling bass voice, and Pilate (Tyce Green) for his incredible Bon Jovi/Labyrinth/Twilight Volturi style performance- each time he took the stage we lit up!
While the show tells the story of Jesus and focuses on his last days (in a different, rock and roll type of way), you do not need to be religious to enjoy the show.
You are taken on an emotional roller coaster as you experience true rock and roll numbers, followed by songs that break your heart, only to be followed by hilarious numbers with So. Much. Glitter. Yes, glitter will play a surprisingly important role in this show! In the end, if you haven’t seen the show before, you genuinely won’t know what to expect, and that is so exciting.
I already wish I can go back to see it for the first time all over again. This is a show you won’t want to miss, and it’s only here for a short period of time, so get your tickets as soon as possible!
Ticket Information:
Showdates:
Thursday, September 30th @ 7:30pm
Friday, October 1st @ 7:30pm
Saturday October 2nd @ 2pm
Saturday October 2nd @ 7:30pm
Sunday October 3rd @ 1pm
Sunday October 3rd @ 6:30pm
Jesus Christ Superstar Rundown:
This show runs for 90 minutes, and there is no intermission- please plan accordingly!
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the North American tour of this iconic musical is helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie.
Rounding out the creative team is set and costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano and Nick Lidster, with music supervision by Tom Deering and North American music supervisor David Holcenberg.
Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV.
On September 17th, 2021 a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, will be released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and its continued success spanning an incredible 50 years.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Update – Vaccine and Mask Requirements:
In an effort to protect the health and wellbeing of Broadway in Portland patrons, artists and staff, proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine will be required for entry for all performances.
Patrons unable to be vaccinated will be required to show proof of a negative Covid PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the performance or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to the performance.
Guests unable to be vaccinated due to a medical condition or a closely held religious belief, and children under 12 will be required to show proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours prior to the performance, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to the performance.
Staff will check for proof of vaccination and/or negative Covid tests at the doors as a condition of entry. Additionally, guests will need to provide photo ID that matches the name on the proof of vaccination. Children without photo ID will need to be accompanied by an adult. Acceptable forms of proof include: CDC or WHO vaccination card, a photocopy of the card or a photo of the card on a mobile device. Cardholders must be at least two weeks past receiving their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
A number of additional safety protocols will be in place in Keller Auditorium include including digital ticketing, rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices, hand sanitation stations and the use of MERV 13 filters for increased filtration.
Masks will be required for all patrons and staff (regardless of vaccination status), except while actively eating or drinking.
