(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center will hold auditions for the production of Jesus Christ Superstar on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 5:00pm-10:00pm. The 1970 Broadway rock opera tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life through modern rock music and contemporary slang, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
This will be the seventh production by the Middletown Arts Center’s community theatre group and will be led by Director Kathy Connolly with Musical Director Eric Sayre, Choreographer Samantha Amaral and Assistant Director Victoria Keiser. Performances will be held on March 1-3 and 8-10, 2024.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions: Monday, December 11, 5:00pm-10:00pm; Callbacks: Saturday, December 16, 12:00pm-5:00pm. All auditions and rehearsals will be held at the Middletown Arts Center, located at 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown train station). Free parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in the train station metered lot on weekday evenings after 6:00pm and on weekends.
Participants must prepare 32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided or please bring tracks for your selection. To schedule an audition time or for questions, please email auditionmac@gmail.com. Rehearsals will begin on or around January 9, 2024, and take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. Actors of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition. AEA members may audition for a possible Guest Appearance Contract.
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR ROLES
Jesus Christ – Rock tenor; 20s - 40s. (B2-Ab4) Powerful falsetto/scream up to G5. The leader of the twelve Apostles.
Judas Iscariot – Rock tenor; 20s - 40s. (E3-D4 (+) Full dynamic vocal range. They are concerned that fame is getting in the way of the message of social justice.
Mary Magdalene – Mezzo-Soprano; 20s - 30s. (G#3-C5) Former prostitute, now follower of Jesus, grappling with her feelings and her faith.
Pontius Pilate – High Baritone; 30s - 40s. (A2-Bb4) A strong baritone with extended high register.
King Herod – High Baritone; 20s - 40s. The King of Galilee.
Caiaphas – Low Bass; 30s - 40s. (C#2-F4) A strong bass with a baritone range. Strong Mover.
Annas – High Baritone; 30 - 40s. (E3-D5) Funky high rock/soul tenor, with a great flair for swing & groove. Strong Mover.
Simon Zealotes – Tenor; 30s - 40s. One of Jesus’ apostles.
Peter – Baritone; 18 - 40. One of Jesus’ apostles.
Soul Singers – Alto/Soprano
Apostles – All vocal ranges.
Ensemble – All Vocal Ranges 15+; Looking for singers/dancers who have an authentic feel for the music of the late 60s – early 70s rock music. The ensemble will play such roles as Prostitutes, Buyers and Sellers in the Temple, Lepers, Priests, Mob, Soul Sisters and Herod’s Harem.
Director Kathy Connolly is an award-winning actor, director, choreographer and teaching artist. She has performed extensively in productions on and off-Broadway and in regional and national tours. Most recently, Kathy was the Artistic Director at Holmdel Theater Company and was awarded “Best Director of a Musical” by Broadway World as part of its 2019 Regional Theater Awards.
The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility in Middletown, New Jersey that offers performances, exhibits, classes, demonstrations and camps centering on the arts. Its convenient location across from the Middletown train station on Church Street enables easy access and its expanded MAC Annex Education Building is minutes away next to the Middletown Reformed Church. The MAC is operated by a non-profit 501c3, the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council which is dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities.
The mission of the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council is to celebrate and promote the arts while enriching the community through arts programming, education, entertainment and cultural connection for individuals of all ages and abilities.
