Perfect Timing For Easter: See JPAS’s Jesus Christ Superstar This Week
I’ve loved theater for as long as I can remember, ever since my parents brought me to see Beauty and the Beast at the Saenger when I was little. I’ve been hooked ever since. Now as an adult, I enjoy bringing my own family to shows. I keep up with the Broadway Across America schedule so that I can plan which shows to see at the Saenger. The Saenger hosts numerous must-see Broadway productions, but I only recently discovered how amazing our local non-Broadway talent is, and I am here to share the news with anyone who doesn’t know.
Last weekend, I had the privilege to see the Jefferson Performing Arts Society’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. I didn’t know what to expect, but with very reasonable ticket prices, I had nothing to lose. Well. I was blown away. Having seen Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway before, I had high expectations for what the show should look like, and this cast and crew met the bar. JPAS made a fan out of me, and I’ve already marked my calendar for their other upcoming productions.
It’s Okay For Kids
Of course, we know how the story ends, and we know there is a certain solemnity about this musical (it’s actually considered an opera, as everything is sung). Still, I found it to be appropriate for my 11 and 9-year-old boys. They were, however, literally the only children in the theater. If you’ve never seen Jesus Christ Superstar, there is no foul language or explicit sexual references. There is an innuendo or two about Mary Magdalene, but other than that, it’s a clean show. The only thing to consider is, obviously, the fact Jesus dies. The whipping and crucifixion scenes can be graphic, so use discretion when determining if the show is right for your children. We had the opportunity to go backstage before the show. We watched makeup artists create Jesus’ wounds, which may have helped my boys keep the perspective that this is just a show. The audience was definitely moved and captivated by several parts, but I just checked in with my kids during some of the darker scenes and made sure they weren’t uncomfortable. My kids did great and said they really loved it afterward.
Perfect Timing For Easter
I admit that I’m not the most devout Christian, but I love that JPAS offers Jesus Christ Superstar right before Easter. Christian or not, I’ve always found the story of Jesus’ life fascinating, and I enjoyed experiencing the story live. It serves as a vivid reminder of why we celebrate Easter and what Easter means to Christians around the world.
Support Local Theater
I love that by seeing Jesus Christ Superstar, my family and I were supporting locals: local actors, local artists, local musicians, local stylists. Our ticket money helps our neighbors pay rent while using their talents to do something they love. You always hear about shopping local, but supporting the arts locally matters just as much. For much of the cast and crew, working local shows is a second job or side hustle. For some, it’s their bread and butter. They depend on us, but it’s a win-win because their talents and abilities are outstanding. Don’t take community theater for granted just because there isn’t a lighted marquis outside the door.
Schedule And Ticket Info
If this particular show isn’t your thing, look here for this season’s show schedule and here for the 2024-2025 season. There are so many great productions and seasonal shows to see. One word of caution about tickets, though. If you just Google, the first site for tickets is some other site. I told my mom that Jesus Christ Superstar was a must-see, and she unwittingly purchased tickets through a site other than JPAS. Her tickets were significantly more expensive. Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar range from about $25-70 on the JPAS site. I recommend buying tickets through JPAS here, and with such reasonable prices, show tickets also make great gifts. They also offer reduced rates for children, students, seniors, and military.
I am thrilled to have so many options in our area for community theater. Broadway certainly has its place, but I think our local theater companies, such as JPAS, are truly gems. I encourage everyone to check out what they have to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
