What's the Buzz? Jesus Christ Superstar Rocks YMTC

Teenagers know drama.

Angst and confusion, friendship and betrayal — these are the rites of passage for young adults. So it's no wonder the youthful cast of Berkeley's latest rock musical empathized with the themes of Jesus Christ Superstar. Unrequited love? Check. Rebellion? Check. Feeling misunderstood? Check. 

The trials and tribulations of teenagedom  in Youth Musical Theater Company's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which takes place at the Ashby Stage. The cast of young adults ranges in age from 13 to 22.

Three cast members hail from Albany: Seth Coulman (Apostle), Ilana Goldberg (Herod Girl, Soul Sister/Angel, Ensemble) and Rebecca Lieber (Soul Sister/Angel, Ensemble).

"[Jesus Christ Superstar] is a very good show to do with young people because it has a quality of adolescent, dramatic, intense energy," said Artistic Director Jennifer Boesing, who moved to Berkeley from Minneapolis 14 years ago to study opera at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. "It's really about friendship and betrayal and loyalty and self-doubt — all these things that are really, really familiar and accessible for teenagers."

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar debuted on Broadway 40 years ago, and is based loosely on the life of Jesus with a focus on the treacherous disciple, Judas Iscariot. Since its original run in 1971, the show has continued to be a popular asset to musical theater, winning numerous awards and inspiring a host of interpretations from stage to screen. But a young cast brings something new, according to Boesing. 

"There's an incredibly exciting energy that comes with a young cast doing the show that wouldn't happen in the same way with adults," said Boesing, who added that the audience "will be really blown away by the caliber of talent on stage." 

A young cast by no means makes for a rookie show, according to Boesing. 

"The level of production value and the performances themselves are stellar," said Boesing. "We really set out to have a very professional environment."

A crew of professional artists worked on the production, including designers and directors, as well as a rock band. "It enables the young people to do what they do best," said Boesing. "We really give them a high bar."

Jesus Christ Superstar opened to a packed house Saturday night, July 15. Opening night sold out, and the first performance ended with a standing ovation. The show will span 13 performances — the longest run the theater has done — with its final show July 30.

"What's exciting to me about this show is I think we're going to get an audience of people who just love Jesus Christ Superstar," said Boesing, who remembers listening to the original album back in the '70s. 

Despite being a product of the hippie generation, the show still resonates with modern youth. 

"When we held auditions, it was amazing to me how many young people knew about it and were really into it," said Boesing. "I think it's the drama of it, the intensity and the angst of the relationship between Jesus and Judas. It's really adolescent — in the good sense of the word."

For more information about upcoming shows and how to buy tickets ($12-$22), visit the event page for on Albany Patch.

Wednesday, July 20, is a special Teen Night for the show. Youth up to age 22 can get $10 tickets online by mentioning Facebook when they order. Go to YMTC's website, www.ymtcberkeley.org, and click "Buy Tickets" to make a purchase.

Everybody makes mistakes ... ! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor Emilie Raguso at 510-459-8325 or email her at emilier@patch.com.