Theater Review: 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at Downtown Cabaret

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

BRIDGEPORT - Downtown Cabaret in Bridgeport has produced a stunning and uplifting version of the global phenomenon that is “Jesus Christ Superstar.” This is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s timeless musical work that is set to the biblical story of the final week in the earthly life of Jesus, but seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot.

In “JCS,” the series of events is told entirely through song. It focuses on the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and some of the Roman Empire. The truly iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album, known as the Brown Album. It contains such well-known numbers as “What’s the Buzz,” “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane,” as well as the added “Could We Start Again, Please?”

Kudos to Director Brad Blake (“Cabaret,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Sweeney Todd” at the DCT) on the very strong vision that he brings to this production. As a self-professed “JCS snob,” I have extremely high expectations of any production that I attend for my review, and there was a ridiculous amount of note taking at my table at the matinee. Olivia Rivera worked as the choreographer that added so much to several of the numbers, especially the opening scene.

From my notes: There are light sticks and fun handheld signs for “Hosana.” Slow motion blocking works well in “Simon Zealotes/ Poor Jerusalem.” “Pilate’s Dream” accurately reflects the biblical version with a lovely interpretive dance by Pilate’s wife. There is the Da Vinci pose during “The Last Supper” and handheld microphones pointed at Jesus during “The Arrest.”

King Herod is rolled in through the audience on an elevated chair for his song (in which he theatrically announces the six dancers’ dance break.) I loved blocking for (my favorite) “Could We Start Again Please?”) The well-lit noose effectively indicates “Judas’ Death,” a wooden cross suggested behind Jesus in the heartbreaking “Crucifiction” and the Soul Sisters look fabulous in gowns and crowns for “Superstar.”

Probably the best part of Blake’s vision is the final scene which depicts a glorious resurrection during which the risen Jesus forgives Judas as Mary looks on.

Matthew Johnson leads the cast as Jesus, reprising the role that he played in the Spotlight Stage Company’s 2024 production of “JCS.” Johnson once again shows off his spectacular rock tenor singing voice and brings a gentle humanity to his portrayal of the Son of God. Johnson teaches singing to students around the world and is also the minister for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe, where he believes that all are welcome at God’s table.

It was a special experience to see Jazzy Cores, who recently played the title role in “Evita” at Musicals at Richter, take on the role of Judas Iscariot. I was impressed that Blake’s vision included a female Judas to open the show with “Heaven on Their Minds,” a pivotal moment for me.

Jacqueline Delgado Owens performs as a devoted Mary Magdalene, singing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” with a lovely singing voice.

Music Director Peter Randazzo, who has been musical director at Curtain Call in Stamford and Cheshire High School, takes on the role of Pontius Pilate.

The bass voice of Chris Heatherington is the perfect match for the role of the High Priest Caiaphas. The actor also appeared in “Sweeney Todd” and “Guys and Dolls” at the DCT.

Lindsay Bloomenthal sings the high notes as Annas in her DCT debut, with Izzy Porter (Tobias in “Sweeney Todd” last summer at the DTC) and NYU graduate Noelle DeFelice playing two other priests.

King Herod is brought to life by Michael Jovovich in the second act. After extensive acting credits, Jovovich has recently concentrated on concert singing and recording.

Eric Lewin, a recent graduate of Regional Center for the Arts in Trumbull, plays Peter, bringing appropriate angst to “Peter’s Denial” in his DCT debut.

I loved seeing the multi-talented Jojo DeVillis rock the role of Simon Zealotes. DeVillis grew as a performer in productions with the Newtown-based NewArts and has been part of the last two seasons of TYA shows at the DCT, as well as playing Khashoggi in “We Will Rock You” and Benny in “Guys and Dolls.”

The apostles are well-portrayed by Serginho Valcourt, Regional Center for the Arts high school junior Jess Ricketts, Steve Belli (“Rent” at DCT), Jess Nivison (recently in “Much Ado About Nothing with Valley Shakespeare,) Leanne Onofrio (“Tiaras Over Teaneck” with Pantochino Productions,) Kelsey Senteio (“In the Heights” at DCT,) Sandy Gonzalez (DCT’s “In the Heights”) as Apostle James the Lesser, Eizel Magno (“A Christmas Carol” at Connecticut Theatre Company,) and Ian Sacci in his DCT debut.

The ensemble contains Jessica Pescosolido, who previously performed in “JCS” at DCT, Lauren Garafano (“Little Mermaid” and “Evita” with MAR in Danbury,) and Eva Agosto, all of whom are wonderful dancers.

Randazo ensured that the harmonies were perfect when the ensemble sang together. There were some slight changes to the musical tracks that worked for the most part.

Costume Designer Lesley Neilson-Bowman brings a fresh take to the traditional biblical garb with pieces that were especially made for this cast. Judas wears an orange macrame vest, with a long fringe that is echoed in one of Mary’s outfits. The apostles don hoods in the second half to become members of the crowd. In a sea of striking colorful costumes, my favorite was probably the stately robe worn by Caiaphas and the intricate sleeves on the coats of the three high priests.

David Kievit designed the set that worked for all of the various settings and also designed the beautiful lighting that created a not inconsequential amount of striking stage pictures, especially with the judicious use of red lights. Interesting projections, almost Cubist in tone, were carefully chosen as backdrops for the scenes.

Order tickets before they sell out at dtcab.com/show/jesus-christ-superstar

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues. She posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue.

She was a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper from 2020-2025.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.