'Superstar'
The Musical Theater Guild will bring the classic “Jesus Christ Superstar” to the Succop Theater May 2 to 4.
The show is under the direction of Larry Stock. Music director is Ken Smith, and Becky Sanzotti is choreographer.
Playing the role of Jesus of Nazareth is Ron Cehelsky Jr. of Butler Township.
“This is a rock musical and I have been a rock singer/songwriter since I was 20 years old. I have been the front man in bands singing '80s rock and I intend to bring the edge required to do this musical,” said Cehelsky.
“I have been listening to this musical since I was a little boy. It is without a doubt one of my top three favorite musicals. I have seen it live three times and just love the show.”
Though he's shared the stage with the likes of bands REO Speedwagon and Train, this will be his first time playing the King of Kings.
One of Jesus' followers will be played by a newcomer to the MTG stage, Nyomin Buhler, a native of Slippery Rock. She plays the role of Mary Magdalene.
“Mary grows to be very close with Jesus and the seven days portrayed in this musical are very tough for her as she sees her dear friend and teacher struggle and suffer for their beliefs,” said Buhler, a 2010 graduate of Slippery Rock University.
Buhler has performed at Busch Gardens and Williamsburg in Virginia. She is the interim director of choirs at Slippery Rock High School and teaches privately on the side.
“I grew up with this show and Mary has been a dream role ever since I realized I could sing. Being back in the area, I had to audition for this opportunity,” she said.
She will share the stage with Jeff Carey of Butler as Judas Iscariot, one of the most notorious followers of Jesus. Though the role is well known, the challenge is intense.
“The show presents a rigorous workout both vocally and emotionally,” said Carey.
“The setup of the show doesn't allow for much time between scenes so I have to witness the emotionally destructive trial by Pilate and 39 lashes off stage moments before going on for 'Superstar,' and there are difficult emotional changes to make,” he said.
Also starring in the show are Justin Anderson, Phil Ball, Matt Buzanoski, Jim Kasparek, Stefan Lingenfelter, Eric Snyder and a host of others. David Halin and Barb Osche are producing.
<B>WHO: </B>Musical Theatre Guild<B>WHAT: </B>“Jesus Christ Superstar”<B>WHEN: </B>8 p.m. May 2 and 3 and 3 p.m. May 4<B>WHERE: </B>Succop Theater at Butler County Community College<B>TICKETS: </B>$17 for adults and $10 for students, available at May's Music Shoppe or www.mtgbutler.org
