Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infamous Jesus Christ Superstar was performed on the stage at the Bashaw United Church for the last time on May 4.
The play was presented in collaboration by the Bashaw Adult Learning Council, the Bashaw United Church and the Majestic Theatre. Of the 32 cast members about one third were from Ponoka and two thirds from Bashaw.
Directed by Lori Kirchner, from Ponoka, the colourful and energetic play attracted about 130 people on each of the six performance nights.
“We have done a lot of really good plays over the years,” said Kirchner. “But this one was outstanding. This play came together really well, the actors were so giving and truthful to their character, it became a part of them.”
Jesus Christ Superstar had been a favourite of Kirchner’s and she had wanted to put on this play for years but knew she had to have the perfect person to play the character of Jesus before she could put on the play.
“I have always loved this play but I needed to find someone who was just right to play Jesus,” said Kirchner. “The character of Jesus had to be exactly right, physically, emotionally and able to sing and Ben Wilson fit the part.”
Also important to the success of the play was finding the right quality of music to enhance the production. Musical director Robin King connected with the cast and played acoustically with the baby grand piano.
“The play worked well largely because of King,” said Kirchner. “He plays so great and can take challenging music and that’s why it worked. He really is a treasure and a very talented man.”
Wilson enjoyed being a part of the production and was amazing and believable with his performance even though his past experience with acting is minimal.
“It’s just been life changing, I can’t put it into words,” said Wilson. “It’s definitely been a learning process, the whole acting thing is so new, I’m glad Kirchner wanted to do this play.”
The music was upbeat, the costumes were of top quality and the actors displayed an energy that radiated into the audience.
The audience was captivated and emotionally involved as gasps, laughter, loud applause and tears were emitted from the crowd.
“I think the play has touched a lot of people who came to see it, no matter what their beliefs are,” said Wilson.
For Wilson, being a part of the play has also helped fortify his Christian faith and beliefs and has helped him apply it in his daily life.
“Being in this play has also been a really strong faith building experience, religion is about community and relationships and we have lived that out everyday. We don’t just live it on stage, we have really been living it.”
Wilson believes that the cast and crew were amazing and that the memories that have been created will be remembered for a long time.
“It has literally been like a family,” he said. “It was a transformation, probably nothing short of a miracle, just the talent that has emerged from this. Everyone in the cast is so strong. I am so impressed by the sense of community, we honestly formed a community just through the cast. You could see the relationships building and people bonding, every single one of these people is so incredible. This story really does live on with everyone in the cast, we have so many memories that we don’t want to let go of.”
The end of the last performance was very emotional for actors and actresses as they were in disbelief that the play itself was finished. Hugs were given and tears were shed as the cast expressed their hopes to stay in contact with each other.
Kirchner was impressed and touched by the closeness of the cast and the special relationship that has been created within the group.
“Everyone has been loved and appreciated for exactly who they are,” she said “It’s a safe place to be yourself. That’s why this experience has been so special and that’s why they’ve bonded together. It was truly a gift and honour to work with this talented cast and crew. It’s been a beyond special experience.”