Matthew Fulkerson of Trout Run has the title role in Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre’s production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’
Angel Berlane Mulcahy | On My Cue Photography
Rock opera will run March 21-30
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Tate Elliott of Bear Creek portrays Simon the Zealot in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’
Angel Berlane Mulcahy | On My Cue Photography
“This is one of my favorite shows of all time,” said Matthew Fulkerson, who regularly drives some 80 miles one-way from his home in Trout Run to Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, where he’s been rehearsing the title role in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which opens March 21.
Some might say he looks the biblical part — “This is the longest my hair has ever been” he said last week.
But Fulkerson said he feels the biblical part as well. “This is living it,” he said, admitting he sees his participation in the show as a religious experience.
The actor does make a convincing Jesus, said cast mate Matthew Wegener of Conyngham, who has the role of the apostle John.
“His portrayal is overwhelming,” Wegener said. “I’m usually in tears through the whole thing, and it’s not acting.”
A huge fan of the show, Wegener said this is the 16th time he has been involved with a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” including last year’s presentation by PTPA in Hazleton, and even including a touring show, where he was able to work with Ted Neeley, who had originated the role on Broadway.
For the LTWB production, director Dave Baloga has provided a mix of traditional and modern elements. “The idea is, what if Jesus came today?” Baloga said, noting that the present-day clothing enhances that atmosphere.
“There’s definitely a modern feel to it,” the director said. “And a darker edge, rather than the hippie feel (that some may remember from the 1973 film.)
“This will mean different things to different people,” said Baloga, who studied theology at Notre Dame University on the graduate level. “And Jesus means different things to different characters. Some appreciate his message, and some just want to ride his wave of popularity.”
The character of Judas worries about Jesus’ popularity, how it seems to be getting out of control and attracting the wrong kind of attention, said Matthew Sarnovsky of Forty Fort.
“Judas is terrified that the movement has become too aggressive,” said Sarnovsky, who has that role. “He’s very wound up, and worries that everyone in the group has lost sight of Jesus’ original message.”
And while some will see Judas as a villain, others will tell you that despite the betrayal he arranges for 30 pieces of silver, he’s not the worst villain among the characters.
“Caiaphas is the one who mentions putting Jesus to death,” said Walter Mitchell of Bear Creek Village, who has recently recovered from a respiratory infection, in time to use his deep voice in the role of the High Priest who calls for crucifixion of the popular preacher. “I love being the bad guy,” Mitchell said.
As for Kitty Ortiz of Nanticoke, she’s relishing her role as Mary Magdalene, whom she sees as a nurturing figure to Jesus and the apostles “like a mother, she wants to make sure everybody is good.”
Mary Magdalene sings some of the most memorable songs in the show, and Ortiz has given a lot of thought to them.
The number “Could We Start Again Please,” which Ortiz sings with cast mate Davy Janoski in his role as Peter, “has a lot of deep meaning for me,” Ortiz said. “Everybody has felt that kind of sadness, whether it’s a relationship ending or the loss of a loved one. It’s like hope, but also hopeless, and as sad and as dreadful as it is, it’s beautiful.”
“I love that song, and the vocal connection with the harmony,” she said.
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is another highlight, and Ortiz sees it as spelling out the progression of Mary Magdalen’s feelings for Jesus.
“At first she’s like ‘He scares me so,’ but then she realizes, ‘Hey, I’m not scared of him.’ It’s ‘I want him so,’ but, no, I don’t want him that way. It’s ‘I love him so.’ I think she loves the idea of him. She loves what he stands for.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” with the iconic music of Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice performed by a live band, is scheduled for March 21 through March 30, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays in the historic Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, 537 North Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Tickets are $27.50 and may be reserved online at ltwb.org or by calling the box office at 570-823-1875.