Sound and Sight: Huntsville Festival of The Arts Presents Jesus Christ Superstar

“What’s the buzz, tell me what’s a happening, what’s the buzz,” chants the ensemble cast in elated unison, as their final preparations ‘ring down the curtain’, on the celebrated Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, opening at Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre, April 4, 2025 at 7:30 pm for seven exhilarating performances.

Since the auditions in October 2024, the cast, through a rigorous schedule of rehearsals under the joint directorship of Sherisse McGuey, Kasey Stephan, and Louis Tusz, have energetically transformed a company of local actors, singers, dancers, and musicians—many appearing in their first stage productio— into a breathtaking emotional experience.

The iconic must-see musical theatrical production is the result of intense planning and meticulous attention to detail, involving a company of sixty actors and several key technicians in lighting, sound engineering, set construction, make-up, and costume design. With only a few days left to complete stage blocking, lighting cues, and music score arrangements, the three co-directors remain remarkably composed and calm, as actors, singing entirely throughout the two-act play, find their emotional bearings to match the storyline in each of the fast-paced set pieces.

Loosely based on the final week of Jesus Christ’s life, and his intense act of spiritual consciousness, the action centres around the betrayal of Jesus, depicted as a popular, much-beloved folk hero, by Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve chosen followers, to the Roman authorities for sedition. In a battle for what appears to be Judas’ earthy aims to free an oppressed citizenry and Jesus’ mission to free the human heart for attainment to a higher purpose, the two predominant characters struggle with their own anguish to resolve a timeless question.

Released as a concept album in 1970, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, it was produced as a massively successful Broadway musical in 1971, their first of many, and has become one of the most sought-after stage productions of the last fifty years, particularly adored by community theatre groups.

The musical was originally presented in 2005, at the inauguration of Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre. This presentation is part of its twentieth anniversary. Sherisse McGuey, the artistic director of this 2025 performance, played the part of Mary in 2005, so it has a very special meaning for her and her co-directors. It is sponsored by the Hutcheson family, in memory of Jane Hutcheson, produced by Dan Watson and Rob Saunders, as a collaboration between Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Rotary Club of Huntsville.

Nine principal parts are featured in the musical. Three are essential.

Ian Paul plays Jesus Christ

The role of Jesus is played by a newly discovered talent, Ian Paul, a multi-instrumentalist, drummer, and singer from Sundridge. He met director Sherisse McGuey at choir practice in Sundridge, who encouraged him to come for an audition. Ian is an ebullient presence on and off stage, immediately likable, with a charming, infectious smile and relaxed demeanour. Fully aware of his responsibilities to the cast in the central role, Ian embraces the camaraderie and esprit de corps he shares with his fellow players. Initially, Ian was somewhat concerned about the possible religiosity that the part might entail, but he found empathy in the universal humanity of the character – of a man simply trying to fulfill his destiny. Many of his scenes demand a deep resonance and emotional communication, not only in the words he sings but in his timbre and body language. It is a compelling role. Ian brings it alive with subtle freshness and nuanced gestures.

Serge Charlebois plays Judas Iscariot

The pivotal role of Judas Iscariot, is portrayed by veteran actor, Serge Charlebois. Serge was trained at Randolph College of the Preforming Arts in Toronto. He worked for nine seasons in the stage show at Deerhurst. He loves Huntsville and moved his family to be with him. His wife Kasey Stephan is choreographer for this production. Judas is a tormented character, maligned in history and tragic in the circumstances of his actions. Yet there is without a doubt an element of profound sacrifice in the part Judas played in Christ’s legacy and the enduring cultural impact this story has had on countless lives. While the Rice- Webber version of events overshadows the individual contribution each of these men made to a lasting history, Serge balances Iscariot’s deeply human and mythic attributes into a singularly powerful performance.

Bridget Lougheed play Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene is an elusive and mysterious individual in history, and in this stage presentation. Played by actress Bridget Lougheed, a trained singer and stage actress, she sings, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, one of the enduring poignant moments in the first act. Regarded as a person of special connection to Jesus, she offers to soothe his turmoil, as he attempts to wrestle with his divine mission, and his personal fears and doubts. As the pressures mount to force him to influence his followers toward rebellion, he is faced with the certain repercussions to his personal safety from the hierarchal theological bodies that want him punished. With great resolve, Jesus recognizes that though he is innocent of insurrection, its relentless consequences play a specific part or aspect in the embodiment of his deepest purpose. Rice/Webber certainly don’t explore that purpose in any philosophical investigation, but they do provide an insight, using song and action to speak directly to the heart. Mary’s involvement, as enacted by Lougheed, is the reconciling spirit melding these two men’s apparent dualities.

The outstanding acting within the key nine roles is thrilling and striking in costume and action. Notable, amongst the apostles, is the acting of Daniel Lord, as Simon, a provocateur calling for an uprising. Lord, a trained singer and actor, stands out for his commanding version of “Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem”, a stellar, captivating moment.

Scott Murley’s role as Caiphus, the chief high priest of Israel is menacing, filled with foreboding and doom. Kip Daynard is pitch perfect and unsettling as Pilate, the cowardly Roman official, who washes his hands of responsibility and conscience, fully cognizant that he is facilitating an uncivilized injustice.

With full live orchestration, every role cast to perfection, and an ensemble overflowing with enthusiastic passion for the music, songs, and action, Jesus Christ Superstar at Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre is an extraordinary achievement. Both timely and timeless, it resoundingly deserves accolades and attention. It will move your heart and body with its driving, uplifting soundtrack, heartbreakingly mysterious story, and mesmerizing action.