The Stone Church Players wrap up their production of the Webber-Rice rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, with two more performances this weekend.
It wasn’t all so very long ago that Jesus Christ Superstar was denounced from pulpits across the Western world, branded as everything from “a witches’ brew” to “an utter blasphemy” — in fact, more than 40 years from its first appearance as a record album, the Webber-Rice rock opera still manages to ruffle the odd feather of the faithful, with its portrayal of Jesus as a quite-human figure racked by self-doubt. But the sandal-songfest has also served to spread the gospel to new generations more effectively than a hundred thousand snoozeworthy sermons — and it’s not uncommon these days to see earnest community productions going up inside houses of worship, as with the musical’s current local revival by the Stone Church Players.
When the Players reconvene at All Saints’ Memorial Church (the historic “Old Stone Church” at the crossroads of Navesink and Monmouth Avenues) this weekend, they’ll be presenting the final performances of the Michael Hazlett-directed show that opened on June 20, and continues through June 29.
Remaining performances of Jesus Christ Superstar are Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets ($10; half price for seniors) can be reserved by calling (732)291-0214.
