\nPhoto by Ethan Leon <\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfad NEW! Tampa Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
On stage March 13-22, Carrollwood Cultural Center presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice\u2019s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Under the direction of Paul Berg, the production explores the final week of Jesus\u2019s life through a score that continues to shape the musical\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfad NEW! Tampa Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
Berg centers his vision on the relationships driving the story. He says, \u201cThe core of Jesus, Judas and Mary have such an interesting journey through this production. Judas and Mary both have a very deep love for Jesus that drives them but they both take different paths when the world around them changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Berg balances the rock score with intimate expressive storytelling. \u201cI tell my actors that I would rather have the emotion true and honest even if it comes at the cost of the vocals,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
With no spoken dialogue, he focuses on the spaces between musical moments to reveal connection. He designs a world that contrasts the warmth of Jesus and his followers with the coldness of those in authority. \u201cPeople in power will go to great lengths to stay in power and get more, even if the world around them is crumbling to the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patty Smithey, playing Jesus, approaches the role emotional openness. She says, \u201cI am the most excited to explore Jesus\u2019s humanity and relatability. I hope to portray Jesus\u2019s devotion, love for all people, and His commitment to serve in every scene, especially during the painful moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
She studies the score, explores multiple interpretations, and builds physical stamina, but she says the deeper preparation comes from her faith. \u201cThe role of Jesus has been the most demanding of my career, vocally and emotionally, but ironically, working on this role has given me the most peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPhoto by Ethan Leon
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Rehearsals deepen her understanding of the bond between Jesus and Judas. \u201cI was surprised to realize how much Judas loved Jesus,\u201d she says. \u201cThe love between them is profound, which is why the betrayal is so heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smithey performs with vulnerability and trust, letting the music and Berg\u2019s guidance shape her choices. The emotional center of her performance begins with \u201cGethsemane,\u201d which she describes as the moment where Jesus breaks down and confronts fear, sadness, and hope. \u201cJesus\u2019s lack of control in all of this, and his unknowing of what\u2019s going to happen next, resonates with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Evan Lomba, playing Judas, builds their performance from empathy and complexity. \u201cI wanted to lean into Judas\u2019s humanity. I\u2019m drawn to the idea that his betrayal feels tragic rather than malicious. I think he thinks he\u2019s doing the right thing, even if it all falls apart.\u201d<\/p>\n
They see Judas as someone who cares deeply but becomes overwhelmed as events intensify. \u201cHe\u2019s loyal, but he\u2019s also scared and frustrated. As everything starts escalating, those feelings just get louder.\u201d<\/p>\n
The score gives them a wide emotional range to express Judas\u2019s turmoil. \u201cI get to scream, I get to float, I get to be vulnerable, and it shows his chaos way better than simply speaking could.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPhoto by Chaz D Photography
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Their connection with Smithey shapes the onstage relationship. \u201cGetting to do this with Patty is the best. She\u2019s truly the coolest ever. We have so much love and trust offstage that it naturally shows up onstage. When I\u2019m singing to her, it\u2019s easy to feel all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lomba hopes audiences leave with a more nuanced understanding of Judas. \u201cI\u2019m not trying to convince anyone to love Judas, but I hope audiences see how human he is. If they leave the theatre with a bit more empathy or at least more understanding that would mean a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Berg hopes the production sparks conversation long after the final chord. \u201cThis musical was originally written in 1971, but it feels very relevant today. I hope it makes them think and I hope it makes them feel something. I want the audience to talk about it, I want them to debate about the choices the characters make.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jesus Christ Superstar is at Carrollwood Cultural Center on March 12-22. Learn more and purchase tickets at https:\/\/carrollwoodcenter.org\/calendar\/jesus-christ-superstar.<\/p>\n
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