Argenta Community Theater takes audiences back in time for its latest production.
Like, 2,000 years back in time.
The theater presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera portraying Jesus last week on earth, including the betrayal by his apostle Judas and the crucifixion. And though the plotline loosely follows the gospels, the story strays from the biblical record and delves into the relationship between Jesus and Judas, humanizing both characters.
Playing the son of God is Greg Robinson, who says that for the purpose of Webber’s story, the betrayal by Judas is inevitable but necessary. “It is a little like being in a speeding car that you know is about to crash, but you really can’t do anything to stop it,” he says. “Jesus can see the future, but can’t really stop it. Judas needed to betray him, it was necessary for Jesus’ sacrifice. ... In the end, all parties choose to play their role.”
Which doesn’t mean that makes it any easier to watch. It’s a production that runs high with emotions, which Robinson says is evident in the music, a 1970s style of rock. “The voices and music express the emotional state of everyone involved,” Robinson says. “You hear the joy, anguish, sorrow, hate, etc., in the voices of the actors.”
So what’s it like adding the part of “Jesus Christ” to his resume? “There is potentially a lot of pressure, because if there is one character everyone has an opinion about, it’s Jesus,” Robinson says. “I have definitely felt more connected to the man going through the story.”
Jesus Christ Superstar is directed by Vincent Insalaco. Performances begin Tuesday with a preview night and run through July 28 at the Argenta Community Theater, 405 Main St. in North Little Rock. Tickets are $30 to $40 and show times vary. Visit argentacommunitytheater.com for show times and more information.