Home > Theater Reviews > Archives > 2008 > February > 28
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Alliance to produce gospel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As part of its 40th anniversary season, the Alliance Theatre will stage a new gospel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and the composer of “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera” will collaborate on project.
Opening in January, “Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL” is the brainchild of Louis St. Louis, a New York composer and arranger (“Smokey Joe’s Cafe”) who grew up in a Pentecostal church in Detroit. According to Alliance artistic director Susan V. Booth, St. Louis pitched the idea to Lloyd Webber by sending the British composer a recording of several of the gospel interpretations.
“Andrew Lloyd Webber listened and wrote back and said, ‘Yes, I want to be a part of it,’ ” Booth says. “The music made the case so efficiently that he said, ‘Yes, let’s do this together.’”
“This is kind of unprecedented,” St. Louis said from New York. “I don’t know of anyone who’s ever been allowed to take another look at a living composer’s work.”
The so-called “megamusical” will open in January with a 40-member choir and 16 principals. A director has not been named; Lloyd Webber is expected to attend.
Booth says it’s too early to say if the newly conceived Lloyd Webber classic will play Broadway, but that it “will certainly have a life beyond Atlanta.”
“I think New York could really use something like his,” St. Louis said.
Earlier this week, the Alliance announced the world premiere of the John Mellencamp/Stephen King musical, “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” a Southern Gothic mystery to open in April 2009.
On Sunday, it formally announces its full season, which includes six world premieres. Here’s the complete 2008-2009 season:
Mainstage
“Gem of the Ocean” and “Radio Golf.” August Wilson’s last two plays will run in rotating repertory. Former Alliance director Kenny Leon directs “Gem,” and Alliance associate artistic director Kent Gash directs “Radio Golf.” September-October.
“Managing Maxine.” World premiere by Atlanta playwright Janece Shafer. Directed by Susan V. Booth. October-November.
“A Christmas Carol.” November-December.
“Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL.” A new gospel telling of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. January-February 2009.
“Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.” World premiere by John Mellencamp and Stephen King. April-May 2009.
Hertz Stage
“The Second City: Too Busy to Hate … Too Hard to Commute.” World premiere by Chicago’s famed comedy ensemble and Atlanta artists. September-October.
“Smart Cookie.” World premiere by Julia Brownell, winner of the Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition. Booth directs. February 2009.
“26 Miles.” World premiere by Quiara AlegrÃa Hudes. Kent Gash directs. March-April 2009.
Family Series
“Goodnight Moon.” Chad Henry adapts the children’s classic. Rosemary Newcott directs.
“Class of 3000 Live.” Newcott adapts and directs world premiere adaptation of the Cartoon Network show “Class of 3000,” by André Benjamin of Outkast.
Subscription packages go on sale March 2. 404-733-4600, alliancetheatre.org
