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LLoyd Webber picks Alliance’s Booth to direct gospel ‘Superstar’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production company has tapped Atlanta’s Susan V. Booth to direct the forthcoming gospel version of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” scheduled to run at the Alliance Theatre Jan. 14-Feb. 22.
The Alliance artistic director said she was called to London recently for a sit-down with Webber’s Really Useful Group. “Sir Andrew wasn’t there,” Booth said, “because he was on his way Las Vegas for ‘American Idol.’ ”
Detroit native Louis St. Louis is restaging the classic musical as “Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL.” To prepare, Booth said they will be hitting Atlanta’s gospel churches in the coming weeks. She says part of the fun is being able to check out churches “other than Presbyterian,” which is her denomination.
Apparently, the search for a director was quite competitive.
“This is their prime copyright,” Booth said. “This is the first major reconception of the work in a long time and that’s a big deal.”
“It’s very humbling and it’s very challenging, and it’s the greatest thing in the world when you get to do that,” she said of her new assignment.
Booth’s connection to the ’70s rock opera is personal. She says she sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” in a sixth-grade talent show. “I thought it was stunning, but I don’t think everyone else did.“ She says she now croons “Everything’s Alright” to her 4-year-old daughter, Moira.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Theater
Comments
By Ann
May 8, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve always wondered why Superstar is so seldom staged, but Godspell is always on someplace. Godspell is a good showcase, but Superstar has characters and story. And fabulous music.
By Ann
May 8, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve always wondered why Superstar is so seldom staged, but Godspell is always on someplace. Godspell is a good showcase, but Superstar has characters and story. And fabulous music.
Am looking forward to this!