'Jesus Christ Superstar' brings familiar story with a rock edge to Benedum

The Broadway musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is returning to its roots.

The 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice actually began as a rock opera concept album before it debuted on Broadway in 1971.

For its 50th anniversary touring production coming to Benedum Center Dec. 31 to Jan. 5 as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, the musical celebrates its iconic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year, known as “the brown album” for the color of the album cover.

“It’s now time for us to plug into the brown album and make that music live again on stage,” said director Timothy Sheader (“Crazy for You,” “Into the Woods”). “The show will resound with audiences across North America like it was written for us today.”

Leading the cast

Jenna Rubaii (“Groundhog Day,” “American Idiot”), who portrays Mary, one of Jesus’ devoted followers in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” said the new production showcases the Webber-Rice score, which includes popular songs “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”

“We’re really starting it from the music first, so we’re building it on the idea that this is the music that you know and love – and then giving it sort of a backdrop, with the costumes, with the set, with the choreography,” she said.

Aaron LaVigne, a New York City-based actor-singer-songwriter originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, takes on the demanding role of Jesus in the show that depicts the last week of his life leading up to his crucifixion.

The actor said his diverse musical background was an asset in landing him the part.

“For the Jesus character, they needed someone that can play guitar, handle the physicality of the role and sing all the notes,” LaVigne said.

Nonstop action

The 90-minute production with no intermission requires a lot of nonstop energy, or as LaVigne puts it, “It’s like being shot out of a cannon.”

“It’s an exhausting role — but it’s a good exhausting,” he said. “It’s definitely a hybrid version of a dance concert, rock concert and passion play. It’s an emotional show, and by the end of the week, I’m an emotional zombie.”

LaVigne, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Kentucky University, was first introduced to “Jesus Christ Superstar” when he was 18 years old and played Judas in his high school production of the musical.

“I had just started doing drama,” he said, “and now I’m in the 50th anniversary of the show.”

His past theater credits include “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” on Broadway; and off-Broadway and national tour productions of “Rent.” He performs as a symphony soloist and guest artist, and tours his original music, including his EP, “Call Your Mom.” He also is a founding member of Here Comes The Sun, a Beatles tribute band.

Tour de force role

He doesn’t think his characterization fits the common perception of Jesus.

“Everyone has their own idea of what Jesus looks like,” he said. Although LaVigne’s hair is long, “I’m not a long-haired Jesus. I wear a man-bun in the show. It’s a topic of conversation in every city.”

LaVigne hopes to release a few singles on his own over the next year, but he hasn’t committed to playing any gigs since he needs to rest his voice for his “Superstar” role.

“It’s a neat journey for me; playing Jesus is very surreal. It’s definitely a tour de force role, the hardest thing I’ve ever committed to,” he said.

The cast also features James Delisco Beeks (“Kinky Boots,” “Aida”) as Judas and Alvin Crawford (“The Lion King,” “Candide”) as Caiaphas.

The show is recommended for ages 10 and up, according to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.