‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Will Dazzle You

“Jesus Christ Superstar” Thursday night, July 24, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre

Some people believe that “Jesus Christ Superstar” is theater at its most moving. Others believe it is pop culture at its most wretchedly excessive.

I lean heavily toward the latter, but even I had to admire the creative and flamboyant way the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre staged this version.

I was even, against my better judgment, vastly entertained.

Against my better judgment, because I still think this is one of the most trivializing versions of the Gospels ever attempted. When Judas dramatically hangs himself, this is the most profound comment that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice can summon up: “So long, Judas (repeat over and over).”

Yet vastly entertained, because for all of its faults, “Jesus Christ Superstar” provides enormous opportunities for a director who has sufficient creativity and chutzpah. And director Roger Welch has both.

He has truly created a dazzling eyeful here. This is a wild, fast-paced, colorful and often brilliant version of this show, equalling the far-bigger-budgeted Broadway touring versions.

The tone is set from the opening curtain, when Jesus is revealed standing in a misty halo of rock-star light. The tone continues through a number of big numbers, including a raunchy Las Vegas-revue-type version of “The Temple” and on through a remarkable all-white costumed chorus line version of the climactic song, “Superstar.”

Typical of Welch’s uncannily effective staging is the “Jesus Must Die” number, in which Caiphas (David Denman Smith) and the other Pharisees are shown caged in metal scaffolding, back-lit in reds and purples and lavenders. They climb these stages like monkeys, cackling out their vindictive verses.

The crucifixion scene was undeniably powerful, with Welch dealing with the limitations of the Boswell Hall stage by simply suggesting the illusion of an Ascension. Effectively done.

The costuming, by Lee Ann Hittenberger, was particularly inspired. At first I was confused by the mix: Some people were dressed in biblical gowns and robes, others were dressed in purple hip-huggin’ bell-bottoms. As the show went on, I saw that this was an effective way to convey what “Jesus Christ Superstar” actually is: an odd combination of the Bible and flower-child hippiedom. This mix was equally effective in the all-white “Superstar” number, in which some people had on white choir robes, some had on white tuxedos and others had on white go-go bell-bottoms.

The on-stage talent was equal to the visual dazzle. Nancy Emerson, as Mary Magdalene, delivered a sweet and pensive rendition of “Everything’s Alright” and an emotional “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”

Frank Jewett as Simon did a nice soul turn on “Simon’s Zealots.” Eric Englund was commanding in his role as Pilate, as he seems to be in every role. David Denman Smith was a bass-voiced knockout as the sinister Caiphas. Stephen Dahlke (who I now realize should have been credited as the funny waiter in “Annie Get Your Gun”) was a vaudevillian hoot as the spandex-and-gold clad Herod in the hysterical “Herod’s Song.”

In a bit of non-traditional casting, Jennifer Niederloh was passionate and intense as Judas. From an acting standpoint, she was perfect in the role. However, I am not convinced that her voice is suited to the music that Judas has to sing. It seems to require a gravelly, Wilson Pickett-like voice, which Niederloh could hardly supply.

As for Jeffrey Siri as Jesus, I will admit that I had a little trouble seeing Jesus as Michael Bolton. Siri has the high, wailing voice and the flowing locks of that master of the overwrought. However, Siri’s performance ultimately works here, because in this show, as in most Lloyd Webber shows, overwrought is exactly what is required.

If you’re looking for good taste, look elsewhere. But if you want to be dazzled, this is the place to be.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: “Jesus Christ Superstar” continues tonight, Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 1-2 at Boswell Hall at North Idaho College. All shows are at 8 p.m. except for the 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for students, available by calling through (800) 4-CDA-TIX.