Cal U theater department to perform ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Anyone searching for a summer theater experience should look into CalRep Pennsylvania, which offers patrons an opportunity to see two musicals and a cabaret this month. In its ninth season, CalRep Pennsylvania is offering “Jesus Christ Superstar’ and “The Secret Garden’ in productions at Steele Auditorium at California University of Pennsylvania. And “CalRep Cabaret Celebrates Irving Berlin’ showcases the music of one of America’s favorite songwriters at the High Point Restaurant and Lounge, located along Route 88 in Coal Center.
The shows begin Wednesday and run through July 21, so that theatergoers have an opportunity to see all three productions in a matter of days.
“It’s a rigorous schedule,’ said Dr. Richard Helldobler, artistic director of CalRep Pennsylvania and interim dean of liberal arts for California University of Pennsylvania.
Specifically, show dates are as follows: “Jesus Christ Superstar’ runs July 10, 12, 18 and 20 at 8 p.m. and July 13 and 21 at 2 p.m. “The Secret Garden’ is offered July 11, 13, 17 and 19 at 8 p.m. and July 14 and 20 at 2 p.m. “CalRep Cabaret’ can be seen July 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 11 p.m. and July 12 and 19 at noon.
It’s a delight for audiences who can’t get enough of musical theater but strenuous for the company which puts on the productions. In fact, Helldobler noted that on Saturdays, July 13, and 20, the company is doing all three shows. For example, on July 20, “Secret Garden’ is offered at 2 p.m., “Superstar’ is at 8 p.m. and “CalRep Cabaret’ goes on at 11 p.m.
“It’s pretty daunting,’ noted Helldobler, who credits the company members with making this schedule possible. “They make it easier to carry out than one would think.’
CalRep Pennsylvania is a summer program that attracts youths from across the country, who are selected for the program through auditions.
“We audition all over the country,’ explained Helldobler. “This year, we auditioned in Philadelphia and in Mobile, Alabama. It’s a huge cattle call. We see 300 to 400 actors a day. Each has two minutes to sing and do a monologue. We looked at 1,600 actors.’
In the end, this year’s company is composed of 29 members. This includes students from California University of Pennsylvania as well as actors from as far away as Tucson, Ariz.; New York and Florida. In addition, local residents are included in some chorus roles and supporting roles.
Four weeks prior to the start of the theater productions, CalRep Pennsylvania gathered and the company went into rehearsal.
“The day starts at 9 and they rehearse the cabaret from 9 to 12 and then they break for lunch. From 1 to 5, they rehearse ‘Secret Garden’ and they have an hour’s break for dinner,’ said Helldobler. “Then from 6 to 10, they rehearse ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ They do that six days a week.’
Helldobler is directing “Jesus Christ Superstar,’ while Michele Pagen is directing “Secret Garden’ and Debbie Hammond is directing the cabaret.
For this season, company officials have selected two Tony-award winning shows.
“Jesus Christ Superstar,’ according to the company brochure, “relives Christ’s last seven days on earth through the eyes of his disciple and betrayer – Judas.’ With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show includes songs such as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ and “Jesus Christ Superstar.’
“The Secret Garden’ is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon. According to the brochure, “‘The Secret Garden’ tells the haunting tale of a young girl’s search to find a hidden garden. But amid the ghosts at her strange new home, she uncovers much more, and brings life to the house that once seemed dead.’ Songs include “Lily’s Eyes’ and “How Could I Know.’
“CalRep Cabaret Celebrates Irving Berlin’ features such popular songs as “God Bless America,’ “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,’ “White Christmas’ and “Easter Bonnet.’
Helldobler said that “Superstar’ is rated PG-13 while “Secret Garden’ and the cabaret are both rated G.
When selecting shows, Helldobler said that CalRep surveys patrons each year to ask what they would like to see in future productions. Then officials see which two shows will fit well together and can be done.
Last year, CalRep produced “1776′ and “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat.’ In years past, the company has done “Grease,’ “Godspell,’ “The Music Man,’ “Fiddler on the Roof’ and “Pippin.’
California University students also enjoy the opportunity to do musical theater.
“It’s something we don’t do a lot of during the academic year,’ said Helldobler. “It gives our students a chance to stretch their artistic muscles.’
Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for senior citizens age 55 and older as well as children under 12. Tickets are on sale now and can be obtained by calling the box office at 724-938-5943. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Discounts are available for season subscriptions. Patrons can use Mastercard and Visa to purchase tickets over the phone and have them mailed or held at the box office.