Jesus Christ Superstar wraps up this week

PALMER — A List Production's local adaptation of "Jesus Christ Superstar" is wrapping up this week.

The iconic Broadway musical/rock-opera has been running since Jan. 4 at the Glenn Massay Theater.

"It's been good," A List Productions owner Bronsen Stewart said.

"Jesus Christ Superstar," based on the platinum selling album, first opened on Broadway in 1971. It was eventually adapted into a feature length film in 1973. The play and film have since been ingrained in American popular culture with numerous stage adaptations.

Stewart said the high energy rock score and seamless scene transitions makes this a particularly entertaining production. He said it feels more like a rock concert than a musical.

"Whether you're religious or not, the story is just a dramatic and intense story," Stewart said. "This show doesn't stop. It's just a continuous train that just keeps going and going. It just makes it a lot more fun,"

Stewart said that he's been pleased with the overall turnout and they've had very engaged and enthusiastic audiences.

"There's some 7 minute powerhouse songs in there and when you're done, people just explode," Stewart said.

According to Stewart, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is a physically and vocally demanding production, which makes him appreciate the unwavering dedication of his cast members all the more.

"This show especially couldn't happen at all without a cast that is 100 percent on top of everything," Stewart said. "Everybody is full energy all the time."

Stewart said that he originally planned to put on "Jesus Christ Superstar " in 2019 then the COVID-19 pandemic delayed everything. He said that he's glad to finally have the opportunity to see it come to life onstage in the Mat-Su Valley.

"I expected more controversy over what it is, but It's been perceived well," Stewart said. "A lot of people might want to shy away from it, but we're kind of a more envelope pushing production… We just want to do things we're passionate about."

This is A List Production's third full local play since its inception. The previous two plays were "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Matilda." They also put on "The Christmas Spectacular," a two-night holiday production.

Stewart said it's been a fun journey making memories with locals that are passionate about theater.

"I'm just glad to work with the people. At the end of the day, it isn't about the shows you're doing, it's about the people," Stewart said.

For tickets and more information, visit glennmassaytheater.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com