“The Time is Now” for Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
This fall, the Orillia Opera House stage will echo with the iconic guitar licks that mark the opening of Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Coming off of a successful 24/25 season that included 12 nominations at the THEA Awards by Central Ontario’s Association of Community Theatres, Mariposa Arts Theatre is excited to kick off another incredible season on stage.
From November 6 to 16, experience one of the greatest rock operas of the 20th Century, which remains as timely with its themes of betrayal, humanity and power today as it did upon its debut 50 years ago. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.
Director Ryan LaPlante first arrived at Mariposa Arts Theatre as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the company’s 2022 smash hit production of The Rocky Horror Show, and was so inspired by the experience, he knew this was the space to bring his vision for a production of another of his favourite musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar.
The first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has remained a timeless work, set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events, but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
—photos by Deb Halbot
“If you strip away the myth from the man, you will see where we all soon will be”: the opening stanzas, sung by a contemplative Judas, ask the audience to look at the renowned story in a new way.
LaPlante focuses on that humanity, “Narratively, I love that the show explores the life of Jesus outside of religion: there are no miracles in this show, there is no resurrection.” Jesus is a man struggling to become a symbol and doubting himself along the way. “Jesus Christ Superstar is an exploration of relationships between real people that are often mythologized beyond recognition. I’m drawn to stories about real people and their struggles.”
“The show explores the life of one of the loudest voices for compassion in human history; and we need more compassion in the world.” LaPlante looks to pull parallels between Jesus’ treatment at the hands of the Romans in the past, and how many of the people preaching kindness and compassion in the media and politics are treated now. Finding these parallels has inspired a team of creatives, onstage and behind the scenes, for the production. “We have a tremendously talented team, and once they heard the vision for the show, everyone brought their A-game to it.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.mariposaartstheatre.com/superstar or call the Orillia Opera House Box Office at 705-326-8011. November 13th will be a special performance featuring the show’s understudies. Recommended for ages 8+. Group rates are available where you can save $5 on each ticket for 10 or more tickets.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group.