stage presence
click here to view this video You may have seen the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, but you’ve never seen it this way. With his new conception, Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel, legendary Grammy-winning composer, Louis St. Louis is intent on bringing a new experience to the masses.
“The idea for this production came about through an epiphany I had during a concert I was conducting,” St. Louis, who produced the soundtrack for Grease and Grease 2, says. “I called Darryl [Jovan Williams] and said, ‘you have to do this with me.’”
Like St. Louis, Williams, who serves as the vocal arranger and also plays Judas, has a deep background in gospel music. Both men worked under the father of contemporary gospel music, James Cleveland, and relish their roots in the genre. Now, with St. Louis’ rendition of the classic musical, they’re excited about bringing their careers full-circle and rediscovering the roots that helped propel them to success. With a full-on production that features choirs and exciting vocal elements, the show is as emotionally-stirring as it is groundbreaking.
“It’s authentic to gospel,” Williams, who has worked with everyone from Shirley Caesar to Ann Nesby says. “You’ll dance you’ll, you’ll cry…gospel speaks to your soul.”
St. Louis readily agrees.
“It will reach and really touch your soul,” he says. “We just want you to feel it.”
Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel will be at the Alliance Theatre Jan. 14-Feb. 22. For more information, visit alliancetheatre.org. -j.h.
