It is an interesting departure for The Topeka Performing Arts Center… a venue where we’re used to seeing high- profile national acts like Styx, Kansas, Celtic Woman. and comedian Brian Regan.
The live-action Broadway-type musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar has many facets, including an amazing cast of nearly 40 singers, dancers, and musicians led by a seasoned team of directors, choreographers, conductors, and vocal coaches. It will also serve as one of three fundraisers this year for the venue. The hope is that each event will help close a current deficit of more than $150,000. These fundraising efforts help ensure TPAC can continue to produce community education, youth outreach programs and keep its doors open for another year.
After the death of musical director Nancy Epoch, the cast, community came and musicians came together to honor her. The production includes a 20-piece orchestra, thousands of dollars of specialty lighting equipment, and a multi-level set construction.
In an effort to make the show affordable, tickets have been priced at just $20. In addition, there will be boxes at the show to encourage additional donations of funds.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” will light up the Georgia Neese Gray Performance hall on March 23rd and 24th. The show is directed by Widge Yager, with musical direction by Nancy Epoch, until her recent passing, and choreography by Sally Glassman. The title role of Jesus will be played by Judd Henry Mason, a local singer and musician who is active in Topeka’s NOTO community. Judd is a professional touring musician and singer/songwriter, and is currently active in three different bands in three completely different musical genres. Most recently, Judd has fallen in love with the banjo and plays in a “outlaw bluegrass” band. Mason first played Jesus in a production at TPAC in 1994, and said when the arts center announced it was producing the play as a fundraiser in 2018, he knew he would audition again. The Most Music Morning Show’s Peter K had a chance to talk with Judd about the show. The full interview is below.
