'Jesus Christ Superstar will make you a believer

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber did not save the best for last this time. "Jesus Christ Superstar," the first of their many creations, is arguably the finest, and the cast of the National Tour that played Tuesday and Wednesday at the IU Auditorium made this great show a powerhouse performance.\nFor those familiar with the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, "Jesus Christ Superstar" represents their inclination to "rock operas." These shows do not contain any dialogue but, rather, rely on the power of song and dance to create a show of intense magnitude. For those unfamiliar, they were certainly treated by "Jesus Christ Superstar."\n"I didn't really know what to expect. It was very modern, and I really liked it," said IU staff member Tom Jagatic.\nFrom the first strain of guitar riffs until the last drum beat, the cast and band's performance rivaled both the best rock concert and most poignant musical. The cast, chock-full of Broadway veterans, tackled this vocally demanding show with finesse.\nEric Kunze, who played Jesus of Nazareth, could have made anyone a believer Tuesday night. Kunze's eerie resemblance to the common image of Jesus Christ aided his gripping stage presence and flawless tenor. He was most spectacular in the Crucifixion scene, one that is sensitive in nature; he performed it with respect as the rest of the cast stared on in awe. Kunze maintained composure in a role that was demanding, both vocally and emotionally.\nMary Magdalene, played by Natalie Toro, was a crowd favorite.\nWith an enormous voice that hardly matched her petite frame, Toro's stiff stage manner was the only thing that detracted from her otherwise superb performance.\nThe real show-stealer, ironically enough, was Todd Fournier as Judas. Fournier, who was actually cast as the understudy, proved himself worthy of center stage with the most stunning voice of the cast and a performance that was powerful yet vulnerable, calculated but honest. Fournier was a driving force that only improved with each scene. His voice filled the vast auditorium and had the beauty of one classically trained and the grit of one singing for a band.\nThe remainder of the cast cannot go unmentioned. A musical is only as strong as its weakest link, and fortunately for the cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar," strength prevailed.\nKevin Moriarty, the director, deserves several nods for staging that accentuated the struggles and exploited the dynamics and chemistry of the characters. The choreography by Dana Solimando was a phenomenal asset. The flawless execution by the disciples and soul girls, who comprised the chorus, was a wonderful display of the technique and style. The modern spin taken on the timeless story was heartily appreciated by the audience that filled the IU Auditorium Tuesday evening. It is impossible to name a favorite song or best scene because the entirety of "Jesus Christ Superstar" is applicable. Bouquets to the cast, band and crew for one of the most gripping, powerful and professional shows to have hit the IU stage.