I guess we all have moments in life when we more fully realize the truth of the old saying that, “Time Flies.” So it was for me when I realized that Travis Bryant, the director of Owen Theater’s amazing current production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” was, in fact, the same Travis Bryant that I reviewed more than two decades ago when he starred as Judas in a Montgomery College production of that very show.*
In making this move from acting to directing, clearly his long experience with this classic musical must have poured itself into this remarkable edition from The Players Theatre Company in Conroe, Texas.
Drawn from the Biblical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the story explores the tragic events of the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. (Brilliantly played here by handsome JT Fischer). Meanwhile, with the Easter and Passover holidays now just around the corner, the plot of this tale of the Passion of the Christ would be familiar to most. The fine musicians of the live Tailor Maide Band would be ever-present from their hidden backstage location as they performed the musical score of composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. (Midge Smith, Conductor & Keyboard, Chris Kotlarz, drums, Carl Easton, guitar, and Tony Taylor, bass). At the same time, with fine guidance from Musical Director, Casey Burden, this vocally gifted cast brings great skill to performing the many songs written by Lyricist, Tim Tice. In her opening remarks to the audience before the show began, Production Manager, Terry Lynn Hale, correctly pointed out the great value of having live music, and one can only imagine how much work went into synchronizing the timing for the singers on the stage with the offstage band.
The action opens on the initially bare stage of Set & Lighting designer, Kerry Goff. That set would soon be filled with eye-popping action from the two dozen members of this enormously talented cast. It could be safely said that Goff’s sometimes smokey, sometimes misty, and always mysterious lighting, is yet another star of the show, and it is all the more enhanced by the work of Mr. Burden in his second role as Projections Coordinator. As the cast of the twelve Apostles joins Jesus and assorted other characters that begin to flood the shadowy stage in the opening scene, we can see that the cloaks and robes from Costume Designer, Rick Delancy, give an authentic Biblical period look to the show. At the same time, the unseen hand of director, Bryant has brought an amazing level of organization to this complex production which, from beginning to end, seems to flow in a kind of perpetual motion. That success is undoubtably dependent on the fantastic movement designs from Choreographers, Ashleigh Goff and Mr. Delancy. There is so much well-planned movement around that often crowded stage, that it really reminded me of the dazzling halftime marching band shows one might see at top universities.
But let us return now to the terrific cast and its retelling of the suffering of the Lord leading up to His death on the cross. We get our first taste of the fine ensemble singing as the full cast first arrives on stage amid the eerie ballet of the winding and undulating choreography. In the central role of the notorious Judas, Jade Kelly brings lashing intensity to her very powerful singing voice during the opening number, “Heaven on Their Minds.” Mr. Fisher then brings a wide assortment of emotions to a Jesus that can be at one moment calmly praying with his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, and in the next moment perhaps raging with fury when throwing the money changers out of the temple for defiling his Father’s House. When Jesus lets out a piercing scream of despair, it sends a collective shudder through the audience; and when he sings, “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone,” we know that is a prophecy that will change the world. Act One also gives us our first chance to hear the beautiful voice of lovely Kaylee Duran in the role of Mary Magdalene. Regrettably, there was a brief audio problem during that number last Sunday, but happily, before the end of the first act we could hear her real vocal talent during the touching, tender and beautiful, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
Of course the trial of Jesus is a central part of the saga, and the Jewish High Priests, Caiaphas (Dale Trimble), and Annas (Robert Gyomber) preside over the court during, “This Jesus Must Die.” But there is a bit of relief during the bright gaiety of the joyous and beautifully staged full-cast “Hosanna” that follows. In the role of Simon, Zoe Bullard brings a fearless voice to launch a throbbing collective voice from the company during, “Simon Zealots.” Then Mr. Fischer delivers a sudden, soft contrast as Jesus sings the poignant, “Poor Jerusalem.” With that, we then meet the much-conflicted Pontius Pilate (another powerful voice from Robben Montez), who in desperation wants to “wash his hands” of any responsibility for condemning Jesus during the “Pilate’s Dream” sequence. Finally, before the curtain falls on Act One, Judas gets his 30 pieces of silver, but quickly regrets the betrayal as Jade Kelly delivers the song, “Blood Money,” with a frightening ferocity.
Act Two opens with the initially calming Last Supper scene, but there is growing tension, and an air of building desperation explodes in the dramatic and ferocious departure of Judas. Jesus also embodies that desperation as he tries to prepare himself for the death he knows is near at hand. Exhausted, he cries out, “Could you ask as much from any other Man? …I was inspired, but now I’m sad and tired.”
Of course there are the expected scenes like the Garden of Gethsemane, the arrest of Jesus, and Peter’s infamous three-time denial of even knowing Jesus. Montez returns with evil glee giving us an even more sinister Pilate. That was the perfect time for the over-the-top hilarity of Jonathon Dutweiler’s uproarious performance as King Herod. With lines like, “Prove to me that you’re no fool. Walk across my swimming pool,” his silly and flamboyant mockery of Jesus seemed designed to merrily relieve the audience tension in an otherwise very serious story.
There is so much more in this huge production, including a sweet duet of “Could We Start Again, Please?” from Mary and Peter (Jack Peterson). Throughout the show there were brief appearances from a kind of Greek Chorus with an attractive trio of backup singers known as The Soul Sisters (Amy Barnes, Mackenzy Reilly, & Cindy Siple). In their sleek and snug-fitting silver costumes, they are gleaming when they really come into their own during the Vegas-style and showstopping title song, “Superstar.” The number is a real knockout, and you better hurry if you want to celebrate the Easter/Passover season with one of the remaining tickets for this limited run.
The Players Theatre Company’s, Jesus Christ Superstar, continues thru March 22, 2026 at the Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf St. in Conroe, Texas. Performances are Friday’s and Saturday’s at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. For tickets and information, visit www.playerstheatrecompany.com .
* https://thepeoplescritic.com/2005/04/13/superstar-a-super-production-at-montgomery-college/
A member of both The Lambs Club Inc. and The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA), the columns of DAVID DOW BENTLEY III have appeared on Broadway websites, in newspapers from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast, and may be viewed online at the website: www.ThePeoplesCritic.com . E-mail may be directed to ThePeoplesCritic3@gmail.com.