F. J. Hartland

Pittsburgh CLO brings its season to a close with the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice classic Jesus Christ Superstar.

It’s difficult to believe that it’s been forty years since this show was introduced to the world.  And what once seemed so controversial seems somewhat tame.

Sadly, director Charles Replogle gives us a very tame production of the show.  As the song says…”everything’s alright.”  Just alright.

In this quick-paced production (under two hours), the voices are magnificent.  And considering that the creators labeled their show “a rock opera,” strong voices are required.

As Judas Iscariot, Josh Tower brings a vibrant energy to all his numbers, culminating in the power title song.

Doug Kreeger as Jesus is also a vocal powerhouse.  The duets between Kreeger and Tower are always electric confrontations.

Not only is she exotically beautiful, but Stephanie Umoh as Mary Magdalene makes the most of all her numbers.  The high point is definitely her emotional “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”  which resounds in  the Benedum Center. Sadly, Weber and Rice have given the character very little to do in Act Two.

Doing his best work of the season is Robert Cuccioli as Pontius Pilate.  This is the first time that I’ve seen Superstar when I walked away remembering Pontius Pilate.

However, these performers (along with the rest of the cast) deserve a far better production than they get.

The costumes (from Theatre Under the Stars) are awful.  The cast looks like a combination of Mexican peasants and refugees from a bad Christmas church pageant.  Some of the items the actors are required to wear are downright laughable.

The set by Michael Anania is uninspired and looks like something from a bad high school musical.  Director Charles Replogle really doesn’t make the most of it either.

John McLain’s lighting is confusing.  Odd shapes are projected on the back cyclorama that don’t make much sense.

Truthfully, the physical aspects of the production are so bad that I found myself closing my eyes and just listening to the amazing vocals.

Jesus Christ Superstar continues through August 14.