Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Studio Tenn
Nashville's Studio Tenn Theatre Company is capping off its 16th season with a production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR that feels more like a Broadway event than a local theater run. The show, which began as a concept album in 1970, is an electrifying finale before the company transitions into its 2026-2027 lineup. This production leans heavily into the show's origins as a rock opera, emphasizing raw energy over traditional Biblical sets.
The headline draw is Adam Pascal in the title role. Pascal's career is defined by his role as the quintessential 'rock tenor' of modern Broadway. His performance as Jesus is less about ethereal divinity and entirely about raw, exhausted humanity. He portrays a man buckling under the immense weight of his predetermined destiny, particularly potent in his rendition of 'Gethsemane'.
Pascal is supported by a cast that arguably marks Studio Tenn's most high-profile ensemble to date. Mykal Kilgore as Judas Iscariot provides a soulful, high-octane contrast to Pascal, while Olivia Valli as Mary Magdalene delivers a grounded and vocally stunning performance.
The production's visual storytelling is enhanced by inspired costumes, dynamic lighting design, and agile sound mixing. The set design, with its multi-level stage and industrial aesthetic, amplifies the feeling of a society on the edge. The production's rock-and-roll energy is thoughtfully amplified through vibrant lighting design, which infuses the musical numbers with a concert-like thrill.
The production's backbone is a strong creative team, including Patrick Cassidy's exceptional direction, Randy Kraft's musical direction, and Marlee Shelton's masterful stage management. The show is a bold, loud, and deeply moving reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic, a testament to Studio Tenn's 'Broadway-caliber' reputation in Middle Tennessee.
