| Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Director and choreographer Stacey Flaster does better than most — her look and style has a simple, hippyish gestalt that seems to pay homage to “Godspell,” and yet also evokes a reasonably fresh feel. But I was thrown when Caiaphas and his heavies showed up in what looked like a cross between Kiss outfits and chess pieces. And I can't say I was dying to see King Herod as an evil clown, as decent as Steve Genovese was in the role."
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Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...Max Quinlan and Joe Tokarz, two talented young Chicago actors, are the real superstars of this production. They play Jesus and Judas, respectively, and never have these performers demonstrated such brilliant vocal range and emotional honesty as in this production. In the end, each actor brings heart to his portrayal of friends who have grown far apart. Audrey Billings sings beautifully as Mary Magdelene, but she offers far too little commitment to her character. Larry Adams portrays Pontius Pilate as a powerful man torn apart by Jesus’ seeming arrogance and unwillingness to cooperate. Adams’ rich baritone contrasts beautifully with Quinlan's soaring tenor vocals during the final moments of the play."
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Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...Theatre at the Center’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar is far more than an eloquent exuding of pathos. There are even a few wonderful Easter eggs hidden in this production; for example, there are a couple of blatant references to Rob Zombie. I may be stretching it to point out that Caiaphas, played sonorous and sinister by Jeff Diebold, was made up to look very much like Rob Zombie (who better to represent such an embodiment of evil?). The Rob Zombie influence on the portrayal of King Herod, however, is more straightforward."
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ShowBizChicago - Recommended
"...Quinlan, along with the rest of the impressively capable ensemble, tenders the kind of spirited ductility that has always been vital to this work. Because despite the age-old source material (one about a messiah, at that), when it comes to “Superstar”, youth- and creativity- rule."
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ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...High emotions prevail as the Crucifixion is marvelously staged giving the opera a tragic conclusion. This production is respectful to religion as its artistic choices emphasize the “superstar” cult of personality rather than a religious text. It is done with exquisite taste and loads of heart. Joe Tokatz and Max Quinlan sing their hearts out. Jesus Christ Superstar never played so strong to me. Stacey Flaster has a feel for mounting fresh, vibrant musicals and now an opera. Maybe, she’ll get a gig at the Lyric Opera of Chicago like Gary Griffin and Barbara Gaines have? Just give her a troubled opera for her to revive. She creates magic on stage."
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Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Every member of this cast is dynamic and lives the spirit of what Webber and Rice were attempting to create e, a Rock musical depicting the last seven days of the life of Jesus Christ and how, although he always considered himself just a man, his followers made him the idol that he was and many people, even those in power, fear that which they are not familiar with, so he became a threat to them as well as fearful to even his followers. This is a story, just a story with great music and should be accepted as that- don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see a marvelous production just because of the “religion: you think it is about- just go and enjoy!"
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