DANVILLE - It's perfect timing for Danville Light Opera's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

The story of the last six days of Christ's life is especially meaningful around Easter. But with so much attention focused on the current movie about the same events, one might wonder if the musical would be redundant.

Not a chance.

The cast and production team of this rock opera are ready to present a different take on the events leading up to the crucifixion. Told from Judas' point of view, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is an interpretation, not an historical recreation.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" will be performed at 8 p.m. April 17 and at 2 p.m. April 18 in the Danville High School auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Call 431-1660 to order tickets or for more information. Tickets also may be purchased from First Savings Bank, 6 W. Williams St., or Mag's Men's Wear in downtown Danville.

Angie Mansfield, who is directing and choreographing the first local production of this Broadway hit, believes the show offers a glimpse into "what Jesus went through on a human level."

Mansfield was delighted at auditions to find that many of the prospective cast members ranked the musical as their all-time favorite.

"They already knew all the words to the script, which is entirely sung," Mansfield said.

With David Schroeder as the show's music director, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice's score will be professionally performed.

"The score is vintage Weber," Schroeder said. "It is extremely challenging for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Each of the leads must have an extensive range and the capability to perform what amounts to vocal gymnastics."

In fact, vocal ability was the primary criteria in casting the show, he said, adding, "the chorus and soloists all must do BIG singing."

Producer Suzy Smalley, who appears in the show, stressed how fast-paced the music is.

She said, "The chorus learned, under Dave's direction, to enunciate every word precisely so nothing gets lost."

"This show is not depressing," Smalley said. "Instead, it gets the message across in an entertaining and refreshing way."

Gary Lickfettand Tom Fricke met the challenge of a show without set changes by constructing a series of platforms and columns to represent both the temple and the palace where the main action takes place.

"The stage at Danville High School presents a fantastic opportunity," Fricke said. "We have designed a set that fills that space, accommodates the almost 50 cast members at one time, and can be divided when necessary."

The set is so tall that during rehearsal at DLO's Upstage, drop tiles had to be removed so the taller cast members could rehearse with their heads in the ceiling.

With Colette Ramage costuming the leads and many of the other actors, audiences will once again see striking costumes in a show. Last involved in "The King and I," Ramage has worked diligently to transform Mansfield's vision into reality.

"The look is vintage hippie, with peasant shirts and bellbottoms," Ramage said. "Angie and I have toned it down a bit with our use of color and fabric."

The leads are Matt Hester as Jesus and Larry Trimble as Judas.

Trimble is one of the cast members with a long history of admiration for "Jesus Christ Superstar." As a Schlarman High School football player, he listened to the music before every game as his way to prepare.

"It's an excellent show," Trimble said. "We studied this period in high school religion class, and the show provides a unique perspective into what might have motivated Judas."

A former professional musician who sang with Mickey Gilley, Trimble has the vocal strength necessary for his role.

Hester's portrayal of Jesus is well thought out.

"I want to keep this true to what he was like," Hester said. "Although the words I sing are Andrew Lloyd Weber's, the man is my own interpretation."

Most familiar to local audiences for his Red Mask performances, Hester was another cast member who knew all the words to the show before auditions.

"This is a vocally challenging show for a performer," Hester said.

(Article by Barbara Greenberg)