JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and
Andrew Lloyd Webber is coming back to the stage.

The first collaboration between Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be performed on the professional stage, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre. Featuring such notable songs as Superstar, Everything's Alright and I Don't Know How to Love Him, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR earned five TONY nominations.

Set in two acts, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. SUPERSTAR dramatizes Jesus' entry in Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, will leave audiences captivated by its power.

The majestic beauty of the King Street Centre in Millbrook is the perfect venue for this production.  The stained glass windows in the building visually tell the story of the life of Jesus.  The concert hall with its 35 foot cathedral ceilings and large stage still has an intimacy that makes theatre goers feel like they are part of the production.

To stay true to the original spirit of the “Rock Opera” we are using The Power Connection, Ontario’s premier Rock Horn Band (12 piece) to provide the music for the production. 

Bios

David Ludwig as Jesus

David Ludwig made his Canadian debut into musical theatre 13 years ago when he appeared in Lindsay, Ontario as Henry Higgins at the Kawartha Summer Theatre.  He was classically trained and holds a masters degree in Music from Indiana University.  Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, David began his career in opera both in Detroit and while living in New York City.  Since his arrival in Canada, he has traveled from the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to the Ford Theatre in Vancouver as well as numerous venues in between.  He is most renowned for his work as Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha.  He was a member of the Stratford Festival company, the Canadian National Tour of Phantom of the Opera and the US National Tour of Titanic, the Musical.   Other credits include Jud Fry in Oklahoma, Emile de Beque in South Pacific, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Fred Graham in Kiss me Kate, and Billy Bigelow in Carousel.  Over the past year, David has also made his debut into commercials, television, voice over and film.  He can be seen this winter on the Discovery Channel, and his short film, Lobotomobile will be entered into the Toronto International Film Festival in September. 

Beau Dixon as Judas

Beau Dixon is a musician / singer / songwriter / producer / actor / director and playwright raised in Canada and currently based in Peterborough, Ontario.  Beau developed his passion for performance at an early age, singing and playing piano at church services and in school plays.  This passion is evident in his body of work and sustains his commitment to his art.

Beau is a storyteller who crafts his songs based on personal experience.  The melodies incorporate a familiar roots feel that encourages the listener to engage in these experiences and to explore the thread that links their life with that of this talented performer.

Stylistically Beau's music has been called "soul flavoured urban folk" with such eclectic influences as Shuggie Otis, Stevie Wonder and Van Morrison.  It is pop with an edge.  Folk with a beat.  Soul with flavour.

Beau has shared the stage with a wide range of artists, from Raffi to Eric Burden, Prairie Oyster and Willie P. Bennett to The New Deal and Feist.

Two of Beau's plays "Once A Flame" and "From Here to Africville" were recently staged  by C Theatre Works at Factory Theatre in Toronto.

Wendy Shaer as Mary Magdalene

Wendy Shaer was born and raised in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.  Wendy made her first professional singing debut on stage with Celine Dion and her family.  She is a multi-talented vocalist with a rich powerful voice and is equally at home singing Jazz, Blues, Country and Showtunes.  She regularly performs as one of the lead vocalists with The Power Connection a 12 piece Rock Horn Band and has also fronted various big bands in the area. 

Wendy started her theatre experience with the West Ben Theatre in Campbellford performing in their productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, the Sound of Music and Samson.  She has since gone on to try her hand in directing for the King Street Players productions of The Sound of Music (also playing the Mother Superior) and Annie. 

As co-owner of the King Street Centre in Millbrook Wendy has been heavily involved in all production aspects of the Arts Councils productions.

The Power Connection

Back row - L to R - Linda Krammer, Randy Petlock, Neil Mattice, Dan Shaer, Lloyd king, Tori Owen

Front row L to R - Sam Whilans, Rob Mills, Kevin Cook, Scott Wight

Formed in the spring of 2002 The Power Connection was the vision of band leader Dan Shaer.  Dan’s extensive list of musical accomplishments includes; touring North America and Europe as a professional musician and bandleader throughout the 70’s and 80’s, and working as a professional studio musician and musical arranger.  Dan is the founder and conductor of the Music of Your Life Orchestra and has two degrees in music from Queen’s University in Kingston. 

The Power Connection is the culmination of over 10 years of efforts to acquire the original musical arrangements as performed by the original groups.  Specializing in the sounds of; Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, and Lighthouse,  they also perform the hits of Carol King, Santana, Tower of Power, and the Ides of March.

The Power Connection performs a tribute to the music of the early Rock Horn Band era.  This 12 piece band (including 5 horns, rhythm section and 4 lead vocalists) will take you back to a time when music was alive and full of magic and imagination.  This combination of Blues, Rock & Roll and Jazz appeals to audiences of all ages bringing back great memories for those who grew up with this music and creating new memories for a new generation who grew up listening to their parents’ music. 

For further information, contact:

 Dan Shaer

705-932-7469

E-mail:  dan@shaerproductions.com

Pilate and Jesus

Crucifixion

Jesus Resurrected

Finale

Superstar - Cast, Band, Tech Crew and Support Workers