FUSE Productions Presents ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

STATE COLLEGE — “What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s happening,” chants the ensemble of Jesus Christ Superstar as they surround Jesus seeking news. The answer just might be this classic 1970 rock opera, to be presented by FUSE Productions in Schwab Auditorium, on Penn State’s University Park campus.

Performances will take place Thursday through Saturday, June 20-22, at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. Tickets are $15 for students and $28-33 for adults and can be purchased at fuseproductions.thundertix.com.

The musical will be presented in conjunction with the second annual Central PA Theatre and Dance Fest.

“At its heart, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is about popularity and how that conflicts with Jesus’s message of selflessness,” says FUSE Artistic Director Richard Biever. “The show feels a bit like a political campaign, with Judas as campaign manager and Jesus as the candidate.”

Biever notes that the production will update some elements of the setting a bit — including incorporating social media — to highlight the timelessness of this theme.

Clara Hanahan, a senior acting major at Penn State who will portray Mary Magdalene, agrees.

“The central question is whether Jesus is doing what he does for fame, or is he really doing good for its own sake?” she asked. “This topic is really important today, in a culture that worships celebrity.”

Austen Auriemma, who portrays Jesus, is a 2018 Penn State graduate with a B.A. in vocal performance. He notes the central humanity of his character.

“One point of the show is that Jesus was an actual flesh-and-blood man, so I am really enjoying the early scenes in which he has fun, enjoys himself and the relationship with Mary,” he said. “Some of these moments are quite casual, while others are heartbreaking, passionate.”

In addition to Auriemma and Hanahan, “Jesus Christ Superstar” will star Christopher Cook as Judas Iscariot, Jason Adams as Caiaphas, Katelyn Ann Mullen as King Herod, Christian Tloczynski as Pilate, Taylor Elliott as Peter and Mark Werner as Simon. The ensemble features many other well-known local professionals and FUSE favorites.

The production will be directed by Richard Biever and music directed by Alex Cooper. Choreography will be by Connor Kilian Weigand, costuming by Julie Synder and lighting by Tyler Sperrazza and Roger Tharp. The set design is by Daniel Allen and sound design by Michael Blake.

FUSE presents all of its Mainstage Season shows in Schwab Auditorium on Penn State’s University Park campus. The fully staged performances feature live musical accompaniment and casts that include a mix of local actors; Penn State students, faculty, and alums; and professionals from around the country.

The Mainstage Season shows are accompanied by a play reading series, musical theatre cabarets and a children’s musical. Upcoming productions include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Aug. 16-18 and Matilda: The Musical on Sept. 5-7.