"American Idol" Contestant Stars in Revisionist Jesus Christ Superstar Starting July 30

By Andrew Gans
30 Jul 2010

Kate Peet, Jose Candelaria and Brendan Joel Bartlett
Kate Peet, Jose Candelaria and Brendan Joel Bartlett

"American Idol" season seven contestant Jose Candelaria plays the title role in the Old Library Theatre's  production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar, which begins performances July 30.

Directed and choreographed by Alex Perez, the production plays the George Frey Performing Arts Center in Fair Lawn, NJ, July 30-Aug. 1 and Aug. 6-8.

The cast also features Brendan Joel Bartlett as Judas, Kate Peet as Mary and Zack Aretakis as Pontius Pilate. Charles Santoro is the musical director.

"In this new revisionist 2010 version," press notes state, Jesus Christ Superstar "will have controversial issues relating to today's times. It will have a post-apocalyptic vibe set in a tone of a long form rock/dance music video amidst modern-day taboos." Topics addressed include "the war in Afghanistan, gay rights, social issues, gun violence."

George Frey Performing Arts Center is located at 10-10 20th Street in Fair Lawn, NJ. For tickets, priced $20 (general admission) or $18 (seniors/students), call (866) 811-4111.

Visit www.oldlibrarytheatre.net for more information.