Hicksville residents Jim Black and Adam Mosebach from St. Paul’s Center Stage Theater performed Jesus Christ Superstar at St. Hyacinths Church in Glen Head this past weekend.
“We had the largest opening audience in our history and the cast was absolutely phenomenal,” said Black, the show’s producer. “The audience loved it.”
The rock opera was performed by St. Paul’s Center Stage in 2000, and the show was so memorable that Black was excited to produce it again.
“I waited a long time to bring this production back to St. Paul’s,” said Black. “We created a biblically accurate version of the show which included many characters from the New Testament. This production had the largest cast ever.”
Black got involved in Center Stage in 1981 and became producer in 1996. He has enjoyed putting together productions ever since.
“What I love most is the sense of family and community we always build in Center Stage,” said Black. “I’m very proud of the Center Stage family and the hard work and dedication they always show.”
Having the role of James the Lesser in 2000, now 14 years later, Mosebach, 30, played the role of Jesus Christ.
“The role was very daunting, but very exciting at the same time. Those are the biggest shoes to fill, and I put all my effort into it,” said Mosebach.
Mosebach performed in his first play in 1992 and when he was 10-years old, began performing in community theatre. He began performing professionally in 2009. He believes having such an important role will be a good way to grow as an actor.
“The role was challenging for me because I’m used to musical theatre singing, and this production involved more rock singing,” said Mosebach. “It was exciting to work on this type singing. I’ve been growing as an actor and a singer, and I learned a lot through these performances.”
Performing in Jesus Christ Superstar was fun for Mosebach, and he enjoyed many aspects of the production.
“It’s always a lot of fun. What I loved most was working on the performance with everyone. The best part is the people that you surround yourself with, and of course, the singing and acting,” he said.
Toni Romas, a producer, was happy that the show was a hit.
“We rehearsed for 11 weeks. It was difficult to get everyone together, especially over the summer,” she said. “I am proud of everyone who made this production possible. Over 70 people volunteered and helped out.”
Seeing familiar and new faces participate in Jesus Christ Superstar was important to Romas.
“It’s nice seeing familiar faces, families and friends and meeting new ones participate together,” she said. “The production always brings the community together.”
