What Would Steven Tyler Do?

Producers of superstar musical think perfect Jesus could be in Dallas

Jesus Christ Superstar national tour, Performing Arts Fort Worth

Do you have what it takes to be Jesus?

Photo by Evan Zimmerman

The ultimate star search is on — to find Jesus. Producers of the 50th anniversary tour of the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar are holding casting calls for the title role in "key cities" around the country, including Dallas.

Casting directors will set up shop at Music Hall at Fair Park from 12-4 pm May 6. Those seeking Jesus' role should be a "rock tenor" in their 20s or 30s with "powerful falsetto/scream up to G5," according to the casting website. Jesus might have actually been a baritone, but not in Andrew Lloyd Webber's world, baby.

Additional requirements for the perfect Jesus say:

"This role demands a well-rounded, rich middle register that also has a super extended upper register with virtuosity coupled with sensitive musicianship. Think Jim Morrison meets Steven Tyler. A true 'rock star,' comfortable addressing a group of 12 or an arena of 12,000." (Good thing it does not say "feeding" 12 or 12,000 — ability to perform loaves-and-fishes miracle not required.)

Jesus does not have to dance but "must be comfortable moving. A performer with strong individual identity, ability to communicate beyond the fourth wall in a very large house and be free and creative during the rehearsal process."

Now for the all-important, burning-bush, capital letters: "MUST PLAY GUITAR. WILL NEED TO PLAY AT THE AUDITION. GUITAR WILL NOT BE PROVIDED – MUST BRING YOUR OWN!"

In addition to Dallas, casting calls are taking place in Orlando (April 20), New Orleans (April 27), Atlanta (April 29), and Los Angeles (May 10.)

“Following in the footsteps of great rock musicians like Ian Gillan, Ted Neeley, and Steve Balsamo, we are looking for the next singer to take on and transform the role of Jesus,” says producer Stephen Gabriel.

Jesus Christ Superstar, by Webber and Tim Rice,is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," "Gethsemane," and "Superstar."

The 30-city North American leg of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production launches in the fall of 2019 following their critically acclaimed, sold out engagements in UK. It will begin in Texas — at Austin’s Bass Concert Hall, October 8-13.

The show will come back to Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals, April 28-May 10, 2020. Then it plays at Fort Worth's Bass Hall, August 25-30, 2020.

The North American tour will be helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie. Rounding out the creative team is set and costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, and music supervision by Tom Deering.

For additional information about the production, visit the official tour website.

theater

Season Announcement

Kitchen Dog Theater unleashes immersive 2025 season in new Dallas space

Kitchen Dog Theater presents Safe at Home

Photo by Jordan Fraker

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Seven years after announcing it had purchased a building in the Design District, Kitchen Dog Theater is finally ready to move into its new home.

The third and final production of its 2025 season — the theater company's 34th — will take place all around the new "Doghouse." The other two productions will follow the immersive format at non-traditional performance spaces that was established last season.

With three fully produced events that each run the gambit from captivating and gutsy to heartfelt and hilarious, the monthly New Works Festival Staged Readings Series returns, as does the 23rd annual PUP Fest, nurturing high school talent from all over DFW.

First up is the area premiere of Will Eno's Wakey, Wakey, directed by KDT's artistic director Tina Parker and starring KDT co-artistic director Christopher Carlos.

"Is it now? I thought I had more time." These first words in Will Eno's play are spoken by Guy, a man who knows, like all of us on some level, that he is about to die. The play questions why we are here and the journeys that everyone takes to eventually get to the same place. Performances will take place at Expo Park, 840 Exposition Avenue, and run February 7-23, 2025.

Production No. 2 is full of mystery: The title and performance location will be announced soon and run in March/April 2025.

The Happiness Gymby Ken Weitzman closes out the season in August 2025 (exact dates TBA).

This regional premiere is a joyous, experiential event based on the science of well-being. Participants take part in a curated theatrical experience meant to boost their sense of happiness, joy, and feelings of connection. This one-of-a-kind project will be the soft opening to Kitchen Dog’s new theater and will take place all over the entire facility, giving patrons unparalleled access to KDT’s new home.

From March to July 2025, the 26th annual 2025 New Works Festival will showcase four-to-five staged readings of the newest and most exciting local and regional playwrights working in contemporary theater today. Each reading will feature some of DFW's most accomplished actors and directors and will take place at different venues across DFW.

For its 23rd annual event, PUP Fest will feature six staged readings of jury-selected plays written by DFW high school students, featuring student actors directed by area professional directors. PUP Fest is the culminating event of Dallas Playwriting Arts Collective (D-PAC), a partnership with Dallas ISD and Junior Players. Performance location is TBA, but the event will happen June 7, 2025.

For more information, visit kitchendogtheater.org or call 214-953-1055.

kitchen dog theater theater