Andrew Lloyd Webber's Iconic Rock Opera Comes to Riverside

Fun fact: Despite heavy criticism from religious groups upon its release, the 1973 film adaptation found favor among Pope Paul VI, who believed the film would bring more people to Christianity

The rock opera that forever shook the world of musical theater arrives at Riverside next Thursday, February 26. Jesus Christ Superstar remains Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's most daring work, portraying the final seven days of Christ's life through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, his close friend and, ultimately, his betrayer. When it first debuted in 1971, critics were divided over its rock-and-roll irreverence and deeply human, almost iconoclastic portrayal of biblical figures. Nonetheless, it was a breakout success and cemented Andrew Lloyd Webber as one of the greatest playwrights of our time.

James & Priscilla Morphy and Baerbel O’Haire – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Jesus Christ Superstar premiered as a concept album that became a musical phenomenon before it ever reached the stage, making Lloyd Webber and Rice, both 22 at the time, the youngest composers to reach number one on the Billboard charts in the US. The Oxford dropout who wrote his first musical at age nine was eventually knighted and even earned the title of Lord Lloyd Webber. He's one of only 21 people to achieve EGOT status, meaning he's won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, AND Tony awards, placing him in the same rarefied company as Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Presenting Sponsors: Corrigan-Goddard Foundation, Edward & Dawn Michael, James & Priscilla Morphy and Baerbel O’Haire

And if you want to make it dinner and a show, you'll definitely want to experience Riverside's new pre-show fine dining offering with Chef Sue Torres, formerly of New York's La Grenouille and the legendary 21 Club and, most recently, the Tides here in Vero.

These intimate evenings, limited to just 30 guests and hosted by Executive Producer/CEO Jon Moses, have been smash hits beginning with Little Shop of Horrors and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. The menus draw inspiration from the themes of their respective productions and feature top-notch wine pairings with each course (and, depending on rehearsal schedules, mystery cast members).

For Jesus Christ Superstar, Chef Torres will offer both a Sunday brunch and an evening dinner experience. More information and dates here.

Jesus Christ Superstar opens Thursday, February 26. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the box office at 772-231-6990.

Important: given the growing number of ticket scams online be sure to purchase only from Riversidetheatre.com or by calling the box office. Do not be fooled by a Google search that brings a look-alike or a scalper site to the top of the search and where ticket costs are doubled.

Riverside isn't the only local institution facing this issue. See our earlier article here.