Jesus Christ Superstar: A Rock Opera That Hit All the Right Notes

 Jesus Christ Superstar was truly a masterpiece of a show. In my opinion, it was one of the best-produced productions we’ve ever had at Mt. Hood Community College. From the blocking to the tech to the acting, everything came together seamlessly—"chef’s kiss" doesn’t even begin to cover it. For this post, I’m diving into my experience playing Simon Zealotes and reflecting on Nathan Krishnaswami’s portrayal of Judas—two characters who take very different approaches to the same critical moment in the story.

Overall, the production itself was stunningly blocked and choreographed. Every movement had a clear purpose, and the entire performance was driven by intention. The set pieces were beautifully integrated into the storytelling, like the giant light-up cross that helped Judas visualize the gravity of his actions. The attention to detail extended to props as well, with items like the ones the actors sold in the temple showcasing the performers' creativity and commitment to the piece.

Simon Zealotes: A Man of Action and Rage

Taking on Simon Zealotes was both an exciting and challenging experience. Simon is one of those larger-than-life, ultra-masculine characters who can’t be tamed. But then there’s me—Peyton Hull. I had to dig deep to find Simon within myself, especially since his character is fired up and aggressive, driven by a need to rebel against Rome.

For Simon’s movement, I focused primarily on the molding quality, using tense, sharp, and quick movements to reflect his internal anger and passion. I found that using action gestures like “To Strike” helped get me into the right mindset—whether I was furious at the treatment of Jesus or at the atrocities committed by the Romans. The song “Simon Zealotes” felt like floating to me, with Simon full of hope and energy as he pushes for rebellion. However, during the song “Poor Old Jerusalem,” I really connected with the falling sensation, feeling like Simon’s hopes were dashed and the weight of his actions set in.

Looking back, I felt like I really became Simon every night, embodying him through an imaginary body. But I do wish I could have worked on making my tense movements translate better on stage. It was a challenge to convey that intensity as clearly as I intended.

Judas: A Man Torn Between Loyalty and Betrayal

Judas before 'Superstar"

Judas is one of those roles that doesn’t need much of an introduction—his betrayal of Jesus is central to the story. Watching Nathan Krishnaswami in the role was a treat. We often shared scenes together, and I really admired his portrayal of Judas, especially in his falling archetypal sensation. Throughout the show, I saw him physically “falling” through his movements, especially during Judas’ death scene, where he’s overwhelmed by his own guilt. At times, he also embodied balancing, as Judas struggles to hold onto his loyalty while facing the inevitable consequences of his actions. 

Nathan’s gesture work was fascinating. One gesture I noticed frequently was “To Reach Out to Touch but Never Grasping.” Judas is always longing for connection but never quite finds it—this was especially evident in the opening number “Heaven on Their Mind,” where he’s surrounded by people yet feels utterly disconnected. The choreography really captured this sense of internal conflict, with the cast making similar gestures to reach out, creating a visual representation of what Judas was feeling. Nathan’s movement quality was sharp and determined, which mirrored Judas' harsh, driven nature as he desperately tried to protect the Apostles from the chaos that was unfolding.

Wrapping It Up: A Show to Remember

Jesus Christ Superstar was an incredible experience, and it was evident that every actor poured their heart and soul into their performances. The audience grew with each performance, and that energy only fueled us as we brought the show to life. The technical elements—especially the lighting—made it feel like we were truly immersed in a rock opera. I’m so proud of how the production turned out, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds at MHCC! 

Have you seen Jesus Christ Superstar before? What did you think of the characters and their journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!