Jesus Christ Superstar Character Breakdown

MPHS Drama is looking to fill multiple roles for the production, Jesus Christ Superstar

MPHS Drama is devoted to inclusion and diversity in the casting of this and all their productions. 

Any questions please reach out to Christopher Turner at christopher.turner@bsd.k12.de.us

CHARACTERS

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock 1971 rock opera that tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of his friend, Judas Iscariot. Using rock, gospel, folk, and funk, the show follows the last week of Jesus’ life as he is betrayed by Judas and put to death. Combining ancient political history and modern sensibilities, this work explores timeless themes of friendship, celebrity, and mob mentality.

Jesus – Male, Rock Tenor (A2–G5) -  Jesus is a true leader, but comes with a bit of a sense of celebrity. He has a difficult time accepting his fate without answers on why he must die.

Judas -Male or Female, Rock Tenor (D3–D5) - One of the twelve apostles of Jesus; concerned for the poor and the consequences of Jesus's fame. Judas believes in Jesus's teaching but has started to grow weary of those in power coming after him and his followers.

Mary Magdalene – Female, Mezzo-Soprano, Beautiful Belter (F3–E♭5) - A female follower of Jesus.

Pontius Pilate – Male, Baritenor (A2–B4) - Governor who foresees the events of Jesus's crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation.

Caiaphas – Male, Low Bass / Rocky Top (C♯2–F4) - One of the main antagonists of the show. Sees Jesus as a threat to the nation. He is in a man in power who fears losing that power to Jesus.

Annas – Male or Female, High Baritone / Baritenor / Countertenor (G2–D5) - One of the main antagonists of the show. Caiaphas’s cohort, who aides Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat. Annas can seem more conniving than Caiaphas. Does Caiaphas’s dirty work.

Peter  - Male or Female, High Baritone / Baritenor (A2–G4) - One of Jesus's twelve apostles; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus's arrest to save himself. Peter is obsessed with impatience.

Simon Zealotes – Male or Female, High Tenor / Baritenor (G3–B4) - One of Jesus's twelve apostles; urges Jesus to lead his followers into battle against the Romans. Simon is under the belief that violence can solve all their problems.

King Herod – Male or Female, High Baritone (B2–G4) – King/Queen; Jesus is brought before Herod for judgment after first being taken to Pilate. Herod is a comedic role.

Apostles - Male and Female - All Ranges - The Apostles will look as if from every walk of life. We will be casting both men and women as Apostles, must be able to sing and move.

Ensemble - Male and Female - All Ages - All Ranges - The ensemble plays various roles including: lepers, merchants, members of the mob, Caiaphas’s council, Herod’s followers, Soul girls. Must be able to sing and move well.