Bay Shore Lutheran Presents Jesus Christ Superstar

Bay Shore Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay is celebrating the Lenten season in an unusual but compelling way – by presenting a production of the rock opera “Jesus Christ, Superstar” in the church’s Sanctuary.

The production, open to the public, includes members of , 1200 E. Hampton Road, and the community at large.

The parts of Jesus, Judas, Herod, Mary and Pilate, among others, were determined after open auditions by Robb Smith and his wife, Laura Anderle-Smith, who are theater professionals and members of Bay Shore. Robb is directing the production and Laura is assistant director.

Although the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice was controversial when first staged on Broadway in 1971, Bay Shore’s purpose in presenting it now is not to stimulate controversy but to help people of faith rekindle their interest in and understanding of the Passion story.

One reason the musical first caused a stir is that it told the story of the last seven days of Christ from the perspective of Judas, viewed down through the centuries as the ultimate betrayer.

By presenting “Jesus Christ, Superstar” during this holy season, Bay Shore is inviting people of faith to consider the Passion story in a different light. Was Christ crucified as part of God’s pre-determined plan as the musical suggests? And why does Judas, the ultimate villain, sound so much like people we know – maybe even ourselves.

Bay Shore Lutheran Church hopes its production will encourage the audience to experience this familiar story in a new way. 

There will be four performances open to the public: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17 (Palm Sunday); 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21 (Maundy Thursday) and 7 p.m. Friday, April 22 (Good Friday).  In hopes of making this important story accessible to everyone, tickets are only $5 each for the April 16 & 17 performances, and there is no charge for the performances on April 21 and 22. But free will donations will be accepted.  

Tickets may be reserved by calling the church at (414) 332-6436 or by e-mail, bayshoreelca@yahoo.com.