Kyle Richardson takes the lead as Jesus of Nazareth

This weekend, Kyle Richardson takes the lead role as Jesus of Nazareth in JCS Entertainment‘s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, bringing his passionate and soaring tenor voice to the power rock and roll notes demanded of the role. Richardson is fast becoming a recognizable face in local musical theatre, having performed in several past JCS Entertainment feature performances including the 2014 edition of Jesus Christ Superstar and this year’s Altar Boyz production.

“For a very long time I have wanted to play this role and getting to do it – even though it was unexpected – makes me incredibly excited. I got a good feel of the stage before I had to go on during dress rehearsals and it continues to be a great experience,”

shared Richardson in a recent interview.

He was born on the island of St. Kitts and started singing at age seven and after moving to Trinidad at that early age, he has been on stage ever since. Richardson has performed in numerous musicals including major roles in The Phantom of Opera, The Wiz, and a production of Cinderella: The Trinidad and Tobago musical.

“Every day I grow and learn more,” said Richardson.

“The direction I get from Raymond (Choo Kong, Director), Abeo (Jackson, Choreographer) and John Smith (Creative Producer) at JCS Entertainment is great. The audience seems to love the show and they are very supportive and I appreciate all the people who have and continue to support me.”

Richardson brings sincerity and deep nuances of emotion to the role of ‘Jesus’ and is equally impressive as a force of destruction in the decadence of the corrupted holy Temple or as the gentle recipient of Mary Magdalene’s care in the duet “Everything’s Alright”. This weekend he will wear the white robes of Christ and take audience members through the story of the last seven days of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

“In the musical, the song ‘Gethsemane’ has a close place to my heart because it speaks about the trials Jesus goes through. In that moment, he has to stand up and confront the reality – is there a God?”

“There is also a small part of music called ‘Poor Jerusalem’ where Jesus speaks to the crowd and to Simon and he while they are celebrating Jesus’ rise to fame and their love of him, Jesus explains to them that they don’t understand anything about power or glory and how it manifests and they know nothing about the future. So while it is ok to be excited about the current time, the future is not set, you need to make sure you’re moving forward,” he said.

Performing opposite Richardson in the role of Judas Iscariot will be Kearn Samuel, along with Conrad Paris as the commanding High Priest Caiaphas. Pontius Pilate will be played by Chris Smith, King Herod will be portrayed by Ameron George and The role of Mary Magdalene will be shared by two actresses; musical theatre newcomers Arianna Rodas Laing and Gyerlini Clarke.

Arianna Rodas Laing, an undeniable talent

The music of Jesus Christ Superstar plays with several modern Rock music themes and includes contemporary slang. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this musical borrows from the Gospels of the Bible; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

JCS Ent has also initiated several opportunities to make musical theatre accessible to a wide cross-section of audiences with attractive ticket discounts for senior and junior citizens. Also on offer is a special ‘Experience – Enjoy – Repeat’ promotion, where patrons who have attended the show (either Mahalia: A Gospel Musical or Jesus Christ Superstar) can use the ticket stub to get an adult ticket at $175. One discount per stub is allowed and available only at the Queen’s Hall Box Office for Jesus Christ Superstar adult tickets.

Only three main stage shows remain of Jesus Christ Superstar, which will take place on Friday 30th and Saturday 1st October starting at 8 p.m., and on Sunday 2^nd October for a matinee show beginning at 6 p.m.

To see JCS Ent’s Jesus Christ Superstar, get tickets at the Queen’s Hall Box Office or contact JCS Ent at jcsentertains.tt@gmail.com or call 488-2330 or 620-2244 for more details on both ‘September Spectacular’ shows.