Fasten your seatbelts! Something VERY exciting will be added to our celebration of Holy Week 2025. (See complete Holy Week schedule below). Church of the Risen Savior will offer two concert performances of the music from the renowned Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar. The first performance will be on Palm Sunday, April 13, at 8:00 p.m., and the second will be held on Good Friday, April 18, also at 8:00 p.m. The performances will be held in our sanctuary, and these will be open to the public.

No pre-registration, no charge. However, freewill offerings will be graciously accepted.

In case you are unfamiliar with this show, Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with much of the plot centered on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples. Contemporary attitudes, sensibilities and slang pervade the rock opera's lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. First presented as a concept album in 1970, the production went on to great success on Broadway and was a feature film.

Why is Risen Savior embracing this? Because Jesus Christ Superstar is a powerful, engaging retelling of the events of Holy Week. It takes us deeper into the emotions and mysteries of the Jesus’ salvific mission. It also features songs that truly speak to the heart. This makes it perfect for Holy Week. These performances will also showcase the amazing talents of our parishioners, community members, and, of course, our very own Director of Music and Liturgy, Kevin Rotty. Kevin is the mastermind behind making these shows a reality for Risen Savior. Likewise, he has persuaded Fr. Matthew to perform as King Herrod!

Jesus Christ Superstar has also helped many embrace the power and reverence of Holy Week. These performances will add another layer to what we already experience on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. By offering it to the public, these concerts are a means of evangelization, something that is fundamental to our calling as Christian Catholics.

Please check back for more information regarding these performances and be sure to mark your calendars!

Contact Marianne Brass at [email protected] with questions regarding the Jesus Christ Superstar performances.