What does it take to play Jesus? 'Superstar' comes to the State Theatre this weekend

Jack Hopewell popped in the VHS recording of "Jesus Christ Superstar" over and over growing up, watching Ted Neeley's acclaimed 1973 performance as Jesus.

And now he's over the moon to be stepping into his sandals, playing Jesus in the show's 50th anniversary tour.

The tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" hits the State Theatre in New Brunswick for four performances June 9 to 11. The popular rock musical features music and lyrics by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and tells the story of the last weeks of the life of Jesus. Songs include “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”

"This is a dream role for me," Hopewell said from the tour's stop in Norfolk, Virginia. "It's one of the shows that I've been listening to and watching and taking in since I was really little, probably 6 or 7. So being able to do this at this level, and do it eight times a week, as exhausting as it is, it's just super, super rewarding."

The chance to put his skills to the test are delighting the 2022 University of the Arts graduate, as is digging into the role itself.

"What draws me to the role a lot is portraying a character like Jesus in a really human way — not just portraying him as this biblical grandiose figure but really trying to dip into the humanity and the flaws that are present with him. I think that's what makes a story interesting. You can't just have this all-powerful, all-knowing perfect character because then there's no real stakes."

Joining Hopewell as Jesus are Elvie Ellis as Judas, Faith Jones as Mary, Grant Hodges as Caiphas, Nicholas Hambruch as Pilate, and Kodiak Thompson as Annas.

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"Jesus Christ Superstar" is a sung-through musical, which Hopewell said keeps the momentum going and the audience on the edge of their seats.

It also keeps Hopewell onstage for nearly all of the intense 90-minute production.

Here's the secret to a small break: "During 'This Jesus Must Die,' when the Pharisees are singing about how they're going to kill me, that's when I have about three minutes to run and take a bathroom break right before coming on for 'Hosanna.' "

Hopewell, who transitioned into musical theater halfway through high school after singing in children's choirs and studying classical voice, said he loves the sense of community that comes from performing with an ensemble.

"One of my favorite things is being able to tell a story not just by myself, but being able to tell a story with a group of people and having to bounce off of other people and rely on other people to tell a larger story.

"I get a sense of ease and release and satisfaction, understanding that this is exactly what I'm meant to be doing."

Go: "Jesus Christ Superstar," 8 p.m. June 9, 2 and 8 p.m. June 10, 2 p.m. June 11, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, $29 to $79; stnj.org/events/detail/jesus-christ-superstar. Keep up with Hopewell at  jackhopewell.com and @jackhopewell on social media.

Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jesus Christ Superstar 50th anniversary tour comes to New Brunswick