Benjamin Privitt of Grace Cathedral’s media ministry GraceCom directed the live cast, which included André Andrée, in the role of Judas, and Lawson Barnes (Contemporary Music Director for St. Michael’s and All Angels, Concord), in the role of Jesus. Joan Bernier played Annas, and Mary Kelly shone in the role of Mary. Stephen Pawley played both the roles of Caiaphas and Herod, and appeared by special arrangement with Theater Authority West—his Herod nearly brought the house down. Katherine Ann Smith appeared in the role of Peter, and Darren Venn rounded out the cast in the role of Pilate. Benjamin Privitt also appeared onstage as a Roman guard (and as the school bus at the beginning of the film). The seven actors also played numerous roles in crowd scenes, as various temple authorities and disciples. Their quickness and versatility were a wonder to behold.

The idea for the Sing-It-Yourself Superstar was hatched five years ago by myself and Lawson Barnes, and every Easter we kicked around ideas about how to make our dream a reality. Originally we had just planned an audience sing along, but gradually the idea of adding a Rocky Horror Picture Show-style cast to accompany the film arose. Hey, as long as we were dreaming, right?

Then, last year, as the Pacific Church News advisory board was discussing fundraising ideas, I tossed out the Superstar idea. The board loved it, and we were off and running. A committee consisting of myself, Tom Jackson, and board chair the Rev. Rob Droste met to organize the event. Not long after, Benjamin Privitt volunteered to head up the live cast, and our dream became a reality.

It wasn't always easy, however. Finding a print of the film proved impossible, but after conversations with a vice president at Universal Pictures we were given permission to use the DVD. The bright side to this was subtitles, eliminating the audience’s need for librettos. Another difficulty was promoting the event to parishes. Too often, our letter, promotional packet, and emails were ignored, or simply recycled. Fortunately, our friends at Sagrada Sacred Arts agreed to sell tickets, and we were able to market the event beyond our congregations.

In spite of the obstacles, the event was nearly a sell-out. We heard of one woman who had read about the event on an email list and drove up from Los Angeles for it. The actors had a wonderful time, and expressed disappointment that after all their hard work, there had only been one performance. The audience reaction was so overwhelmingly enthusiastic, we are already talking about larger venues and more shows next year. If you missed this one, be sure to watch this space for news about the next “Sing-It-Yourself Superstar.”

--John Mabry