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Jesus Christ Superstar

April 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 2023
Hub International Theatre
(Chilliwack Cultural Centre)

What Is the story of Jesus Christ Superstar?

Jesus Christ Superstar will be familiar, in basic fact, to anyone with knowledge of western religion. Borrowing from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the musical tells the story of the last seven days of Jesus Christ’s life. As the show opens, apostle Judas Iscariot is growing concerned that Jesus’ followers will be perceived as a threat to the occupying Roman Empire. Indeed, priests Caiaphas, Annas and more gather and agree that Jesus and his movement must be crushed. An exalted Jesus arrives in Jerusalem only to find the temple filled with unsavory merchants and money lenders. Overrun by a flood of people needing his help, he tells them to heal themselves, and his confidante Mary Magdalene has to calm him down. Judas, fearing the movement is getting out of Jesus’ control, goes to the Romans and tells them Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane the following night. He receives 30 pieces of silver as payment. At the Garden, Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on the cheek. Jesus is arrested and sent to Caiaphas, then Pontius Pilate and finally King Herod, who condemns his to death on the cross.

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Creative Team

The following individuals, along with cast selected from auditions beginning in December, will bring this incredible musical to life!

Randy Newbury

Artistic Director – Randy Newbury

Randy Newbury started dancing and acting in his early teens. Since then, he has starred in many different types of theatrical productions and television. Randy studied voice under the direction of Victoria Meredith of the University of Western Ontario. His love of dance has encouraged him to study under the direction of Joy Lowry, Barbara Westman, Sarah Burton, John McHenry and others. Randy studied ballroom dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studios and went on to teach professionally. His love of the arts has allowed him to branch out and study flute under the direction of Sharon Beeler and has performed with the Stratford Concert Band and solo at private functions. He remains an active member of the local community theatre and most recently enjoyed directing. He and Susan collaborated to create a promotional video for the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. His most recent appearance was Mother goose in Mother Goose, and Christoper Wren in the CPG’s production of The Mousetrap. His last production allowed him to direct Nunsense the musical October 2009 at CPG. His most recent directorial production was The Drowsy Chaperone in April 2011. In August 2011 he prized the stage as the Major General in the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra’s Pirate’s of Penzance. Recently he directed and played Max Dietweiler in The Sound of Music with Secondary Characters, August 2012, and Director and Albert Petersen in Bye Bye Birdie spring 2014. He looks forward to sharing his learnings with NAC students.

Shannon Goldsmith

Music Director – Shannon Goldsmith

Shannon is the Music Director of the Cascadia Wind Ensemble, and was previously the Conductor of the Abbotsford Concert Band.  She plays French Horn with the Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra and the Fraser Valley Symphony Orchestra, and is the Associate Conductor of the Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra.  Prior to moving to Chilliwack 20 years ago, she played with various bands and orchestras in Regina, and conducted the Poltava Ensemble of Song, Music and Dance.  She first became interested in musical theatre while attending high school, and has had the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for many musicals.  She has participated in most of Secondary Characters productions, as Orchestra Director for Hunchback of Notre Dame, Spelling Bee, and Mamma Mia, and playing in the pit orchestra in many others.  Although she spends a lot of time on musical endeavors, she makes her living as a management consultant with her own company, Canatech Management Services Inc.

Debbie Wilson

Vocal Director – Debbie Wilson

Debbie Wilson is thrilled to be working with Randy and Susan at Newbury Art Concepts. She has worked with the Newbury’s on previous musicals including The Drowsy Chaperone, Nunsense, and Oliver. Debbie’s passion is helping people discover and develop their talents and skills, which she did for many years while leading a professional learning and development team. Recently retired from the corporate world, she now spends her time performing and touring with her daughter’s show, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret.

Jennifer Silva

Principal Pianist/Rehearsal Pianist – Jennifer Silva

Jennifer is enjoying a return to accompanying after a 35 year teaching career. She taught theory, music history, and piano in her own studio, at Langley Community Music School, and at Capilano College Community Music School. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Music from UBC, and has accompanied choirs, soloists, dance groups, and ensembles. Jennifer is thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in this performance of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Ann Matterson

Choreographer – Ann Matterson

Ann Matterson is a Vancouver-based choreographer, singer, performer and performing arts teacher. She is thrilled to be choreographing Newbury Art Concepts’ production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Ann has been involved in various shows across the Lower Mainland since moving here in 2009. Most recently she has been on the choreography team for Mamma Mia (Secondary Characters), The Magic Flute (White Rock Players Club), Plaid Tidings (Fraser Valley Stage), and Little Shop Of Horrors (Delta Secondary Theatre Company). When Not performing of choreographing, you can find Ann teaching musical theatre to various ages at Studio West Dance and The Stage Musical Theatre Academy.

Susan Newbury

Creative Assistant/Costumes – Susan Newbury

Susan Newbury started dancing at a age 5. Since then, she has explored many different dances including ballroom, contemporary, and ballet to name a few. She began her theatre experience at the age of eight, and has gone on to provide choreography for many productions, and remains active with her local community theatres. Susan has studied acting under the guidance of the William B. Davis School and has gone on to appear in film and television. Susan’s love of the arts has compelled her to study at Alma College, George Brown College, Kwantlen College, and the International Academy of Merchandising and Design, and recently at UFV. She has had the opportunity to model and teach professionally with top department stores and a leading hair company. Susan has worked in the cosmetic industry and has had training with the leaders in prestige cosmetic brands. Her recent productions included ensemble in The Drowsy Chaperone, Mother Goose (Ova) in Mother Goose, Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense, Maggie in Maggies Getting Married, and Home for the Hollydaze where she played Yvette, a Bootstrap original, ensemble Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra’s of Pirates of Penzance, and most recent SC Sound of Music, Choreographer and Ensemble of Newbury Art Concept’s/GW Graham’s Bye Bye Birdie.