It was billed as a “rock opera.”
The term was catchy, and proved to be a good marketing tool for “Jesus Christ Superstar” — a revolutionary stage production featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics of Tim Rice.
Debuting on Broadway in 1971, the biblical musical is coming to Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre for performances at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.
Merrillville-based Star Productions is presenting this regional effort, which features some homegrown talent.
Portage’s Nicole Garza is portraying Mary Magdalene. “It’s actually been one of my bucket-list dream roles since I was a kid,” Garza, 31, said.
A professional singer, Garza is known regionally as a lead singer for Maggie Speaks, a popular Chicago-area cover band that dishes throwback fare and up-to-the-minute Top 40 hits.
Her band plays about 170 shows a year. Garza’s experience will be called upon when she sings material from “Jesus Christ Superstar” that includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”— a song that Yvonne Elliman had pop-chart success with in 1971.
“It’s a challenge emotionally and vocally,” Garza said of the complex ballad that describes Mary Magdalene’s feelings for Jesus.
Garza said she views Elliman as more or less a mentor.
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“She’s pretty much my inspiration,” Garza said of the singer and actress who portrayed Mary Magdalene in the 1973 film adaptation of the rock opera.
Tackling such an intriguing religious character in a play at a notable venue like the Star Plaza Theatre is proving to be a stimulating creative exercise for Garza. “I find it to be exciting,” she said. “I’m just trying to stay true to the story.”
Although young, Garza is a seasoned performer, thanks in large part to her membership in Maggie Speaks.
The band has played high-profile corporate events for the likes of ExxonMobil and Hewlett-Packard. There also have been international dates in Italy and Australia.
Garza is dedicating her performances in “Jesus Christ Superstar” to Christy Lynch, a friend who died of cancer on July 30. Lynch, a resident of Oak Lawn, did marketing work for Maggie Speaks.
Joining Garza on stage for “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be singer Michael Cunio in the role of Jesus. A New York City resident, Cunio portrayed Peter in a production of the musical that ran in Santa Barbara, Calif.
That engagement featured Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson, who played Jesus and Judas, respectively, in the 1973 film version. Two of its memorable songs are “Everything’s Alright” and “Heaven on Their Minds.”
For Cunio, the opportunity to work with Neeley and Anderson was invaluable.
“To get to do the show with my idols, it was just a truly incredible experience,” said Cunio, who just finished a long stint with vocal group Under the Streetlamp.
With a retro style, Under the Streetlamp has played international dates and received television exposure on PBS specials.
His ample experience in front of audiences will be tapped when he takes on the imposing role of the Son of God at the Star Plaza Theatre engagement.
“I’m far more intimidated by playing the character than singing the high notes,” Cunio noted. “I’m a little nervous about how I’m going to bring this historical figure to life.”
But his show-business acumen is at the ready. He is a tenor who can reach an alto-like pitch.
Cunio also is plugged into the helpful realization that Christ — although the Son of God — lived a human life, and, as Cunio puts it, was “very much flesh and blood until he died.”
The idea of telling Christ’s life through rock music — and having his story told from the perspective of Judas Iscariot — was a controversial artistic proposition at the time Webber’s musical debuted in 1971.
“When it came out, a lot of people weren’t happy,” Cunio noted. But “Jesus Christ Superstar” has endured, and eventually entered the artistic mainstream to become one of the more successful musicals of the past 50 years.
Regarding accomplishments, Cunio has enjoyed a personal triumph with the July release of “Back Alley Soul” — his solo debut album.
Available on iTunes, the album salutes some legendary soul music of the ’60s and ’70s. For instance, the works of iconic rhythm-and-blues artists James Brown and Aretha Franklin are covered by Cunio.
Just as Cunio has made a name for himself, the same can be said for Marc Summers, who will make a special guest appearance as King Herod in Star Productions’ “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Summers is known for this TV hosting duties on the children’s program “Double Dare” and on the Food Network’s “Unwrapped.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, U.S. Route 30 and Interstate 65, Merrillville
When: 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $26
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Information: 219-769-6311, ext. 5463, or www.starplazatheatre.com