What's the buzz at the Barrow? - 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

"What's the buzz, tell me what's a-happening?"

What's happening is the two-week run of the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" opens Friday night at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. 

The show is a mix of local stage veterans as well as a fair number of new talent for the Franklin theatre.

Ryan Dawley will play the title character of as Jesus as he makes his debut at the Barrow. Other making their first appearance at the Barrow will be Flynn Kirvan as Mary and Kevin Vinson.

They are joined on stage by Jeff Brown, who will reprise the role of Judas Iscariot. Barrow favorites Ian Best and Joe Thompson will return to the stage as King Herod and Pontius Pilate respectfully. 

​Frequent orchestra members Steve Luxbacher and Mike Krzmarzick will be in the spotlight this go around as Caiaphas, and Annas and Apostle Matthew.

Other cast members will include Keegan Hoover, Kevin Fox, David McVay, Luke Keebler, James McGinnis, Steven Schwab, Jack Cipriani, Bill Hennessy, Amanda Greene, Brooke Lawrie, Chelsea Armstrong, Maeve Wakefield, Charlotte (Lottie) Winger, Deanna Wolfgong, Libby Best, Sam Breene, Jim Nash and Jenny Jack. 

"Jesus Christ Superstar" is Andrew Lloyd Weber's timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events.

​The show follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life and through song explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, the Apostles, Jesus' followers and the Roman Empire. It is loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The performance, presented by the Franklin Civic Operetta Association, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 26 and 27 and May 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m. on April 28 and May 5. Tickets can be ordered by calling the box office at 814-437-3440 or online.