Jesus Christ Superstar Closes at Carrollwood Cultural Center

The Carrollwood Cultural Center closes its production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" this Sunday, March 22nd. The rock opera, adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice from their concept album, transposes Christ's final days to the present day, with cell phones recording events and ICE agents replacing Roman guards.

Patty Smithey plays Jesus as a strong Black woman, a casting choice that has drawn both support and criticism in Tampa's theater community. Reviewer Peter Nason of BroadwayWorld.com praised Smithey's performance for its "pathos, ferocity, yearning, power and grace," noting the interpretation broadens the role's reach.

Evan Lomba, who also choreographed the production, plays Judas with what Nason calls a "unique, fascinating interpretation" blending camp and emotional depth. Jessica Hill performs "I Don't Know How to Love Him" as Mary Magdalene, while David Groomes portrays Pontius Pilate without theatrical excess.

The production opens with an interactive processional down the aisle, with cast members including antagonists engaging the audience to create an energetic opening. Nason summed up the production simply: "This 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is a lot of things; boring isn't one of them."