Jesus Christ Superstar Closes at Carrollwood Cultural Center

The Carrollwood Cultural Center closes its production of the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Sunday, March 22. Local performer Patty Smithey stars as Jesus in a modern adaptation that includes cell phones recording Jesus' final days and Roman Guards dressed as ICE agents.

Smithey's casting as a Black woman in the lead role universalizes the character and grounds the story in contemporary politics. Evan Lomba plays Judas and choreographed the dance-heavy production. Jessica Hill portrays Mary Magdalene, and David Groomes plays Pontius Pilate.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice originally conceived the rock opera as a concept album 56 years ago. The Carrollwood Cultural Center production incorporates the cast into the Overture and early scenes, engaging the audience from the opening.