BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: ToB: Friday, May 9, 2025 | Heath Saunders on Asolo Rep’s ‘Superstar’
Introduction
In this engaging episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tammani delivers a hybrid show combining the latest Broadway news with an in-depth interview featuring acclaimed actor Heath Saunders. Saunders discusses his upcoming role as Judas in the Asolo Rep’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, sharing insights from his extensive experience with the musical.
News Highlights
Donald Trump's Planned Attendance at Les Misérables
Matt opens with a notable update: President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the June 11 national tour stop of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. According to CNN, "unnamed sources have confirmed that company managers have given the cast and other members the option to not perform for the day that Trump is there" (00:58). This decision comes amidst ongoing tensions regarding the current administration's impact on arts funding and administration.
25th Anniversary National Tour of Beauty and the Beast
Excitement brews for the 25th Anniversary Production of Beauty and the Beast, set to embark on a national tour starting June 25 in Schenectady, New York, before premiering in Chicago in July. Notable casting includes:
- Kira Bell Johnson as Belle
- Fergie Phillipe as the Beast
- Stephen Mark Lucas as Gaston
- Danny Gardner as Lumiere
- Kathy Voitko as Mrs. Potts
- Javier Ignacio as Cogsworth
- Other key roles include Harry Francis as Lafu, Kevin Lagann as Maurice, Holly Ann Butler as Madame Cameron, Monroe Thomas as Babette, and Beatrice Goddard Beggs alongside Levi Blaze Coleman sharing the role of Chip (02:15).
Off-Broadway Premiere of Gene and Gilda
The new play "Gene and Gilda" by Carrie Gitter is announced to run Off-Broadway at 59 East 59th Street from July 23 to September 7. The production explores the relationship between Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, featuring:
- Jonathan Randall Silver and Jordan Kai Burnett reprising their roles
- Directed by Joe Branco (03:12).
Community Highlights and Fundraising Events
Matt shares highlights from recent community events:
- Entertainment Community Friend Gala: Hosted by Michael Urie and honored guests Denzel Washington, James L. Neiderlander, and Ariana Debose. Performers included Nicole Scherzinger, Joy Woods, and Caroline Bowman.
- Third Annual Janus Jam: Organized by Matt DeAngelis in memory of his late mother, raising $115,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A standout performance by Kara Lindsay, who shared her personal battle with breast cancer by performing "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain (03:45).
Upcoming Shows to Watch
- Jesus Christ Superstar at Oslo Rep: Performances begin May 14 in Sarasota, Florida, running through June 15.
- Grace's Show at Soho Playhouse: Launching May 12 with tickets available for $25, featuring exclusive programming and a unique Off-Broadway experience (04:26).
In-Depth Interview with Heath Saunders
Rehearsal Process and Production Dynamics
Matt Tammani kicks off the interview by inquiring about Saunders' current rehearsal status for Jesus Christ Superstar. Heath shares, "We've done our first run through of the show... Another week of rehearsals allows us to dive deeper into the moments in a much more reasonable way" (07:39). He expresses satisfaction with the rehearsal schedule at Oslo Rep, highlighting the collaborative environment fostered by director Josh Rhodes.
Collaborating with Director Josh Rhodes
Heath praises Josh Rhodes as "an incredible visual storyteller" with a strong sense of theatricality and drama (09:11). Rhodes' fresh approach to the show has enhanced Heath's understanding and performance, making the rehearsal process both enjoyable and enriching.
Transitioning from Jesus to Judas
Having previously portrayed Jesus in an acclaimed Chicago production and served as an understudy in the NBC live version, Heath discusses the transition to playing Judas. He remarks, "I just love the score. It's one of my favorite scores of all time. So I'm like, I just get to sing all the parts" (13:00). Heath emphasizes the different vocal demands and emotional depths required for each role, noting that playing Judas allows him to explore a different facet of his artistic range.
Understanding the Roles: Jesus vs. Judas
Matt probes into the technical and character differences between playing Jesus and Judas. Heath explains, "Jesus is really a baritone who has a very specific party trick, which is this sort of screaming thing... Judas's party trick is always speaking high" (15:35). He highlights that both characters, though seemingly opposite, share similar motivations centered around striving to do right by the world, creating a compelling dynamic in the narrative.
Family Ties in the Performative Arts
Heath delves into his family's deep-rooted involvement in theater. With siblings actively performing in various productions—his brother Trent in Dead Outlaw on Broadway and sister Claire in Waitress—Heath appreciates the mutual support system. "We really are a little bit of an Angeloid Webber family through and through... I'm blessed and highly favored" (19:46). Their collective engagement in founding Spectra Theater underscores their commitment to innovative theatrical endeavors.
Unique Interpretation of Superstar
Discussing Asolo Rep’s rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar, Heath notes the production's heightened focus on storytelling and character development over a concert-like presentation. "Josh is more interested in the story and character... than how cool can they sound" (24:16). This approach aims to provide a deeper emotional and relational exploration of the characters, distinguishing it from previous productions.
Personal Reflections on the Show’s Themes
Heath offers profound insights into the thematic essence of Jesus Christ Superstar. He states, "The story of Jesus is much better understood when it's a story about human capacity for divinity, not the divine's capacity for humanity" (30:52). Emphasizing love and humanity, he hopes audiences will reflect on their own potential for divine compassion and understanding through the narrative.
Judas as the Protagonist
When asked if Judas is the hero of the story, Heath clarifies, "Judas is the protagonist... Jesus Christ Superstar is a tragedy because Judas is the protagonist, and it does not go particularly well for Judas" (34:08). He challenges traditional notions of heroism by presenting Judas as a complex character whose actions drive the plot, underscoring the show's tragic elements.
Conclusion
Matt concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to Heath Saunders for his candid and insightful discussion. He highlights the anticipation surrounding Heath's dual portrayal within Jesus Christ Superstar and encourages listeners to attend the upcoming performances to witness Saunders' dynamic interpretation firsthand.
Notable Quotes
- Heath Saunders: "Josh is an incredible visual storyteller... he's an amazing leader in rehearsal and keeping everybody's ideas heard and explored." (09:11)
- Heath Saunders: "The story of Jesus is much better understood when it's a story about human capacity for divinity, not the divine's capacity for humanity." (30:52)
- Heath Saunders: "Judas is the protagonist... Jesus Christ Superstar is a tragedy because Judas is the protagonist, and it does not go particularly well for Judas." (34:08)
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