Musical puts Jesus into perspective

Ever since the rock opera "Jesus Christ, Superstar" made a cultural splash in the 1970s, the Rev. Cam Malcolm found it badly wanting.

Malcolm, pastor of the Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church, always believed something was terribly wrong with the Broadway production from the legendary team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"I have taken that rock opera apart word by word and analyzed it very thoroughly," Malcolm said. "What it is, is anti-Christian, because it characterizes Jesus as not being divine. As Mary Magdalene sings in that production 'He's just a man.' "

To counter that, Malcolm, his church's musical director, Kathy Kemp, and 55 members of the church's youth groups will present their own rock opera, "Jesus Christ Cosmic Star" in two free performances at the church on Saturday.

Malcolm said the church youth groups have viewed the film version of the musical many times and discussed it.

"A lot of people got caught up in the songs and the melodies and much of that is very, very good from a musical point of view," he said. "But, the words are the key. 'Superstar' is almost like a thesis where they try to deconstruct Jesus to make their point. And their point is: he was just a great human being who was flawed and perhaps mistaken about his identity."

About three years ago, Malcolm said he and the church's senior high youth group began discussing how they could provide an alternative that presents what he considers a traditional Biblical perspective.

The result is "Jesus Christ Cosmic Star," which Malcolm readily admits is original to a point.

"This is totally original other than the fact that we took popular songs over the past 45 years and changed the lyrics," Malcolm said. "That's what we have done. We looked over about 40 pop songs, out of which we picked 14 and worked to change the lyrics to do this musical we thought we could do."

The songs range from "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas and "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles, to "Apologize" by One Republic and "Living On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi.

Jordan Bordonaro, 17, an 11th-grader at Highlands High School and soloist in the production, said, "My favorite part is doing our revision of "Tubthumping," which is an Irish drinking song. But, I'm biased because I wrote the revision."

Malcolm said they worked all last summer on the production, which has two acts and 14 scenes, using material straight from the Bible to rewrite lyrics and dialogue.

None of the music from "Jesus Christ Superstar" was used, he said.

Kemp said, "When you think about a lot of songs, they can be transferred right back to Jesus Christ. Even if there is a non-believer who comes to see it, they can listen to the story and be familiar with the music. You will still be pulled in because the tunes are going to sound familiar."

She said some of the lyrics were changed, but not too many, which might prevent the audience from singing along.

For example, she said, "'In My Sweet Lord,' ... we are still using the same chorus, so you can sing along."

Asked if he was concerned about possible copyright issues in regard to the production and the songs, Malcolm said he inquired about it with various people who have some experience with staging such productions.

He said the feedback he received is that as long as the church is not looking to record and sell the production or its music, there shouldn't be a problem. Both performances are free, he said, although donations to defray costs will be requested.

"We are asking everyone not to video it," Malcolm said. "We will video it just to keep a copy of it internally."

The story line is different that "Superstar," which is centered on the last seven days of Jesus' life.

"Cosmic Star" proceeds through the Resurrection and then to what Malcolm referred to as the eschaton, the final defeat of evil and beginning of "the new heaven and earth."

Kemp and Malcolm are effusive in their praise of the young people in the performance, many of whom have participated in musical groups and productions at Highlands.

"This is an amazing group of kids," Kemp said. "They are comical but they are talented and they have a belief in Jesus Christ."

The cast seems to be excited about the undertaking if Ben Grobe and Nathanael Nulph, 18-year-old seniors are a barometer. They share the role of Jesus, with Nulph taking it to the Resurrection and Grobe stepping in after that.

"I really enjoy getting to participate in one more theater performance in high school," Grobe said. "I think it is a really cool, once-in-a-lifetime deal to participate in."

"I think it is going to make an impact with a lot of people," Nulph said. "From a musical standpoint, this is a really unique way to minister to the community."

Additional Information:

If you go

Who: Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church youth groups

What: An original production, 'Jesus Christ Cosmic Star.'

When: Free performances Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Sanctuary of the church, Broadview Boulevard and Idaho Avenue, Harrison.