'Jesus Christ Superstar' Production Returns To The Valley
20 years since its last run in Eau Claire, director Ron Krienke has made it his vocation to give back to the community by donating all ticket proceeds
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
A world-renowned rock opera, which has wowed audiences both locally and internationally since its inception as a concept album in the 1970s, will once again return to the Chippewa Valley.
Set to be unveiled this week, The Oxford (1814 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire) will host a run of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The story of Jesus’ final days of life will be presented in this intimate venue, with performances continuing into April – just in time for Easter Sunday.
Ron Krienke, the director of Eau Claire’s latest iteration of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” said the production serves as a full-circle moment in his directorial career.
Krienke had previously directed the rock opera two decades ago at the State Theatre (316 Eau Claire St.) in Eau Claire; he brings decades of experience from the Chippewa Valley’s theater community to the current production.
Supported by a multi-generational cast and crew, the new staging of “Jesus Christ Superstar” promises a powerful, immersive experience for the audience, Krienke said. This “in the round” style of production – a first for the local theater community, according to the director – will fully plunge attendees into the performance.
Attendees will be seated just feet away from the cross, where Jesus meets his fate and takes his final breath.
“We are going to put an actor on the cross on Good Friday night at dusk – it will be crazy powerful.”
ron krienke
director, "jesus christ superstar"
“I have had this vision since I did (“Jesus Christ Superstar”) 20 years ago,” Krienke said. “How cool would it be, if I could bring the audience closer and actually be sitting under the cross?”
The rock opera – through song and dance – shares the story from the perspective of Judas Iscariot and emphasizes the political and personal struggles between Jesus, Judas and other leading characters.
As with many theatrical productions in the Chippewa Valley and beyond, “Jesus Christ Superstar” requires a financial investment to take on the level of care and attention needed to retell a story so deeply important to many.
Krienke, in this time of need, received a gift – that seemed almost heaven-sent – from an old friend and former employer, David Markquart of Markquart Motors.
Markquart generously gifted funds toward the entire production at The Oxford, covering all expenses for set design, rehearsal necessities and other rental fees.
“Because of David’s generosity to help me pay for this production, (it) allows me to do the other thing that was important to me on this project,” Krienke said. “Every dollar that we earn from selling those tickets… every penny of that money is going to be shared between three nonprofits.”
To align “Jesus Christ Superstar” with the vocational focus of both the local Christian and theater communities, Krienke has designated three organizations to receive a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales: the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, The Community Table and Joining Our Neighbors Advancing Hope (JONAH).
“My hope is when we fill every stinking seat in this theater for those seven productions, I’m hoping to be able to hand them each a check for about $10,000,” Krienke said. “If they come see this production, (attendees are) feeding people, they are helping people, they are educating people through the arts with every ticket they buy.”
TJ Atkins, executive director of The Community Table, said Krienke immediately expressed excitement to collaborate with the nonprofit in this way. The organization – beyond serving meals to guests 365 days per year – also provides basic hygiene needs, resources and guidance for struggling families in the Chippewa Valley.
Atkins said the additional funds from “Jesus Christ Superstar” would serve those current resources and residents in need. As a fellow advocate for the arts, she believes the convergence between three area orgs will highlight shared values that many in the community can relate to.
“This is a really special opportunity. I don’t know of anybody or a show at this caliber that’s been (done) in a community like ours,” Atkins said. “Theater itself is great, but the quality of acting that we have in the Chippewa Valley just amazes me at every show that I go to.”
Krienke and the rest of the production company believe the return of a timeless show like “Jesus Christ Superstar” to Eau Claire – whether viewed as a gift from above or simply the gift of powerful storytelling – will be significant.
He finds new gratitude through the local people who choose not only to support in bringing the story to life, but also those who attend and witness it all unfolding around them.
“We are going to put an actor on the cross on Good Friday night at dusk – it will be crazy powerful,” Krienke said. “Even people that aren’t familiar with this show are going to be smiling from ear to ear from the moment this music starts until the end – when they are sobbing.
“It’s going to happen. Trust me,” he continued.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” will run at The Oxford (1814 N Oxford Ave., Eau Claire) from March 26-29 and April 2-4. The theatrical experience will also act as a fundraiser for Eau Claire Children's Theatre, The Community Table, and JONAH Justice. Purchase tickets online (starting $15/person) at ecct.org/tickets.
