World Theater Productions (WTP) is bringing back the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, to the Guam stage this fall. Local legend Benjie Diola will lead the production.
Diola is a veteran of Guam’s theater scene with over 40 productions under his belt. He now returns from the Philippines to direct the show that recounts the final days of Jesus.
Diola recently wrapped a celebrated run of Mikado in Cebu and was honored as the first Haligi Laureate by the Guam Philharmonic Foundation for his decades of service to musical theater on the island. Past credits include Hairspray, Grease, The Music Man, and directing the ceremonies for the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.
The production will feature a cast of all ages and a live orchestra made up of members from Guam’s award-winning ensembles, including the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra and the Guam Territorial Band. Diola says he plans a traditional interpretation of the rock opera, reflecting Guam’s strong religious culture.
“Different directors have their own interpretation of the play. I don’t have the blasphemous production, it’s more on the religious side. Anybody can come, any religion can come and enjoy,” said Diola.
The show will take place at the University of Guam’s Field House on August 29th, 30th, and 31st.
Online auditions are currently being accepted via video submission, and in-person auditions and callbacks will be held at GPF Hall (next to Max’s Restaurant in Micronesia Mall) from May 2 to May 11.
WTP is also seeking instrumentalists, especially electric guitarists, to join the pit orchestra, along with backstage crew, chorus members, and volunteers.
