Press Release
Feb. 11, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brittany Racca
(337) 365-1540
(888) 942-3742
Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Logo
Iberia Performing Arts League Presents: "Jesus Christ, Superstar"
NEW IBERIA, La. --- "Jesus Christ, Superstar," the legendary rock-opera written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will be presented by the Iberia Performing Arts League in New Iberia Feb. 26 - March 13, 2016.

Jesus Christ Superstar originated in 1970 as a concept album, which became an immediate hit for composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice. It is sung-through, with no spoken dialogue and is often called a "rock opera."  It was first staged on Broadway in 1971 and has continued a long theatrical career. In 1973 it was converted into a movie. The story is loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus that are not in the Bible narratives. Contemporary attitude, thoughts, and slang pervade the lyrics, with allusions to modern life and contemporary events .

The production is directed by Katherine Caffery, and stars Billy Walker as Jesus, Michael Caffery as Judas, Sarah Menard as Mary Magdalene, Rick Rowan as Pilate, Milton Resweber as King Herod, Danny Palmintier as Caiaphas, Edward deMahy as Annas,  Andrew Palmintier as Peter, Luke Nettles as Simon the Zealot with Kevin Judice, Michael Parich, Sr, and David Wattigny as the high priests.

Other cast members of the large cast include Bo Belanger, Ian Bonin, Hannah Broussard, Audie Comeaux, Jada Cormier, Kathryn Delcarpio, Michael Durand, Ben Green, Melissa Guest, Kayla Guillot, Katelyn Gulotta, Jacob Judice, Justin Judice, Mike LaBiche, William Lambert, Lanie Marcantel, Luke Nettles, Carmen Nicholson, Wendy Parich, Tiffany Poirrier, Charlie Robertson, Erin Segura, Phil Streva, Lindsay Unruh, Hailey Viator, Donald "Doc" Voorhies, Michelle White and Christia Williams.

Caffery noted, "I remember this work from my own college days and have always wanted to bring it to New Iberia. The IPAL gang said 'go for it' and it has been a moving experience to see it all come together.'"

IPAL is working its usual magic and expects another great musical. Billy Hochkeppel serves as both music director and orchestra conductor for the twelve piece orchestra. In Caffery's production staff are Rick Rowan as Vocal Director; Kim Monroe and Carmen Nicholson as Assistant Directors; Michael Caffery as Technical Director;  Margo Baker, Dianne Moss, Teresa Rymer and Frank Sierra as Set Artists; Kim Degeyter and Whitney Willis Hebert as choreographers, and  Donald "Doc" Voorhies as Producer.

This performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts administered by the  Acadiana Center for the Arts. Other sponsors include Iberiabank and the Iberia Cultural Resources Association.

Showings are Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Performances will be at the Essanee Theater, 126 Iberia St. in New Iberia. Tickets can be obtained at Delaune's Pharmacy, Paul's Flower Shop or the Daily Iberian office. For those not in New Iberia, tickets can be obtained online at EventBrite.com (Search IPAL), or by calling the theater at (337) 364 - 6114. Further information is available at IPAL's website IPALTheater.com. All tickets are $20.

For additional info, contact Katherine Caffery (337) 256-0604, Doc Voorhies, (337) 364-1975 or email IPAL@cox.net.
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The Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official parish marketing agency promoting New Iberia, Avery Island, Jefferson Island, Jeanerette, Loreauville and Delcambre as a destination. Marketing programs target leisure travelers, business travelers, media, entertainment industry, and the travel trade including group tour planners, meeting planners, sports planners and special event planners. The bureau operates a parish welcome center in New Iberia.
 
For more information on parish events and tourism assets, call the bureau at 337-365-1540 or visit IberiaTravel.com
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Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau
2513 Hwy 14 | New Iberia, LA | 70560
(337) 365-1540 | (888) 942-3742
www.IberiaTravel.com