MELBOURNE, Fla. – It’s the story of Jesus Christ meets a rock concert, and this year the iconic musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is turning 50.
The show is seen through the eyes of Judas and follows the series of events in the final weeks of his life.
The sung-through rock opera features music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
It has hit songs like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”
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Alex Stone plays the governor of the Roman province of Judaea, Pontius Pilate.
Stone was on the “Fiddler on the Roof” tour for a year and a half before he landed his role in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
He said when he auditioned for the role of Pilate, the listing said it required being able to play guitar.
Stone said he wasn’t sure his guitar-playing skills were up to par, but his girlfriend encouraged him to take a chance anyways.
“At the end of the day, it’s like, even if you don’t think your skills or credentials are completely up to par with whatever you might be trying to meet, if you don’t do it, the answer is always going to be no,” Stone said.
Pilate is also known for sending Jesus to his death, but Stone said he doesn’t consider him to be a villain. He believes he is misunderstood.
“You definitely see him trying to extend a branch and extend a hand to say, ‘There is something we can do about this and you have the power to do it if you give me a chance,’ and unfortunately it’s just very tragic the way it all turns out,” Stone explained.
The King Center will have performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on March 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for ticket information.
Check out our interview with Stone in the video player below:
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