Knoch grad turns ‘Superstar’
Lights up on Brecken Farrell, a 2020 graduate of Knoch High School, who took the stage in his first professional production in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” last Thursday.
The rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice chronicles the days leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the events that took place. Farrell, a sophomore musical theater student at Point Park University, said being part of the show and keeping up with school has been eye-opening.
“It’s been challenging, but not overwhelming,” he said. “I’ve had ample time off to get work done, and honestly I’d argue it has helped me. I feel really inspired artistically right now, and that’s all flowing into school work.”
Farrell said receiving the role of Jesus was exhilarating.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said. “I was incredibly honored and honestly really excited to get started and show what I can do.”
The show rehearsed for a little more that two weeks before being put on for audiences at PMT’s Gargaro Theater, 327 S. Main St., Pittsburgh. As the cast was pretty familiar with the show, the rehearsal process was relatively easy, according to Farrell.
“I prefer fast-paced rehearsal processes. It doesn’t allow the show to get static,” he said. “Most of us have loved the show for years so we knew the songs.”
Farrell said opening night brought on a normal amount of nerves.
“I’m a firm believer in ‘if you’re not nervous, you don’t care,’” he said. “I’m always a little nervous, but I felt pretty confident and excited to tell the story to an audience of people. I feel the show has gotten better every time we’ve done it, and I’m excited for the rest of the run.”
Playing perhaps the most important figure in the Easter story meant doing plenty of research, Farrell said.
“It’s definitely daunting. I’m a Christian myself, and I feel being a Christian it’s even worse in a way because you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I have to play Jesus.’ I don’t think anyone is fully equipped to be Jesus,” he said. “I did as much research as I possibly could to make sure what I’m doing is not cheesy or cliche and honoring the story and the character.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar’s” cast is diverse in age and experience, according to Farrell.
“The cast is amazing; this production is the best I’ve ever worked on. We have everything from Broadway veterans to students at PMT to an infant that makes an appearance,” he said.
The show is incredibly special for Farrell as his vocal coach of eight years, David Toole, plays Judas.
“It’s been an incredible honor to perform alongside him. It’s been one of my favorite parts,” he said.
If it were up to Farrell, the show would never end its run, he said.
“I’m having a great time; I could do this show forever,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing with the work already developed. It’s really rewarding, living the story every night. I’m pretty wrecked after this show. It’s very rewarding and eye-opening.”
The show’s performance around the Easter holiday season makes it even more relevant, Farrell said.
“If you want to add some rock ‘n’ roll to your Easter story this year, you should come see it,” he said.
If You’re Going
WHAT: Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”
WHEN: Shows run Wednesdays through Sundays until May 1. Showtimes listed at pittsburghmusicals.com/superstar
WHERE: Gargaro Theater, 327 S. Main St., Pittsburgh
ADMISSION: Ticket prices available at pittsburghmusicals.com/superstar
