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 winning team has been assembled for the next production of the Iberia Performing Arts League. As a result, it’s win-win for the patrons of the theater, quality theater at that, as the minutes tick away to the curtain going up Friday night on “Jesus Christ Superstar” in New Iberia.

More than 30 actors, stage hands and orchestra members got together for their final full dress rehearsal Tuesday night at the Essanee Theater on the 100 block of Iberia Street. To a man and woman, actor and actress, they had their game face on as they prepared to show residents and visitors their enactment of the famous Broadway musical that made its debut in 1971 and became an award-winning movie in 1973.

IPAL has never shied away from trying on something big for size. Apparently, the cast members and others have peaked at the right time because all systems are go.

“It’s going to be great. This is a hard show but we couldn’t ask for better cast,” Billy Walker, who is cast as Jesus, said in Wednesday’s Daily Iberian. 

The show should impress from the very beginning when veteran actor Michael Caffery sings “Heaven on Their Minds.” His rendition  rivals that of the late American singer Carl Anderson, who played Judas Iscariot in the movie.

Walker and Caffery are teamed with quality actors and actresses, including Sarah Menard as Mary Magdalene, Rick Rowan as Pilate, Milton Resweber as King Herod, Danny Palmintier as Caiaphus and Luke Nettles as Simon the Zealot.

The orchestra is ready to add its heart and soul to the play each night out, despite logging just four rehearsals. Conductor Billy Hockkeppel, who has been involved with previous IPAL productions “Spamalot” and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” said this play has been one of the most rewarding.

“This one is a lot more dramatic. It’s a lot harder on us because the music never stops. In ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,” there were dialogue breaks,” he said.

After Friday, “Jesus Christ Superstar” will show at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays through March 13.

IPAL continues to offer great entertainment at a premium level. You won’t want to miss it. 

DON SHOOPMAN

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR