TAYLOR — Millions of people around the world see Jesus Christ as an inspirational figure representing charity and goodwill, but the savior of Christianity inspired something else in a young John Bubul: stagecraft.
Bubul said he used to watch the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” so much as a child that his parents would hide the VHS tape from him. This spring, Bubul will bring “Jesus Christ Superstar” antagonist Annas to life on Act Out Theatre Group’s Act Out Stage, 408 N. Main St., Taylor.
The 25-year-old West Pittston resident said he usually plays the role of comedic relief, so embodying a character whose end-goal is the death of the Son of God came with an adjustment period.
“I had to kind of come to terms with being the bad guy, being one of the guys plotting to kill Jesus,” Bubul said. “Sometimes I’m on stage and try something with the character and I think, ‘Dear God, this is disgusting.’ But I have fun with it.”
Bubul described Annas as a character sure of what he must do to rid himself of the danger Christ poses to Roman society. The Roman prefect of Judea Pontius Pilate, portrayed by 25-year-old Wyoming resident Christian Lynch, is scared of Christ for a different reason. His conflict is one of self.
“More than anyone, he’s terrified of Jesus because he wants to be remembered well,” Lynch said. “Legacy is everything for him and he’s losing his legacy. He’s going to be remembered as the guy who killed Jesus.”
Pilate has three key moments throughout the production that define his role: a dream sequence that offers a glimpse at his future, an initial encounter with Christ and the eventual trial that intertwines both their fates together. Lynch said finding the right balance between stately figure and worrisome man hasn’t been easy.
“It’s tough because he’s a very conflicted character,” Lynch said. “He’s powerful, so he has to keep it together most of the show, but there’s also a little anger there. He’s a super conflicted dude. That’s a tough thing to get across.”
Audiences can see Lynch and Bubul take on these characters when Act Out Theatre performs “Jesus Christ Superstar” 7:30 p.m. March 31 and April 1, with a matinee performance 3 p.m. April 2. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Walk-ups are welcome, but for those predisposed to planning, reservations can be made by calling 570-881-4206 or emailing actouttheatre@yahoo.com.
