Anthony Marino Jr. is calmly approaching what is arguably one of the more fraught roles in theater.

He’s playing Jesus in the Westmoreland Performing Arts pre-Easter production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

“It’s almost easy for me to step into it because of my history with the show,” said Marino, 21, of Greensburg.

Marino is the son of actors and WPA founders Tony and Renata Marino. He has acted since childhood in his parents’ theater troupes and in film and other Pittsburgh-area theater groups.

His family’s history with “Superstar” goes back to 1992, when his parents were in a production at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh.

“I was in the ensemble when I was a kid at about 5 or 6,” he said. “Tackling the role of Jesus now kind of leaves me feeling calm because of my comfort level with the show.”

The calm extends to the atmosphere during rehearsals, Marino added.

“It leaves me with space to delve into Jesus and who he was and what he stood for,” he said.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in Science Hall Theater on the Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood campus.

Courtesy of Westmoreland Performing Arts Cast members for the Westmoreland Performing Arts production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” include (front from left) Graham Shotts (Apostle), Gia Marino (Soul Girl), Anthony Marino (Jesus), Katherine Harkins (Soul Girl), Emily Thomas (Mary Magdalene), Emilee King (Soul Girl) and (back row) Alex Hubble (Simon), Alex Podolinski (Peter) ,Tony Marino (Judas) and Kevin O’Leary (Tormentor/ Pilate).  

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the rock opera is based loosely on the biblical Gospel accounts of the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. The work explores the psychology of Jesus and other characters, mostly centered on the betrayer Judas, who is unhappy with the direction in which Jesus is taking his disciples.

Debuting on Broadway in 1971, “Superstar” was nominated for five Tony Awards in 1972. Featured songs “Superstar” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” were 1970s radio hits.

The WPA production of “Superstar” is an all-around family event, Tony Marino said.

He is playing the role of Judas, while Renata plays Herod. Their daughter, Gia, also is part of the ensemble.

“We’ve done it many times, so it’s been a special thing for all of us in the family for more than 20 years now,” Tony Marino said. “The ensemble are very special to us, too — they’re just like a family.”

There also are some siblings performing, along with two mother-daughter pairs. Choreography is by Renata Marino, and Eric Barchiesi is music director.

War-torn setting

The production takes place in a war-torn setting.

“It reflects what is going on in our world today, much like it was in Jesus’ time, as well,” Tony Marino said. “You see these horrible things on TV, and you watch them all day, and how do you find a way to forgive in the midst of that?

“That’s the debate that happens in the show — how do you choose peace in the face of atrocity, in the face of pain, in the face of loss? Jesus, of course, advocates for peace,” he said.

Even with his comfort level, Anthony Marino said, he’s still facing challenges as he prepares his role.

“I think it’s one of the best musicals ever written, and it’s some of the best music ever written, in my opinion, but it’s not easy,” he said.

Father and son say the musical provides a moving experience, even if audience members aren’t familiar with the story as part of their faith tradition.

“Regardless of what people believe, there’s still the sense that there was this incredible individual who decided to sacrifice everything they had for what they believed in,” Tony Marino said.

“You go in and relive the last seven days of Jesus,” Anthony Marino said. “You’re immersed in what the disciples felt, even what Jesus felt. That’s what people come to the theater for — to be immersed in the experience.”

Tickets cost $15-$25. To reserve them, call 724-836-8000 or visit westmorelandperforming arts.com.

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