by Lorie Lewis Ham
Fresno Lexus Broadway in Fresno is presenting Jesus Christ Superstar at the Saroyan on January 15 and 16. Recently, KRL had the opportunity to interview cast member Alex Stone who plays Pilate in this production.
KRL: Where are you from?
Alex: McLean VA just outside Washington DC.
KRL: When did you first become interested in acting?
Alex: My family is highly theatrically and musically oriented and got me and my brother involved in community theatre at a very young age. It was just part of my upbringing as the thing to do. I sang musical theatre constantly in the car, I did every show I could in middle and high school, and did many wonderful magnet programs to keep growing my skills. Eventually, my folks trusted my talents, got me voice lessons and I kept pursuing it with their constant support.
Alex Stone
KRL: What was the first role that you ever played?
Alex: Way back in my community theatre days, I played Gretle in Sound of Music. It’s rare that you’ll have young boys who want to do theatre instead of sports, but it’s even rarer that you don’t have a young girl willing to play the littlest Von Trapp kid. But you better believe I said “A, B, C” with all the vigor I could in that bowl haircut.
KRL: What are some of the roles you have played professionally?
Alex: Starting in college up till today, I’ve been lucky enough to act in some stellar shows. I’ve been Jack Kelly in Newsies and Judas in JCS both on two different occasions. One of my favorite experiences was playing Tony Wendice in the Hitchcock play Dial M for Murder. Recently I was on the touring production of Fiddler on the Roof playing Sasha, the soloist in “To Life.” That production was special to me, not only as my touring debut but being able to work on one of the finest musicals there is.
KRL: Why did you want to play this role?
Alex: Pilate is a unique opportunity as a performer. With the stage time the role has, he hardly is mentioned or interacts with the other characters onstage. When he’s on, the material provides an incredible arc. At the same time, tracking his journey between scenes offstage has been fascinating to work on and keeps me focused on making every performance the show this production deserves to be.
KRL: Can you share a little bit about the character for those not familiar with the show?
Alex: Of course! Pilate is a Roman governor during the time when Jesus was spreading his faith. Pilate barely troubles himself with the concern or squabbles of anything beneath him. That is until he has a dream about a haunted yet glorious man, who is beat down by a crowd, cried over and when the crowds speak of who’s to blame, they say Pilate’s name forever. Pilate has no idea who Jesus is, what giving the 39 lashes, succumbing to the mob’s desires, and condemning Jesus to be crucified will mean for eternal damnation until it is far too late.
Cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar”
KRL: Were you a fan of the show before you were cast?
Alex: Absolutely! I remember the exact parking lot we were in when my mother first played the album in the car. I was hooked from the first time I listened to “Heaven on Their Minds”.
KRL: What do you like best about playing this role?
Alex: Aside from looking like a punk rock star every day and telling strangers my black nail polish is for my job, the best part is the fulfillment I get from doing this job. Jesus Christ Superstar not only means a lot to me, you can tell the audiences adore the show. The role keeps my artistic soul fulfilled, and I get to see the country while I’m at it. If you have the initiative and energy, it can feel like vacationing every day and then going to work for an hour and a half at night!
KRL: What has been the biggest challenge in playing this role?
Alex: Keeping my journey connected all the way through my scenes that have long gaps of offstage time. Trust that my journey is authentic from the audience’s perspective has been a unique hurdle. That and getting my electric guitar skills to a comfortable place.
KRL: What have you done to prepare for this role?
Alex: Working with the creative on this production has been an absolute dream. The expectation this show demands is high. Taking every note and every subtlety into account every night can be draining not only physically but emotionally as well. Whenever I don’t feel locked into the work, I go over my notes from rehearsal in NYC. I remind myself that every audience is new and deserves the same energy and truth we give to opening or closing night. I focus on trusting the thought I’ve put into this role and the training I’ve received all my life that has led me here. I look back on what the creative team said in rehearsals: “You don’t have to prove that you deserve to be here. The team cast you in the show, so you’ve proved yourself already. Now we can work and create art together.”
KRL: What do you like best about this show?
Alex: Those who have a deep appreciation and love for Jesus Christ Superstar are rewarded for seeing this production. The creative team has developed a show with such nuance and authenticity. Every moment is not only thought through to extreme details, but services the story in a sincere and epic fashion. Mixing the elements of a rock concert with stunning theatrical work, it’s one of the finest versions of this show out there.
KRL: What is a typical day like for you while in this touring show?
Alex: Depending on whether or not we are traveling that day, I’ll exercise in the morning and grab breakfast. Then I’ll explore the city that we are performing in, work on any side projects I have or maybe play some DND with my friends. I’ll find some dinner and then it’s off to work!
KRL: Anything else you would like to share?
Alex: I need to give a huge shoutout to the ensemble in the show. When you see how they dance, you will be blown away. The amount of energy and endurance they have to get through this show every night is incredible. It’s a stacked cast of amazing artists creating this wall of power onstage that you seldom see. You can watch any of them and be blown away by their individuality and raw talent.
Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar are available at BroadwayinFresno.com, in person at the Fresno Entertainment and Convention Center Box Office, or by calling 800.745.3000.
Check out more local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. And don’t miss out on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast where we feature mystery stories read by local actors!
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