Heaven On Their Mind: Cole Thannisch is Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

What's the buzz? Over 50 years since it was first performed, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR continues to dazzle audiences. Set in the last week of his life, this iconic musical explores the personal and political struggles between Jesus Christ, his followers, and the powers that be. It finishes its run in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT this weekend, April 17th through April 19th.

Making his Hickory Community Theatre debut in the show's title role is Cole Thannisch.

Originally hailing from Georgia, Thannisch holds a Bachelor's of Music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Indulging an affinity for Belmonts, Thannisch and his spouse (a Charlotte-based pilot) currently reside in Belmont, North Carolina, where he is a vocal coach and professional performer. He enjoys yoga, stargazing, and playing Dungeons & Dragons in his free time.

Though this is his first show at the Hickory Community Theatre, Thannisch has already made an award-winning impression in the area: he received a 2024 Metrolina Theatre Association Award for Outstanding Lead Actor, for his role as Death/Prince Sirki in the Post Mortem Players' production of DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY.

For Thannisch, playing Jesus in this production is the answer to a performer's prayers. "JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been one of my favorite shows ever since I was little. I've been waiting for an opportunity to be in it for years! It is a unique challenge both vocally and dramatically. I'm not sure how anyone could figure out exactly how to portray the Son of God in a rock opera, but I think [star of the 1973 film] Ted Neely came the closest!"

Performances of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR are this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 17th through 19th, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for youth and students.

Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is rated PG-13. Some material may not be appropriate for children under 13.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced in association with MOReON Productions. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 76th season is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Belle Age, Covington Dental, LifeRootz, Protection Products, Inc., and Shurtape Technologies. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives additional support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.