Spotlight On: Tim Plankey

 

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Get to know Tim Plankey who is in the ensemble of our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Tim Plankey, and I am one of the few cast members who was probably alive when the seminal movie came out in the early ’70s. 

 

The score for Jesus Christ Superstar is notoriously taxing. What are your specific vocal warm-up routines or rest-day rituals to maintain your voice?

The score may be taxing, but I’ve been listening to the “Brown Album” since I could talk thanks to parents love of the musical, and luckily I am not a musician, so I don’t understand the details of what makes it so difficult.  I am so impressed by Erin and Jalon’s breath control and ability to hit the crazy high notes – I am glad that I am in the ensemble and don’t have the same expectations.  I have a long commute to the theater, so I spend much of that commute singing the songs to warm up and remember my harmonies.

 

This show is largely a non-stop, sung-through rock rollercoaster. How do you maintain the dramatic arc and emotional stamina from the overture to the curtain call?

It’s exciting to play different roles during the production which gives me the opportunity to sing praises to Jesus as well as shout for, and walk him to his death.  It makes the dramatic arc easier for me and keeps me engaged during the whole show.  Similarly, to the score, I am overwhelmed by the dancers and amazing choreography in this production.  I don’t have the same level of physical expectations that many cast members have and I am in awe of their stamina and talent.

 

The musical has been thrilling audiences for over 50 years. What do you think makes this sung-through rock opera still feel contemporary and relevant to modern audiences?

This is one of the most recognizable stories in the Western Hemisphere and the music/lyrics are incredible.  Professional companies are constantly performing it, so it stays fresh as they make decisions about the concept and message they want to share.  There are few musicals that can last the test of time, and JCS has to be one of the top.

 

Historically, this show has faced protests and intense debate regarding its content. Does that legacy of controversy cross the cast’s mind today, or has the cultural perception completely shifted?

The beauty of the Bible is that it is open to interpretation.  I remember in the early 1990’s when I was fortunate to see Ted Neely perform on tour, I passed by protestors at the theater.  They believed that Jesus was too humanized and that Judas was too sympathetic a character.  This telling of the story helped me to shape my own beliefs that center on Jesus being human before being a deity and Judas being conflicted and doing what he thought was right.  When studying religions in college, I recognized that he was also unwittingly fulfilling the prophecies in the Old Testament.  I am sure that there are still some cultural concerns, but it doesn’t seem to enter into the dialogue as much as it did 25-50 years ago.

 

From the opening overture to the final curtain, the show rarely stops for a breath. What is the rehearsal environment like trying to maintain that high-octane energy?

The creative team for this production has been so supportive.  The resources that everyone has provided (harmonies plucked out on a piano file, videos showing all choreography, nightly rehearsal reports) have been amazing and making the creative process that much easier. When energy dips during rehearsals, they call us out and drive high expectations… that only helps us to make the finished product what you’re able to see.

 

How do you balance full-time jobs, school, or family commitments with an intense community theater rehearsal schedule?

Balancing jobs and rehearsals is not easy, but totally worth it.  My boss at work knows that this is important to me and supports me.  Even more importantly, my wife knows it is important to me and supports me – three days a week I leave the house at 6:45 AM and don’t get home until close to 10:30PM.  If you love it – it’s worth it.

 

Community theater casts often become incredibly tight-knit very quickly. How did this specific cast build its chemistry and trust during rehearsals?

For someone in theater, I am very introverted.  Luckily, I am doing this show with my daughter, Shannon Pesi, but the rest of the cast have been welcoming and brought all of the new members of this theater company into their inner circles.  We have our singing parts (go Baritones!), our dance partners, and our on-stage relationships to help, but it is the camaraderie that we’ve built during the down times that is most rewarding.  As a 50+ year old in the cast, it is inspiring to see the multi-generational cast come together and thrive.

 

When local theatergoers leave the venue and head to their cars, what is the main conversation or feeling you hope they take home with them?