Spotlight On: Heather Bazinet

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi! I’m Heather and I am an educator, a mom, a high school theatre director, a theatre nerd…

 

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?

I warm up on the way to rehearsal which definitely helps. My ensemble track is not nearly as taxing as all of the leads. They are really doing difficult and incredible work!

 

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?

For me, that really comes with repetition. The more I say/sing/dance the score, the more meaning it has.  Also, each piece of the show is different so every time I step onstage even within the same show, it is a new part of the story and feels fresh.

 

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?

The concept album came out the same year I was born, so I have known this score for a very long time! I think it’s still relevant because the themes of friendship, belonging, choice, fear and fate are and will always be part of the human experience.

 

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?

I think it’s possible that for deeply Christian folks, it will continue to be “controversial” because of the way Judas is portrayed. In all of my years of Catholic school, I don’t recall any attempts to see Judas as a struggling, feeling human being -he was simply a villain because of his betrayal of Jesus. I really wish my ultra Catholic mom were still here so I could ask her opinion about it.

 

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?

It has been challenging at times because it always takes me some time to really understand and feel the story and to become immersed in it.

 

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

I will be honest and say that summertime is the best time for me to do a show because I’m not working!!!  The first part of this rehearsal process (early June) was tough because the end of the school year is very busy for me.

 

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

Given that this is my first show with CTC, I did not know what to expect. Despite being a performer, I am actually pretty reserved when I enter a new situation and it takes me some time to feel comfortable. I believe that sharing the experience of creating any kind of art, really bonds people together and everyone has been very kind.

 

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?