Spotlight On: Erin Aldrich

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi! My name is Erin. I am a crazy cat lady and cat mom to Mimi and Lapis. I am also a singer, actor, and artist. I am playing Jesus in this show.

 

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 tend to favor a few good vocalized yawns and trills over a longer traditional warm up routine. If you’ve been talking all day, your voice is fairly warmed up already. As far as rest and rituals, I do put in quite a bit of care. I’ll be steaming before each show as well as at intermission!  Additionally, I love a good “throat coat” tea or throat and voice pastilles.

 

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?

I feel the music truly drives the dramatic arc for me.  I feel what I’m singing and it helps that I am on stage for a good portion of the show so I don’t lose emotional momentum.

 

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?

I think the rock style brings in audiences that might not typically watch musical theater. I’ve also been learning recently that Jesus Christ Superstar is a bit of a cult classic. Families are watching the movie version together and sharing it with each new generation.

 

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 cannot speak for everyone else, but it certainly does cross my mind. I grew up in a close minded Christian world. This musical was frowned upon by that world for “sympathizing” with Judas and “humanizing” Jesus. However, I personally feel like this story is a very close and respectful reiteration of the original story from the New Testament.

 

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 rehearsal environment is upbeat and fun. The production team has been very good about making the most of our time as well, so we are always productive. I honestly don’t know how our dancers are doing so much! I am impressed every day by the talent and stamina of this cast. My personal journey with Jesus is a bit more heavy emotionally rather than physically, which can also require quite a bit of energy, but in a different way. 

 

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

I think it’s important to prioritize rest. You cannot abandon yourself and still expect to be able to show up for your job, your family, and your theater commitments.

 

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

There are quite a lot of us, so it’s a little difficult to get to know every person individually. However, as a group, we have become very supportive of one another for sure. We hoop and holler when solos are crushed and dancers nail their routines and lifts.

 

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?