Spotlight On: Shannon Pesi

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Important things to know about me: I love my friends and family very deeply. I also love my cats, my parent’s cats, my cats-in-law, and your cats too. I got married last August, I work as a pediatric nurse, and I’m a huge fan of this musical!

 

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 love singing in the car on the way to rehearsal, and I’m always drinking water! 

 

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 try really hard to keep my brain in character but my body in motion. I’m constantly dancing around backstage. 

 

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?

Because this story originated thousands of years ago, the perspective brought by JCS in the 1970s is still very novel, when you think about it. Even as society becomes more secular, we still crave moral leadership, redemption arcs, and layered characters to help us grapple with our own flaws and challenges. The Good Friday story is brimming with these concepts, and the “bad guy” perspective forces us to ponder them even more deeply. For as long as people keep trying to make the right choices in a complicated world, this musical will always be relevant. 

 

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?

Jesus asks us to challenge our notions of power and righteousness. Organized religion asks us to consider how one set of ideals can inspire so much healing and so much pain at the same time. While looking at religious stories through a critical lens is certainly more socially acceptable these days, I believe there will always be some controversy around this show- and that’s okay! 

 

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?

We are just always jamming out. The music keeps the energy going. 

 

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

It’s hard! But it’s worth it for a show this special. And I’m lucky that I can consider rehearsals “family time” because my Dad (Tim Plankey) is doing the show with me! 

 

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

Honestly it just happened very quickly and naturally. We’ve all shown up enthusiastically and authentically from the very beginning, with an inclination to be supportive and friendly. We’ve been lucky. 

 

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?