Spotlight On: Zenn Langley

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Zenn Hunter Langley, and I really enjoy figuring out how things work, video games, and crocheting, but I also really enjoy theater. I’m involved with this production to make memories I never had the opportunity to make when I was younger.

 

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?

Some vocal warm-up routines I do to maintain my voice for Jesus Christ Superstar is to honestly whip out a few dance moves and sing music similar to the show after work because there’s a lot happening in the show and I do a lot of solitary work during the day. 

 

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, maintaining the dramatic arc and emotional stamina looks like a lot of deep breathing and having a show plot to keep me on track with what’s next.

 

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 feel like it’s relevant to modern audiences because you can feel every moment whether it’s wanting to support one’s you care for, stand up for what you believe in, or even just simply having the knowledge of what is to come; and there’s nothing you can do but watch everything unfold as your emotions flood however they may.

 

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 believe the cultural perception has shifted due to the amount of different versions you can find of this show, however, I feel like everyone in this production does such a wonderful job making it come to life retelling its own version of this well-known story.

 

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?

I feel like the rehearsal environment is definitely chaotic for me because I’m doing a lot of high-energy dancing with moving parts so I tend to always stay on my toes.

 

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

Balancing my full-time job and my theater rehearsal isn’t usually too bad because I work early mornings, but sometimes I have late rehearsals so on those days I try to sleep early if I can!

 

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

I feel like this cast just connected pretty fast. Everyone here is just very positive, good natured, and just ready to be here. During rehearsals you meet and connect with so many people, it all shows in different ways on stage and that’s just super cool to see!

 

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?