Spotlight On: Cara MacKenzie

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi I’m Cara MacKenzie and I play King Herod! I’m a children’s librarian and live in New Britain!

 

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 like to drink lots of green tea with honey and liquid iv to stay hydrated! I also like to repeat song lyrics to myself and speak them out loud to get into character!

 

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’m lucky I’m a bit of a princess track character so I get to get really excited about jesus at the beginning and them am not on again until Herod’s song. Listening to the rest of our incredible cast perform helps me keep the energy. 

 

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 because the story is timeless and can be applied to a number of contemporary scenarios it’s still very relevant today. Considering Jesus and his apostles as the occupied people carries through to occupied Palestine today and the genocide they’re facing. It’s a timeless message of a person seeking to better the lives of those around him taken down by forces of greed and power.

 

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 really haven’t considered the controversy I think because this musical has been done so frequently recently with so many incredible people. 

 

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?

Rehearsal energy is a blast, everyone hypes each other up. it’s a great supportive cast running on caffeine and love of performing!

 

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

I balance by sacrificing a lot of alone time haha. Most of my time recently has been work and rehearsal but because everyone is so lovely and supportive and the role of Herod is so fun and campy it’s worth it. The dancers though they’re amazing they’ve had to do even more rehearsal time than the rest of us and really make the show!

 

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

This specific cast has been so unique in the love and support we have for each other and our talents. From the beginning we’ve all gotten to know and appreciate each other as individuals part of a greater whole!

 

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?