Spotlight On: Christine McGuinness

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

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, I’m Christine! This is my 6 th production with CTC. I’m a Registered Nurse, but theatre has always been my passion.

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?

Hydration is a must! Warming up my body is also just as important with all the intense dancing in the show, so stretching before rehearsals & performances is crucial.

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 was not overly familiar with JCS before I auditioned for the show. And I didn’t know until rehearsals started that it is a sing-through! I try to keep in mind that we’re telling this incredible story as I’m fighting for my life dancing and singing through these songs (just kidding. Mostly). It’s a marathon, not a sprint!

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 story of Jesus is so well-known and ubiquitous; to believers and non-believers alike. But also, Andew Lloyd Webber’s score, though 50+ years old, still feels fresh. I fell in love with the music during the rehearsal process. I understand now why JCS is so beloved by so many.

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?

There is always going to be controversy surrounding anything pertaining to religion or religious figures, particularly when presented in a secular way (i.e. in a musical). But I think in the time since JCS was new, societal views have shifted. I can imagine the shock of seeing Jesus singing and dancing to rock music back in the early 1970s, but now JCS has become a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular musicals of all time.

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 entire cast truly supports one another. There is a lot of applause, praise, and encouragement, not only from the cast, but from the production team as well. It makes you want to push harder when performing. We all have the same goal here: to present an excellent and highly enjoyable theater experience to the audience.

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

I am so lucky to have the most supportive husband who holds the fort down while I am at rehearsal. It’s a lot, between working full-time, rehearsing four days a week, and taking care of six pets! But theatre is what fills my cup. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love.

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

Even though it’s a big cast, we jelled almost immediately. CTC is such a welcoming group. No one is ever made to feel like an outsider. Everyone is part of the family from day one. And I think it’s that vibe that’s enabled the cast to become so close, so quickly.

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?