Spotlight On: Shawn Murray

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Shawn Murray, and I’d like to think I’m far from jealous or malicious – unlike the character I’m playing, Caiaphas.

 

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 may be the worst person to ask this question of, considering my lack of formal training. However, when summer isn’t providing plenty of it for free, I regularly sleep with a humidifier. Oh, and I tend to smoke a few less cigarettes on a rehearsal/show day. I guess that’s the health nut in me.

 

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?

As this is my first rock opera, I’m figuring this out as I go! All told, and hoping not to spoil the source material for the show, Caiaphas emerges from the narrative as the victor in his own story – something rare for an insecure, jealous foil.

 

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 name Judas has become synonymous with betrayer, and telling the story through his eyes, I feel it creates an uneasy sympathy in the audience. No one likes to admit it, but a villain you can actually empathize with is a very strong story-telling device.

 

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?

It’s ironic – of the two shows I’ve had the pleasure to work on at CTC (my first being “The Producers”), I’ve played characters driven by their own personal dogma to persecute others based on theirs. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice. Pushing controversy opens dialogue – something our culture is constantly in need of. It’s a joy to work with a theater company that doesn’t shy away from that.

 

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?

My personal track isn’t particularly taxing; however seeing how the production team nurtures and supports the cast, they seem to breathe life into the actors that are truly going non-stop.

 

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

At times it can be hard, but with important stories, it’s only worth telling if you strive to tell it well. I think that mantra lies in the hearts of everyone in this cast.

 

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

Our director gives us plenty of creative freedom, and as a result, we tend to collaborate with our scene partners to get the best effect on stage. That trust imparted downward from directorship is then traded between actors on the stage. A huge thank you to Billy for being the best Annas a Caiaphas could ever ask for. 

 

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?