Photo Flash: First Look at Cuccioli, Omoh, et al. in Pittsburgh CLO's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Audiences will be captivated by Pittsburgh CLO's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, August 2-14 at the Benedum Center! This powerful rock opera takes viewers on an emotional journey through the final days of Jesus of Nazareth. Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar start at $21.75 and are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square.

This stirring musical chronicles Jesus' meteor-like rise and ultimate death through the troubled eyes of his betrayer Judas. Both thought-provoking and tender, Jesus Christ Superstar illuminates the awe-inspiring power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart. The stirring and contemporary score will hold you spellbound: "Everything's Alright," "I Don't Know How To Love Him" and "What's the Buzz?"

Doug Kreeger (Jesus) makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut. He originated the role of Ian in Off- Broadway's Rooms: A Rock Romance and starred as Richard Loeb in Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story. Mr. Kreeger's performances have been called "compelling" by both The New York Times & New York Post and "riveting" by Rex Reed in The New York Observer. He appeared on Broadway in Les Misérables and toured internationally as Danny in Grease and Berger in Hair. He also appeared as Chita Rivera's boy-toy in the sold-out production of Kander & Ebb's The Visit at the Signature Theatre. Regionally, Mr. Kreeger has appeared at Arkansas Rep, Barrington Stage, Bay Street Theatre, Metrostage, GeVa Theatre, The Old Globe and Yale Rep. Mr. Kreeger studied at RADA and is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

Josh Tower (Judas) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after his acclaimed performance as John in 2010's Miss Saigon. Theater credits include: Simba in Disney's The Lion King (Broadway & original Gazelle Tour), Ragtime (Broadway & Chicago), Parade at the Mark Taper Forum, Judas in CLO Southbay's Jesus Christ Superstar, Prince Gallant in The Princess & the Black-Eyed Pea at San Diego Rep, Violet, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Dreamgirls, Chess, The Bubbly Black Girl..., Leap of Faith, The Times, As You Like It, Once on this Island, Joseph..., Godspell, Baby, Avenue X, Three Penny Opera and Cymbeline, in addition to his film and television work.

Will Blum (King Herod) makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, he is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory (BFA, Musical Theatre) and made his Broadway debut as Roger in Grease. He was most recently seen in the National Tour of Seussical (Horton). Mr. Blum's regional credits include: Big River (Huck), A Funny Thing...Forum (Hysterium) and Sweet Charity (Oscar).

Robert Cuccioli (Pontius Pilate) returns to Pittsburgh CLO to perform in Jesus Christ Superstar after recently starring in The Sound of Music and directing Jekyll & Hyde. He was nominated for a Tony® Award for his portrayal of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde on Broadway and also starred as Javert in the Broadway production of Les Misérables. Mr. Cuccioli's other Pittsburgh CLO credits include: Les Misérables, Barry Manilow's Copacabana, Funny Girl, Guys and Dolls, Bells are Ringing and The Pajama Game.

Jeff Howell (Annas) is a Pittsburgh actor/singer who has a long list of theater and concert credits. He was last seen on the Benedum stage in Pittsburgh CLO's 2011 productions of The Sound of Music and Jekyll & Hyde. Mr. Howell also appeared in Pittsburgh CLO's 2010 production of Oliver! His other onstage credits include: Beauty and the Beast, Candide, Bells are Ringing, A Musical Christmas Carol, Chicago, Man of La Mancha and as Fezziwig in the world premiere of Christopher Durang's Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge. His television credits include: "All My Children," "The Young and the Restless," "Equal Justice" and "The Oksana Baiul Story." Films: "The Cemetery Club," "Sudden Death," "The Dark Half" and "The Bride in Black."

Stephanie Umoh (Mary Magdalene) makes her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She was most recently seen as Sarah in Ragtime on Broadway. Her Off-Broadway theater credits include: Tin Pan Alley Rag with the Roundabout Theatre Company, Falling for Eve (Eve) at the York Theatre, Mona and Luck. Miss Umoh has also appeared in Johnny Baseball (Daisy), Aida (Aida), A Christmas Carol (Lily/Belle) and Hair (Sheila). She was recently awarded the 2009-2010 Theater World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut. Miss Umoh is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory.

James Zannelli (Caiphas) makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut. He has been performing regionally and has participated in various readings and showcases in New York City. Most recently Mr. Zannelli played Uncle Ernie in The Who's Tommy at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, SC. Favorite credits: Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess and Jekyll & Hyde (starring Sebastian Bach).

The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar will also be joined by 12 students from the Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater, many making their Benedum Center debuts!

Photo Credit: Jeanine Leech

More Articles by This Author...