Sherrod Brown, actor. Photo courtesy of The National Theatre.
If you have never seen “Jesus Christ Superstar,” you are in luck. The 50th Anniversary Tour will be opening this weekend at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C. for a short run. I had the opportunity to see the original on Broadway over 50 years ago. It is considered one the defining rock operas and changed the direction of musicals to this day. The show was first written as a concept album the great Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber and depicts the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas. This production is directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie and won the 2017 Olivier Award for best Musical Revival.
Sherrod Brown (Ensemble, Simon) Sherrod honed his craft at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, which afforded him the opportunity to merge technical training with his natural gifts. Because of his ability to create and flawlessly perform intricate routines and music, Sherrod was positioned to work with Grammy Award winning artists such as Miley Cyrus and Mariah Carey, to name a few. He has been featured on many national television performances which include BET, ABC, NBC, and The Disney Channel. He’s appeared with Mario Lopez on “Access Hollywood.” Sherrod has modeled for the “2021 Disney Christmas Fashion Campaign.” He is the owner and creative director of The Posh Factory Performing Arts Center, Inc. He is recognized as one of Florida’s “Top 20 Business Owners Under 40.” His theatre credits range from the choreographer of “The Color Purple” to starring as the Wiz in the hit musical “The Wiz.” Sherrod can be seen on Beyoncé’s Instagram page performing her hit song “Before I Let Go.” Ever the innovator, Sherrod became the first male NBA dancer and cheerleader for The Orlando Magic. He’s also credited as a principal vocalist for Carnival Cruise Line. His latest musical credit is his recording project and EP, “Sad Boys Club.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a classic. Do you have a favorite song from the many memorable ones?My favorite song during the show is “Could We Start Again Please” simply because it’s a vulnerable moment where the show slows down, and we get a quick chance to just have an intimate moment telling the story. It is a moment that feels like we are literally holding the audience in the palm of our hands.
You play one of the disciples, Simon. Did you do any background research for the role?
Yes, I learned that he’s known as Simon Zealots in the show because of his passion for Jesus. When he met Jesus near the Sea of Galilee, he decided to give up everything so that he could follow Jesus and listen to him talk about God. Simon became one of the twelve disciples of Jesus who changed his name to Peter which means “rock.”
You have worked in television and the stage as an actor and choreographer. You also run your own business. Which area or areas do you plan to continue to pursue and which do you prefer?
Every single one of them! (he laughs) I’ve been in love with the entertainment industry for as long as I can remember, so even behind the scenes as creative or on stage, I’m equally fulfilled. I also enjoy giving back to younger and upcoming generations of creatives which is why I opened my performing arts center in Florida.
Is there a show you that you would like to do in the future?
I would love to do a show in the future that has dialogue so that I can have the chance to tell a story beyond music. I ultimately dream of doing a show or a role that originated specifically with me in mind. I would also like to tell stories of Black and POC falling in love. However, if someone from casting at “Hamilton” on Broadway is reading this, call me.
Working on a national tour can be rewarding and exhausting. What do you like best about the travel and what do you like least?
The thing that I enjoy MOST about the travel is I’m getting the opportunity to go places in North America that I haven’t already been before. I enjoy the sightseeing, open roads, and time with my thoughts while traveling. The thing I would say is my least favorite thing about traveling is…traveling. If possible, I’d like to get everywhere in a time machine (he laughs)—“Are we there yet?” Sometimes making sure that you don’t leave important things behind in each hotel room is also another little headache.
“Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary Tour” will be running from May 17-19, 2024 at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online.
