Playing Judas and the fine line between reason and faith (Guest Column)

Editor’s note: Adam Vigneault plays Judas Iscariot in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ which opens March 30 at Weathervane Playhouse.

Performing in “Jesus Christ Superstar” has always been on my bucket list, but I always thought I would like to play the role of Jesus because of the song “Gethsemane.”

When I was called back for both the roles of Jesus and Judas and listened to more of the music and learned what the show was about, the role of Judas intrigued me a lot more, and I was thrilled to be offered that role.

I am especially drawn to the depth and range of conflicting emotions Judas has throughout the show. I can relate with some of the questions that Judas faces. The way Judas is portrayed—as a logical and practical man—challenges my thinking. It points out the fine line between reason and faith, and it is interesting to me to see it from that point of view.

I am a man of faith, and I learned that God gave us free will, that we all have a choice. But now I’m wondering, can we say that Judas really had a choice, or was it predestined? When Judas says in the play, “I’ve been tricked, I’ve been used, and you knew all the time,” he is portraying a person who was also a victim. It really challenges me to see what the show portrays about Judas compared to what I learned in my religious and historical training. This has caused me to dive deeper into my faith and what it says biblically about the time period of this show.

I am so excited about this show because it has one of the most talented cast of performers I have ever worked with, top to bottom. Working with so many talented people has made me step up my game! This is my eighth musical at Weathervane, and Weathervane is a really special place to me, not only because I’ve had the opportunity to play many great and varied roles, but also because this is where I met my wife. And now we are back on the stage together again!

‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’  the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, will be at Weathervane Playhouse March 30 to April 23. Performance days and times are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 pm (with no performance on Easter Sunday, April 16).  Additionally a 10 a.m. performance will be presented for school groups on Tuesday, April 4. Tickets are $10 to $26 and may be purchased by calling the box office at (330) 836-2626 or going to www.weathervaneplayhouse.com. Weathervane is located at 1301 Weathervane Lane, in the Merriman Valley.