A SMALL performance in the New Zealand Fringe Festival last year ignited a passion for theatre in 24-year-old Lower Hutt man Chris Gordon.
And he’s now been cast in the role of Jesus Christ in Wainuiomata Little Theatre’s upcoming performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar.
When he landed the role of Jesus Christ following auditions in November 2013, he had to wait two months before rehearsals began earlier this year.
Worried that the directors had made the wrong choice, Mr Gordon (Right) says he second-guessed himself.
“I kept thinking did they listen to enough of me singing? Have they made the right choice? Do they know if I sound good in every way that they want me to?”
But he says when rehearsals began his nerves disappeared as soon as he started singing, and having a lot of support from the cast really helped his confidence.
For Mr Gordon the best part about performing is the energy on stage.
He says although there is a lot of repetition when learning a segment, it’s awesome to see something come together.
“I love it. I love the people, and working together to accomplish something like this feels really good.”
Mr Gordon comes from a background of performers. Both sets of Grandparents were involved in theatre.
“My family are my inspiration, they really are. I can’t wait to show them what I’m achieving.”
In the future Mr Gordon says he would love to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera.
“It’s very much a toss-up between Jesus Christ and the Phantom as to which is my favourite. I’d say it probably slides towards the Phantom.”
Wainuiomata Little Theatre will perform Jesus Christ Superstar from May 1 to May 10 at the old Wainuiomata College in Moohan Street.
Tickets will be available from late March at Clives Chemist on Queen Street, Wainuiomata.