UNO Theatre Rocks the Stage with Jesus Christ Superstar

November 24th, 2025

Ringing from the halls of the Weber Fine Arts Building, audiences can hear a cacophony of music from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Jesus Christ Superstar is a fully sung-through rock opera based on the biblical story of Jesus. The show brings both ballads and beats to life in this musical crafted by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

JM Christiansen, the director of Jesus Christ Superstar, says, “It’s going to look and feel very different than, like, a musical… This feels a lot more like an energetic, upbeat, moving rock concert.” This is also Christiansen’s first show with the University as a new faculty member in the theatre department.

The show is packed with music throughout its 90-minute runtime. From ballads to bold beats, it blends large dance numbers with grooves that keep the energy high. “I mean, it’s the kind of show where every song you’re like, ‘That was great,’ and then the next song is like, ‘This song’s great too.’ You just don’t get that a lot,” says Christiansen. “You can ask my family—I go home and I’m just singing [any] song all night.”

The soundtrack not only provides a unique opportunity for student performers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, but also highlights their abilities and talents—such as the vocal range and discipline of actors Kaden Weis (Jesus) and Kenya Leon (Judas). From high notes to high stakes, the show seeks to leave audiences buzzing. “This show, I think, is a real testament to the kind of work that students and faculty here at the University of Nebraska at Omaha can do,” Christiansen says. “And I think it’ll be a really special experience.”

UNO Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar will be showing until December 7. More information can be found through UNO Theatre on Instagram and Facebook.