Hope everyone's recovering nicely.

Bill Gorman

What Jill Knapp Learned:

Greetings, all:

Here's what I learned:

• Doing Jesus Christ Superstar is the surest way to be forced to get over an aversion to feet
• Trying to sing after crying makes you sound like a turkey; nobody is immune
• Rory will be famous, and they're gonna use the videotape from Saturday night on Rory Donovan: Behind The Music (premiering in September, 2007)
• Brian Turner's girlfriend Katie is one of the coolest people around, and I move that we knight her as an honorary cast member
• If we added up the amount of weight lost by this cast in the last year or so, we could have had a few more apostles and guards (though they probably would have been funny looking)
• Hat on frontwards= Nice Matt. Hat on backwards= You're cruisin' for a bruisin'.
• Anyone looks better with pre-Raphaelite long red hair (see picture of Sandler wearing my wig)
• The later I go to bed, the later I get to work. The later I get to work, the later I have to stay. The later I have to stay, the less time I have to do the things I gotta do after work. The less time I have to do the things I gotta do after work, the later I stay up to accomplish said things. The later I stay up, the later I go to bed. The later I go to bed..........
• Not everyone is on this distribution list (like, the production staff, for example).. and since I don't have a cast list, I can't correct that. (Anyone interested in a JCS cast listserv?)
• I miss you freaks!

  [snipping out unrelated blather: --ed.]

  Last but not least: I still have two more versions of the show to turn into MP3s (2/7 and 2/8). Keep your eyes peeled on the site.

  May the Force be with you, always.

  --Jill

  (llij is just Jill spelled backwards.)

What Sandler Learned:

Everyone else seems to have a "What I learned on in JCS", so here is mine:

1. People think being in plays (even musicals) is cool - not a single friend or coworker said "what a geek" (about that anyway)
   
2. Smoked turkey legs - smell either yummy or gross
   
3. The cast drinks beer and single malt scotch - almost nothing else (unless you are Rory and then you drink gallons and gallons of water)
   
4. Sometimes when the audience doesn't clap it is good
   
5. It is possible to write a love song after you die in a car accident
   
6. Some people look good in anything
   
7. You can always use more apostles
   
8. Always check to see if your vest is on inside out
   
9. Some baby-wipes smell better than others
   
10. When Jill smiles - the world smiles with here. When Jill cries - I cry. If Jill gets hurt - I want to beat people up
    
11. It is ok to be walked all over as long as it is Jesus or Kelly that doing the walking
    
12. Smile can rhyme with Ohio
    
13. If you put deodorant on you feet, sandals don't smell as bad
    
14. At the last supper they only had fruit, some dry bread and imaginary wine
    
15. Come to every band rehearsal
    
16. The blood of Christ gets on everything - but tastes good on ice cream
    
17. Good people can play evil characters - well
    
18. If you talk with your belly on the set you end up with a turkey leg playing gluttony
    
19. People with huge quantities of talent can be wonderfully friendly
    
20. You can never have enough hugs
    
21. Two shots of Jagermeister and Chris Turner is asleep on a couch
    
22. The word "Jesus" can have as many syllables as Steve wants
    
23. When in doubt - go to Stanley's
    
24. Computer geeks can fill out a cast nicely
    
25. When everyone in a group sings - sing-alongs happen
    
26. Jill looks better in a wig than me
    

What Brian Turner Learned:

Okay I have now had two days to recover from what seriously was the most emotional experience I ever had, next to having to put my cat down on New Year's Day 2002. But this was a totally different kind of emotional experience.

Anyway, I sit here, putting a slideshow together in Adobe Premiere, hoping to hell it turns out right, so that I can put it up on the Knappster. HA! What a joke! :)

I first put in Powerpoint on Sunday, and then changed pictures every now and then until I got it right! And everytime I watch it I get choked up. In fact I watched it three times last night before I went to bed.

Now I also browse the JCS Site on the Knappster and realize what a great set of voices we had (like I didn't know that), how foolish yet awesome we were to do even think of singing Seasons of Love! :) and how I left five songs to early...What were you doing singing Lean on Me without me?

Some things that I learned-

• You can never gaurantee chemistry- it just somehow clicks or doesn't and we were lucky that we had it click. Kudos to those who came in late in the game. I would have been nervous as hell coming into a group like we had. I hope that we made you feel welcome! :)
• Trip ...he thinks...he speaks..he remains silent..any of these things makes me laugh
• Bradley and Darnell- two of the most sincerest, down to earth people I've ever met!
• If I ever had to take sides in a verbal screaming match, I agree with Bill, I'd take Kate's side. HA!
• Scooping- to be avoided at all costs
• Sandler loves his turkey legs
• Brian and Chris Turner's sister and brother in law make killer pastries!!

Love you all- I will let you know when the slide show is done and ready!!

What Chris Turner Learned:

Here are my musings:

1. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was a delightful production filled with servicable performances and hot costumes. That guy in the harness was quite the looker.
   
2. The harness hurt like a mo-fo. Especially around the senstive area.
   
3. Never EVER give a Hummer to a guy named LeBron.
   
4. This is by far the most talented, passionate cast I've ever worked with. You rock hard, live hard, cry hard, eat hard, and DRINK like pansies. Even I could drink more than Nick and Matt and Matt and Matt and Matt and Matt combined.
   
5. I've never seen a group of volunteers come back for more beatings from a production staff than this group. I applaud you. It made us better.
   
6. You have all touched me in ways I could never imagined. Thank you. Well, I always imagined Rory's hand touching me there, and when it did, it was HEAVENLY! "MY GOD I SAW HIM!!!" (BAHAHAHA, really bad pun. slap me silly and call me seymour)
   
7. When grown men cry, other grown men cry.
   
8. God bless Matt Gerry.
   
9. I will hold a special place in my heart for all of you. Right next to the Tricuspid Valve.
   
10. Never, EVER, EVER, give a Hummer to a guy named LeBron.
    
11. Kate Monaghan is a stately matron who deserves the utmost respect. We love her more than she will ever know.
    
12. Nick got it right. Since I don't need to kiss his ass anymore, then he can take this as truth.
    
13. Deirdre McCambridge is the sweetest, nicest, truest person in the world. Not saying all of you aren't, but Deirdre just plain old rocks the casbah. Thank you, Deirdre for blessing us with your spirit!
    
14. Bleeding knees are painful. Robleto pulls hair better than a dominatrix (umm, mmm..HEY THERE'S MY BUS!!!!)   Mike Vuccola pushes really hard, and Matt Casarino is the meanest SOB this side of Dom DeLuise.
    
15. My brother's girlfriend is the coolest chick. I agree she should hold an honorary place on the cast.
    
16. My parents love ALL OF YOU!!! They showed up every night not to see me or brian, but to see ALL OF YOU! The talented, impassioned cast of JCS.
    
17. Did I mention the Hummer and LeBron?

Honestly, I have never been involved in a (legal) production that has meant so much to me. It's not because of the role I got to play, (ooh the diva!) but it's because of the people that took part in this production. No egos, no divas, we were all hot and pretty (and were well aware of that), and didn't mind getting ugly. We showed up to help build sets, hang signs, paint, and staple programs. We fought for this show to the very end. From day one, we all knew we had something special. Yes, we were shy at the start. Some were intimidated by others. But by the end everyone cared for everyone. This is rare.

We had cast parties every night that most people attended. We sang together. We ate together. We peed together. We drank together. We loved together. We even cried together.

As Carol Channing said, "You can do it TOGETHER." She also said, "HELLO DOLLY," but I try to forget that.

Anyway, thank you all. I hope we meet up again. If not safe travels. You'll live forever in the MPEGs of mind and the nasty pictures on my computer.

Love, hugs, ladybugs and Papa Smurf's red pants,

Chris Turner

What Matt Casarino Learned:

My turn! My turn!!

Here’s a small sampling of what your friendly neighborhood Annas learned:

1. Never refer to yourself in the third person.
   
2. With Deirdre’s wonderful direction, anyone, including me, can make a few splotches of paint look just like marble!
   
3. If you take a dramatic pause, the audience will help you along (“Psst! It’s Gethsemane!!”).
   
4. If you’re going to cry during the last scene of every performance, make sure you’re lucky enough to have a Kathy Buterbaugh next to you.
   
5. Nick D’Argenio and Matt Gerry can direct me anytime, anywhere, to do damn near anything.
   
6. In the “Goofy Bio” contest, Greg Robleto wins, with Chris Turner a close second and Brian Turner a very close third.
   
7. There is SO much depth of talent in this group of people…everyone but everyone blew me away in those Cabarets. But if I can single out two peeps, how about that Brian Elam? And that Gail Holden? WOW!!!
   
8. Fake blood is harder to wash off than real blood.
   
9. Kate Monaghan is the coolest assistant director (and boss) ever!!!
   
10. If you copy programs, they will come. And staple them. And fold them. And even count them.
    
11. There are other people out there (besides me) who owned a TI-99 4A. And those people ROCK!!!
    
12. If I ever fell in love with another man, it would be Erick. Rowr!
    
13. Interestingly enough, Sherry pays for her Friends & Family tickets in ones...
    
14. Hey, you guys like my meatballs!
    
15. #14 was completely literal. No weird metaphor intended.
    
16. Hey, you guys like my rotini!
    
17. (See #15)
    
18. Bill Gorman – how cool is that guy? Thanks for the CD!
    
19. It’s HARD to be evil for 90 minutes straight.
    
20. I can’t believe I actually WORK HERE!! Thanks, everybody, for making "Jesus Christ Superstar" the kind of experience I’ve always wanted, but never quite attained, in all my years of doing community and dinner theatre!
    

A good guy again (and forevermore),

Matt

What Katie Schuck Learned:

Wow I feel the need to create a list. So here I go..

What I learned at Jesus Christ Superstar:

1. Wow.. What a great group of people.. I am almost positive I will never work with a group as talented as this cast has been. And out of the many shows I have done, this one tops the list.
   
2. No one knows what Invader Zim is, and if you do (Jill, and Michael Sandler) you are wicked cool, cuz you watch Nickelodeon, and are over 21. ..WOO!
   
3. I will send in my "backstage" tape to Behind the Music, and we will all be interviewed cuz we knew Rory. WOO!
   
4. Chocolate covered pretzels are amazing. As is birch beer.
   
5. Don't sex-up too many cast members, because like it or not, I'm 17, and it's illegal.
   
6. "I like a little chocolate in my milk"
   
7. Jill is the coolest .. And enjoys finding out things about your personal life and sharing with you on camera.
   
8. Wearing gold and Red belly dancing outfits is fun. But not fun when you have a giant piece missing from the back and you wear blue underwear. Le sigh.
   
9. Dan Ventura looks great in a dress.. woo-hoo!
   
10. Slinking off with Annas during the temple will never be noticed by anyone except for you and the rest of the priests ... but will make you crack up anyway.
    
11. Deirdre is the coolest person in the world. And I admire her tremendously. And if she cries because you are leaving a day before you should, you will cry too.
    
12. Never go trick or treating when you're 17, you may ring the doorbell to your directors house, and it will scare the bejesus out of you.
    
13. I will edit the tape to this show until I see double ... and then I will have to make copies. So I really WILL see double..
    
14. Mike Vuccola is the coolest teacher ever. and really isn't as scary as everyone thinks...
    
15. Trip has no perception,.. either that or he likes really whipping Rory.
    
16. Ian gives the best hugs.
    
17. Always make sure you line up Herod's Chair before you push him out ON stage. And always remember to line up Herod's Chair before you push him OFFstage.
    
18. Never miss a show because you have to go to a meeting in Maryland. And pay 2 bucks to get into Maryland. And 2 bucks to get back into Delaware ... because when its all said and done, I'm out 4 dollars, and wishing I was in Sundays performance.
    
19. Never miss a cast party, b/c then you have NO CLUE what everyone is talking about.
    
20. Matt Gerry drinks too much. But gosh darnit.. it's funny.

... K a t i e ...
on this page you see a little girl giggling at a hipp opot amus
i wonder why ?

What Rory Learned:

Hmmm here it is folks, my JCS list chock full of wit! Straight from the mind of christ to your computer screen.

1. yea..........getting whipped doesn't tickle.....
   
2. you can never ever ever drink enough H₂0
   
3. speaking of water......the water in good ol' herods cup tasted like shit, hence the constant spitting........probably should've just closed my mouth but hey.....
   
4. no matter what anyone says, you just don't get used to wearing a diaper.
   
5. Fake Blood SUCKS............period.......
   
6. ah and the stories about the "swinging" good times.... (sorry had to put it in)
   
7. The mental boner i recieved when our everything's alright girls went 3 for 3!
   
8. Those friggin delicous pastries..................nuff said
   
9. That friggin scary ass Cross......................nuff said
   
10. oh and one will never forget the Judas and Jesus "make-out" session, somethings just don't leave your mind
    
11. Getting bitch-slapped by a leper....thanks Dierdre.....hee hee
    
12. ahh the infamous Mr. Barko
    
13. "Hey.......does jesus have love handles?"
    
14. our unforgettable cabarets (actually i'm not to sure if Matt Gerry has that much recollection of the evening)
    
15. Speaking of Mr. Gerry, this show is forever in your debt..........
    
16. and last but not least, Finding out that it is in fact Possible to Blow oneself (with a hairdryer your friggin pervs!)

This show has been and experience that will not be forgotten. I have been part in many casts, but never one like ours. we were not a cast, we were something closer. we were a family, and because of that our show was what it was and from the bottom of my heart i thank all of you. good luck in all that you do. I leave you with a quote.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not partake in, than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, and sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream......"

Your Friend Always,
Rory

[Editor's Note: I'm gonna cry now.]

What The Amazing Gail Holden Learned:

Ok, I have to say reading these lists all day today, is really making me feel like I'm showing up to the do the show Friday. (so what if I'm all alone, singing to myself, and playing all the parts!) And really making me realize how much I appreciated and enjoyed working with you guys.....

Reflections on what I learned

1. That 41 year olds and 14 year olds have more in common than the numbers.
2. That you could laugh, sing, and get yelled at, at the same time.
3. Dierdre has the most amazing spirit in the world!
4. There is no one better to dress you in the dark than Ian! (I can't believe I have to put on my clothes by myself from now on!)
5. No matter how famous or old Rory gets, he'll still be "little Rory Donovan - Kate's son" to me
6. Kathy B. is the best at organizing and getting a cabaret together.
7. Jill has a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world when she talks to you
8. Brad, Steve, and Darnell - partners in crime - who always brought a smile to my face...and some good ol belly laughs!
9. Big thanks to Nick, Matt, and Kate...I still can't believe I was selected to be in the show!
10. Matt C. - thanks for squeezing my friends and family in - even though I changed the date about 90 times.
11. Marge thanks for giving me a shoulder for my head, and the low notes!
12. To the entire cast, words can't express what a remarkable experience this was. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Please stay in touch.
13. Trip discussing his beaded thong during "Everythings Allright"

What Lauren Deaner Learned:

In an effort to procrastinate reading for all my classes i decided to join in the fun! Here's my list:

1. It is possible to join a cast over half way through rehersal and still become part of the family...but only when the cast is as awsome as ours!
   
2. If every cast was fed as well as ours, i would be in productions forever and never suffer through dinning hall food again!
   
3. Our cast has some of the most incredible voices i've ever heard in my life! (Rory, jill, Brad, Gale, Kelly Kelly, Kelly, Chris Brian, Matt,...and the rest of the entire cast...)
   
4. If Jesus flipped out in the temple and ran strait towards you, realistically you would have run a lot farther away then i did, However since it was just Rory, it really wasn't all that scary :)
   
5. Hugging people that are taller than you results in being picked up off the ground...now consider my height...this results in some serious air time...i should get frequent hug miles! :)
   
6. The Wilmington Drama League Theater is colder than being outside for 6 hours when its 12 degrees outside with a windshield of 6!
   
7. Always wear layers
   
8. Dierdre ROCKS!
   
9. 'Jesus' can hold his breath for 1 minute and 29 seconds...he counted... ( i don't know why i thought that was funny...but it ended up on my AIM profile...
   
10. Its safe to assume that people really want you in their cast when you rely on them for rides and they never forget you! Thanks Guys!
    
11. if you cross your fingers before someone is hung they won't get hurt :)
    
12. "Could we start again please" will forever make me cry
    

Thanks guys so much for welcoming me into the cast! Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical i ever saw on stage, and it was a dream come true to be in the cast. I hope to see you all on stage again soon!

My list would have been longer, but i think i should probably start the 300 pages of reading i have due tomorrow...

Lauren

What Brian Elam Learned:

Errrr...Don't look at me like that! I've decided to join the whole list bit with everyone so here is what the Elameister has learned!

1. You start singing "Jub jig jig jub..." and certain people WILL response.
   
2. Three weeks is enough time to learn anything...
   
3. Don't listen to Trip during the last supper or you're gonna laugh!
   
4. Whoever said "White Man can't jump" was very wrong. Chris G. gets HEIGHT when he jumps off that platform!
   
5. Air Hockey is only dangerous when you go to Cracker Matt's house.
   
6. NEVER SAY CRACKER in front of Matt, Both Chris', and Brian Turner.
   
7. Jill is such a beautiful person!
   
8. Anyone can pick me up with one arm.
   
9. You can get away with wearing shoes while everyone else wears sandals!
   
10. *Ahem* Dierdre does indeed ROCK.
    
11. Being comforted by Nancy is always the best.
    
12. I never get enough of Kathy and Marge...No seriously...I see then almost every other day.
    
13. I am no longer a big coward...at least I think so!
    
14. Being very weak sucks...Even more so when you're thrown across the stage trying to fight Ian...
    
15. Katie was right when she said that it is VERY hard to make stage talk each performance.
    
16. Roseanne is one crazy cat!
    
17. If you listen very good, you can hear the 'back-up' chorus in 'Superstar' on the mp3s!
    

That's my rant everybody. I really have to thank you all for making my 1st musical one I'll never forget. You all have a special place in my heart and I wish you all nothing but the utmost success. PeAcE out everyone. This is Elam, under and out.

Brian K. Elam

---
"You can pick your friends...you can pick your nose...BUT, you can't pick your friend's nose." - Mandy, Grim & Evil

"You know what they say, the brighter the picture, the darker the negative." Rupert Throne - Batman

A Note from The Radiant Kate Monaghan

I am seldom accused of being inarticulate (and almost NEVER of being silent) but I really didn't do the job on Sunday of telling you all how much being part of JCS has meant to me. Not to WDL, - to me.

I am sitting here in my office cube, tearing up, as I think of the men and women whose warmth, energy, commitment and talent came together to create this wonderful production, and wound up making something even bigger and better - the love we have for each other. We spent more than four months together, and the results, theatrical and personal, are so special that I really don't have the words to describe them. (And I hate it when that happens!!)

Know that I love each and every one of you - the precious old friends whom I knew before we started down this path together, and the precious new friends who are now also a part of my life and who I am. I thank you with all my heart.

Kate

PS: Chris - Jon Williams email is JWilliams at udel dot edu.

A Note from The Most Excellent Hugger, Ian Buterbaugh

I will make this short (hopefully?). I have plenty to say about the impact everyone involved made on the lifepath and growth of a mere individual, considering the grand spectrum the we have titled life, but the only things I can find the words for is WAY TO GO KATHY, BALLZ, and WELCOME MADELINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, I can't imagine a better group of people to have been blessed with to share this landmark of life, thanks to the REAL SUPERSTAR that gave us this great message and story to take to the streets, to His Dad, and a final thanks to ALL of you for just sharing, caring, and renewing faith!!!!!!!!!!!!! Step by step!!

LOVE,

ian

P.S.~ For a great story, ask Mrs. Turner about the father teaching his child the lesson about not having to follow the crowd coming out of one of our shows!!

Selections from the Trip Sullivan Anthology, by Chris Ghiorzi (age 10)

It is with great pleasure that I present to you, at this time, selections from the Trip Sullivan masterpiece "Another Night of Getting Mobbed by Apostles of Jesus: A Retort." For those not familiar with this timeless treatise, at the point in "The Arrest" where the apostles stop singing "Hang on Lord, we're going to fight for you" (having pulled Trip the Guard away from Jesus), Mr. Sullivan took it upon himself to fill the 5 or so seconds of silence between Rory's lines with provacative witticisms focusing on long-standing philosophical conundrums and social morrays. From the center of a ring of Apostles, he bestowed on us one treasured line each night, including...

• "Tell me a bedtime story."
• "Man, I have got a HUGE boner right now."
• "On man! You can see my thong in this costume! Oh yeah. I saw you lookin'."
• "Naw.... I got nothing."
• "Jesus has love handles... pass it on."
• "It's no use. Your Jedi forces are surrounded."
• ...and many more, which I'm sure will surface in my brain as I continue my therapy.

Chris G.

Trip Sullivan's frikkin' hilarious musings and learned tidbits:

Seriously, I had a blast doing this. I've been boring people to death talking about it. Last night, I was up in town playing drums at my church and before heading on to I-95 to head home, I turned by mistake as if I was heading toward the drama league. I thought about stopping by to see if anyone was there but the thought that probably no one was, made me sad.

I have never acted or sang onstage before and this has spoiled me to do any other production (not that I won't). Thank you for letting me join the merry little band, it was an honor. Thanks also everyone, for your patience, hugs, love, help with costumes, help with notes, help with whipping (what kind of show is this?) and for laughing at my jokes.

Now, not so seriously:

1. Apparently, poor people in the desert could quite easily attain fresh grapes that, while they last forever, no one bothers to eat.
2. I wanted to rewrite my bio like twenty times, after reading everyone else’s.
3. Elam is frightened by personifications of inanimate objects
4. Brothers Turner desperately need to stage a Beatles-like invasion on the United States with their talents. They could even grow mop-tops. They need to do this, and they need to do it soon. But not this Wednesday, I’m busy that day.
5. Acting like you’re a sleazeball during the Temple was very hard…no pun intended, you sickos.
6. Sandler: good with code, not so good with names
7. Who’d thunk this “little shoebox theater” could be so freakin’ amazing?!?
8. Dan looks good in his skirt...dammitt.
9. Some people look great in makeup…it accentuates, it covers, it frames. It can turn the girl next door into a knockout. It can shine a spotlight on your personality. It can reveal or hide your innermost intentions. On me: 50 cent whore.
10. Deirdre rocks the block, Deirdre rules the cool, Deirdre wows the house. Her momma raised no fool.
11. Over the course of the production Chris Ghiorzi, has dished out some of the most hilarious, wickedest one-liners I have ever heard. I only wish I could remember some so I could steal them.
12. How is it possible Gail never “accidently” killed me on the way to sing during “This Jesus Must Die?” She could’ve just shoved me into the bathroom and beaten my ass good.
13. The guards didn’t beat or torture Jesus at all. He was just clumsy and fell down some steps.
14. Say no to pantomime.
15. You can have your turkey leg and eat it too. But it will stink, and only oranges can destroy it.
16. The rest of the people in my life have clearly been holding back with the hugs.
17. It took every ounce of courage I had to interact with Jill on stage. Damn she’s good.
18. Those Buterbaughs are up to something, I just can’t figure out what…
19. Katie’s seventeen?!??
20. If you play the entire show backwards many interesting things happen:

• We start again, please
• Jesus is helped off the cross after he springs back to life
• Water leaps off of Jesus, into Herod’s cup, which he then drinks
• Jesus and Judas get to second base and steal third
• Pilate washes his hands but not before leaving the bathroom
• We knew all along what the buzz was

A Note and list from Kathy Buterbaugh!

• You have no idea how much Deidre truly does rock!(Quick, run down to the corner and save your minds before they disappear down the sewer)
• Displaying talent is MUCH different than sharing talent.
• "A big part of how good a show is depends on how much fun the cast is obviously having together" (a direct quote from more than one audience member) which made JCS unstoppable!
• Sometimes when you think people are intimidating and don't like you,you are thankfully wrong.
• If you're gonna cry during the last scene of every performance, make sure you're lucky enough to haveI a Matt Casarino next to you (preferably wearing a black t-shirt)
• If you are very lucky, you get to share this incredibly positive experience with not one but TWO of your children, who mean absolutely the world to you.
• If you are very VERY lucky there is a wonderful time in your daughter's young life when she is learning to be an adult, but still holding on to the important parts of her childhood. And during this time, a man with so much kindness, talent, and vision that he agrees to share it with the rest of the free world, gathers an extraordinary group of people, from musical geniuses to consummate performers,unfailing organizers, artistic builders, patient teachers, and loyal friends. He then invites your daughter to join this group, and she discovers this magical place where incredible people actually listen to her, teach her, encourage her, and include her- without being dismissive or compromising her idealistic youth (or what's left of it). And just when you think you couldn't get any luckier, she thanks you for being her mom and allowing her to have shared in this experience- and you're sure your heart is about to burst- with pride, joy, and eternal gratitude to this amazing group of people that has left an indelible smile on the faces of so many, on and off the stage.

Missing you all terribly,
Kathy B.

And an amazing po-em from The Kathy:

FRIENDS BOTH NEW AND OLD
A STORY TO BE TOLD
LIGHTS ARE WARM ACROSS THE STAGE
WHERE JESUS' LIFE UNFOLDS

Music starts, the bass strings sing,
    Perfection is our quest.
The band, as one, creates a sound
    That just demands our best.

We robe in silence, Rory waits,
    Lifted up by some.
The lights create an eery glow,
    Fortelling scenes to come.

From song to song are hearts poured out
    By Rory, Jill, and Chris.
Though Brian stirs us to a frenzy,
    Jill restores our bliss.

The priests in all their wickedness
    Use Judas as a pawn.
Though playful rascals off the stage,
    Uncanny evil on.

Apostles make us love them all,
    Their harmonies divine.
Bradley sings just like an angel-
    Even after wine.

Herod , you just crack us up-
    Power run amuck.
Your voice will always stay with us-
    " Jeee-sus" just for luck.

Temple merchants, angry mob,
    Gospel choir too-
As long Matt's on our TV,
    There's nothing we can't do!

Pilate's pleading gives us chills
    His voice exudes pure power.
The desparation turns to hate
    During Christ's last hours.

So acting like we mean it
    We tell him,"Kill the Lord!"
The earthly end to Jesus-
    They nail him to a board.

The change is quick, we're back to us,
    Emotions running strong.
Then stunned and drained we take a breath,
    for Jill begins the song.

And too soon comes the curtain call
    Could We Start Again.
The tears make singing difficult-
    We're holding hands with friends.

The audience cannot control
    The urge to stand and cheer.
And no one wishes they right now
    Were anywhere but here.

I love you all,
Kathy

What Tom Mangano Learned:

1. Magic can happen night after night (and days too).
2. Matt Gerry can put together a great band, and bring out the best singing in people.
3. This was the first production where my girlfriend got to grope me on stage.
4. Deirdre does rock ( but I wish you would gain some weight)
5. Aposotles can live by bread alone
6. Jill is the coolest.
7. I think we should have cabaret nights every Sat at the WDL.
8. You don't have to be a soul girl to sing like one.
9. When Rory has the movie of his life made, maybe we can play people who inspired him.
10. I want 15 people to rub my back at the same time whether they are lepers or not.
11. I found out how many people it take to lift God.
12. And now the Buterbaugh family singers....
13. Chris, the bird is dead (ok 7 schekels my final offer.)
14. Hugging is the most natural thing in the world.
15. Gray beards suck!
16. I will miss all of the togetherness.

Thomas (the one who doubted)*
*not that the show would suceed, you twits

More Thoughts from The Bill Gorman, that scum-sucking traitor who hates my website with every molecule of his being, but that's OK, I'm man enough to respect his opinion, even though it's totally stupid:

I'll preface this by saying I've never cried during the reading nor the description of an email. I came awfully damn close after Kathy's.

I told Jill she'd not be able to top "Muppets Take Manhattan" in making me cry during a production of any kind. I was completely wrong.

I can honestly say this production changed me a little. How, exactly, is hard to put into words, but suffice to say my confidence level has increased and I'll be able to audition for future shows without shaking, cracking my voice somehow, or blanking on the words of the song.

I've been involved in a few productions...oddly enough I think all of them have involved Kathy in some way, shape or form. People drop in and out all the time...just the nature of the beast that is community theater. But I've never seen anything like the way this group opened its collective arms to each and every new person that came in. All three Kellys. Brian Elam. Mike Vuccola...I'd go on but we all know what I'm talking about. It was amazing to watch it all come together.

I plan to keep working in the theater. I don't anticipate running into another cast of people quite like the one I just got finished working with.

Part of me wishes I could put all this as poetically as Kathy, or as comically as Trip & Chris. Part of me wishes I had a show tomorrow night (though my girlfriend is happy to see I'm still in one piece after seeing the Temple scene). All of me desperately hopes that I'll get to work with all of you in some way again.

I've never gone into the last weekend of a show without being thankful that it was the last weekend of the show. I can only hope to have that happen again, because that might be the best feeling an actor could have.

I really hope a lot of us can make it to the Spotlight Awards because they're fun to attend and I think we'll take a lot of hardware.

Bill Gorman

What Mike Vucola Learned:

Observations, opinions, and comments from Psycho-Priest, one of the four Priesty Boys.

1. I wanted to audition for the show but was too involved in Babes In Toyland (cough, cough, gag, gag) to really consider it.
2. When fortune smiled on me and Nick asked me to sub in as a priest, I was thrilled.
3. When I saw how damned talented everyone was on my first night of rehearsal, I wanted to run. Matt introduced himself to me, had me tell him who I was, and then asked me if I was pissed. I told him "No, I always look this way."
4. Remember: I have directed two children's shows at WDL. I can't be all bad. [And he can't be all Brad. --ed.]  I love kids . . . lightly battered and deep fried . . . and I teach.
5. Then it dawned on me. Nick not only wanted to "win" the box office records formerly held by Annie (directed by Marge Ventura and me), he wanted to rub it in by having me (and her) in the cast. (Just kidding.)
6. I tried to quit during the second weekend. Nick laughed at me and told me I couldn't. He called me a diva. He then never said another word. It pissed me off so much I couldn't quit. I learned my most valuable lesson from this experience. I have always taught my students that there is no such thing as a small part, only small actors. I now realize that is bullsh*t. There are indeed small parts. I had one. Signed: Diva V.
7. I am not a "partier." I like parties; I really do. Okay, I used to like parties. I don't feel comfortable anymore. I don't go to parties without my wife. Since many houses are not handicap accessible, my wife and I don't party much. If I go by myself, I wind up feeling guilty and lonely. I did not attend any cast parties for Babes In Toyland either. Enough said.
8. There are many advantages to looking like a psychopathic killer like I do, especially if you are a high school teacher or are negotiating for a car deal.
9. Most of my appearance is because I am chronically depressed. Yes, I take medication but it's tough to change facial expressions formed over 50 years. Besides, I used to have bad teeth so I avoid smiling.
10. Yes, I thought gray beards sucked too . . . until mine turned gray. Considering that my face is one of the few places that still grows hair, I will take the gray.
11. Oh, two things about being bald:
    1. It is low maintenance. A damp cloth and I'm good to go.
    2. I never have a bad hair day or hat hair. I do occasionally suffer from hat skin.
12. Kathy, wonderful poem. I would respond with a dirty limerick but this is getting long and I'm tired.
13. I really don't know Deirdre and did not speak with her, but if everyone says she rocks then SHE ROCKS.
14. Chris, I thoroughly enjoyed shoving you every night. In fact, I truly miss that. If you could schedule an agreeable time, maybe I could . . .
15. Rory, you are young, handsome, have hair, and a beautiful voice. I hate you.
16. I want to direct A Chorus Line.
17. Fellow Priesty Boys, you were great. Jim, dynamite performance. I wish you could have done the last show. Nick was . . . Never mind. Matt C, same to you, excellent performance. Mr. Robleto, we have now done several shows together. In this show, your part was much bigger than mine. Go to hell. (Seriously, I hope we get to do it again.) I could have been another Apostle, Nick. Twelve, thirteen, maybe there was the Apostle no one wanted to talk about.
18. Erick. My God you were GREAT! Jill, lovely voice, beautiful voice, and some of the best sobbing I have ever heard in my life. Rory, magnificent. Chris, you were okay. If there is ever a remake of the movie, all of you need to audition.
19. Nick, Marge, Kathy B., Matt K, Assistant Dir., cast, crew, and the mouse, thank you.
20. Upon returning home after a performance one evening, my 24 year old daughter asked if I was wearing makeup. I told her I was. Her redneck boyfriend then seriously told me how good I looked. I have been nervous ever since.
21. Katie S. must say nice things about me. First, I wrote her a dynamite recommendation for college and two, she has not graduated YET.
22. One last thing. I thank all of you for the experience. I also have a handicap accessible house that has a nice size in ground swimming pool in the back yard. If any or all of you ever want to consider a summertime reunion cast party, let me know.

Mike V.

[Editor's Note: I'm letting you know now. Yes, we all want to consider a summertime reunion cast party!]

Further musings from The Brian Turner!

I hope all is well. I sat at my friend's house tonight, drinking a beer, wishing Matt Gerry was there to drink it with me. ah...beer...

Anyway- I've been reading all these emails about the show, and I realized that mine was a tad, how does one put it, bland.

But my slideshow will speak for me as far as the sentimental side of things. I will admit that I got choked up reading Kathy's email and I am proud of it!

I have finished the slide show and have passed it on to the wonderful Jill Knapp to put on her website. There is an 11 meg version and a 3 meg version for those with slower connections. I do hope you enjoy and that it came out well :) Please view as everytime I watch it I do get teary eyed and yearn for all of you! If you'd like actual copies of the pictures let me know and I can send them to Jill as well to post on the site!

I so wish that tomorrow night we would be seeing each other and doing it all over again (but I'm glad that I get spend a full weekend night with my girlfriend as well)

Some more rambling thoughts from me:

1. Trip Sullivan is now the funniest person I have ever met. He can just sit there stroking his chin and you just ask yourself the question Fraiser asked Cliff "Hello Cliff..what color is the sky in your world today?"
2. Carnies- circus freaks..small hands..smell like cabbage
3. Ian Buterbaugh can hump my leg and make monkey noises any day of the week
4. Sandler, Chris was Judas..not Brian..(Chris - Orange, Brian - Red) (Lenny- White Carl- Black)
5. Deirdre rocks!
6. Brian Elam- the man didn't give up...PROPS TO THAT!!
7. One day Katie Schuck will learn to like me...maybe not as much as she likes Chris..but...one day...
8. Sherry and I will work out our friendship
9. You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather
10. Matt Casarino is the most patient secreta..I mean office administrator I have ever met :) hehehe..Hit me Baby One more time!!
11. roseanne makes wonderful strudel!
12. the hat don't make the man the man make the hat..and Simon Zealots would have been a lot more cooler and "smoove b" like if he coulda worn the wool cap! I coulda worn that cap gone up to the temple girls and been like "Relax..let Smoove B take you for a ride. I will pick up at precisely 6:03 pm, I will open your car door, then I will turn on your favorite radio station, but I will keep the volume low so that I can tell you good you look. I will compliment your hair. You will try to compliment my suit, but Baby pay no mind. Smoove B will aways look good for you. I will remove my right hand from the steering wheel and place it on top of yours. I will then move it to your armpit and tickle you. I will take you to the finest Diner in town. One that serves both root beer and birch beer. We will order the wine from a box. I will order you eggs, sunny side up, and I will get the baked macaroni and cheese. I will then take out a moist towlette from my inside jacket pocket. I will wipe off your silver ware. Then I will let you choose the song from the jukebox. You will decide that we are in the mood for Journey instead of Bread. I will ask the manager to dim the lights in our section so that I can ask you for a dance. You will politely decline. A woman this good looking doesn't dance on tile floors you will tell me. So I suggest we move to the carpet. When we are done, I will tip the waiter 16% showing my tender and generous side for what was a truly delictable dining experience. We will get back in my car and I will drive you to the Wendy's where will order a Frosty. A small size, for I am lactose intolerant."

Visit the site and watch the slide show!
I love you all and I hope we see each other soon!

B

Steve Weatherman speaks!

Thanks for making your website the standard repository for all things "Jesus Christ Superstar"-ish. You're still holding us together. Much love to you, dear.

In His Love,
Steve We.

P.S. - I suppose I'll have to throw my own two cents in soon. Please, stand by.

Editor's Note: SEE, BILL GORMAN, YOU FRIKKIN' INGRATE!  SOMEONE APPRECIATES ME!  I DON'T NEED YOU OR YOUR PICTURES! :-D

Matt Gerry speaks!

I'm a bit of a computer retard so I may be writing this stuff to nobody but here goes:

1. When you put a group of musicians in a hole for eight hours, they become really good friends.
2. When eight musicians become really good friends, they create great music, great comedy, and for the conductor, great anxiety.
3. Casarino's character's name is pronounced differently than I had originally thought.
4. When you write a book about beer and then have a few, the cast gets the idea that you are a fall down drunk even if you haven't been for at least a few days.
5. Nick is the boss and should be feared and respected. He's very tall, you know.
6. Kate is Nick's boss.
7. Judas' B natural in "Everything's All Right" can be effectively held for a third measure on the last performance.
8. No feeling is better than having a room full of people make your son feel special.
9. No feeling is stranger than crying like a school girl in front of so many people right before they have to perform for two hours. Sorry about that.
10. The famous John Williams is a no talent loser compared to OUR Jon Williams. I have become a better person over the last seven years as a result of working with him so much.
11. Watching Chris grow into a role like this was as rewarding as anything I've ever experienced as a private teacher.
12. Being part of Rory's rendition of Gesthemane was humbling to say the least. I hope someday to be able to anything the way he did that.
13. Witnessing Eric singing that soft tune at the first cabaret so soon after having to let loose on the end of the Trial was the vocal equivalent of hitting a fastball 500 feet.
14. Jill is the embodiment of professionalism.
15. Jim made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end everytime he sang "we must crush him completely"
16. Roseann never stops working and thinking. Her constant effort, especially toward the end of the rehearsal run rubbed off on all of the dancers.
17. Brian and Brad were so solid on every chorus number and still had enough in the tank to be stars when called upon. That is really hard to do.
18. Matt Casarino sings a lot higher than I ever thought. Shame on me. We've been best friends for 150 years, one would think I'd have known that.
19. Steve has a great ear and a great mind. I hope to be able to keep learning from him in the near future.
20. Nick is a great director to work with. He has genuine respect for music and I know that he is very proud of all of you. He also has a better ear than he thinks he does and was a key part of the sound checks.

Matt Gerry

The Man with The Plan, Nick D'Argenio speaks!

Ok I guess it's my turn after all of these,

1. No matter how much you plan or expect to do things a certain way someone ALWAYS comes up with a way somewhere that works even better, so listening is KEY.
2. If you took the heart this entire group has collectively and shared it with the world there'd be a hell of a lot of love in the world!!!
3. Waxing can be far better that shaving if you know the right person.
4. Bradley can wear ANYTHING and make it look cool, I've seen the NEW definition of SMOOTH.
5. Talent can be and extremely humbling thing to experience.
6. You can even learn stuff from people a great deal younger than you if you're willing to listen.
7. More people are into HOTSEX all night long than I could EVERY have imagined.
8. Deirdre really is an amazing person. (as are ALL OF YOU IN YOUR OWN WAYS)
9. YOU PEOPLE CAN EAT SOME FOOD!!!!
10. Sticking a bunch of musicians in a tiny dark hole for 2+ hours with a man named GERRY can produce some AMAZING music.
11. Not even imagining things in claymation can make bad images go away.
12. No matter what as long as you are always trying the best you can you will be amazing.
13. I'm not the guy in that hat!!!!!!

I meant what I said to you all, this is an experience I will take with me for ever. They don't come like this often and it wouldn't have been possible with our ALL of you in every way.

Love Nick

Kelly 1 Summarizes it all...

I think I've read about ten million e-mails from this cast, and they all basically said the same thing. If I may, I would like to present my list of "What I have learned from reading your e-mails":

1. Deidre rocks, Jill rocks, Chris rocks, the Buterbaughs rock, and Kate M. rocks
2. Rory will be famous
3. Trip is funny
4. Matt Gerry is amazing
5. Nick directed
6. You all really like Dan in a skirt
7. Turkey legs smell

Kelly 1

Steve Weatherman answers the query, "So...what's the moral of the story?"

1. Water is the answer. Sore throat? Turkey leg too salty? Can't get warm in the theatre? Try more water.
2. I gleaned my poly-syllabic approach to the word Je-e-e-sus from friends in the South. They, however, spell Jesus with two Z's.
3. If Trip had only stood a little closer to the proscenium arch during 'Everything's Alright' I would have been able to reach out and touch his beaded thong. Damn the luck!
4. Kate Monaghan's choice of songs at the cabaret was impeccable. One of my first "experiences" was with the 'son of a preacher man.' For me, Bible Camp was an aphrodisiac.
5. I must agree, Deidre is an angel of light. If I ever have a son, I will name him Deidre.
6. I covet Matt Casarino's congas. (Take that any way you want.)
7. Anyone who can kick-ass to rival Grace Slick and then turn around and sing Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Five Mystical Songs" is alright with me. Jill, I'd propose to you...if it weren't for one small thing. Well...
8. My next throne will glide on rails...so help me Rory!
9. Oh, there's a reason the water in my cup tasted like like it did, my boy.
10. I hereby confess to having "soul girl" envy, but 'Baby, that's alright!'
11. Kathy Buterbaugh reminds me of the "cool mom" I'd go and visit in high school, even if their son or daughter wasn't at home.
12. It shouldn't take 37 minutes to acquire Jill's french fries. We need a McDonald's Corporate Crackdown here in Wilmington.
13. Matt Gerry is three of the the best people I know...even if he does cry like a little girl. Sissy.
14. After slaving over endless Counterpoint assignments in college, the parallel motion in JCS is a guilty pleasure, indeed. Eat your heart out, Sebastian!
15. I know so many people in the music world who think of a performance as a paycheck. I know players in world famous orchestras who read folded-up copies of the New York Times propped-up on their music stands on-stage during concerts. I know tired directors who send lowly assistants from Paris to regurgitate the staging for a show they did way back in 1968 instead of creating somthing new and fresh. Even in the professional ranks, special can be hard to come by. I can count on one hand all the performances that have left me in tears. This show produced one of them. I leave you with the words to a song that says it for me: it was great fun, but it was just one of those things.

With much love,
Steve We.

Just One Of Those Things
lyrics by Cole Porter

As Dorothy Parker once said to her boy friend,
"Fare thee well,"
As Columbus announced when he knew he was bounced,
"It was swell, Isabelle, swell,"
As Abélard said to Héloïse,
"Don't forget to drop a line to me, please,"
As Juliet cried in her Romeo's ear,
"Romeo, why not face that fact, dear?"

It was just one of those things,
Just one of those crazy flings,
One of those bells that now and then rings,
Just one of those things.

It was just one of those nights,
Just one of those fabulous flights,
A trip to the moon on gossamer wings,
Just one of those things

If we'd thought a bit
Of the end of it,
When we started painting the town,
We'd have been aware
That our love affair
Was too hot not to cool down.
So goodbye, Dear, and Amen.
Here's hoping we meet now and then,
It was great fun,
But it was just one of those things.

Our favorite cast member, Deirdre McCambridge, speaks!

Hello everyone,

I have enjoyed these wonderful e-mails. I am printing out each one of them and holding onto them (literally). They are a part of you that you have shared with me. As I sit here and think of what to say to all of you, I am at a loss for words. As a matter of fact, I have tears running down my face, because I can cry anytime I want too!

You are an amazing group of people. I am overwhelmed with your talent, wit, sincerity, kindness, humor and love. I am a better person because of the time that I have shared with each one of you. You showed me such kindness and warmth and my heart is overflowing with JOY.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Love, Deirdre

And Now a word from Mike Barko. (Hey look! It's not in all caps!)  :-)

1. The need for new turkey wings every night, not because of smell but the inhaling of dead flesh.
2. The true wickedness of our secret.... Priesty boy Matt as he cries "Crucify Him".
3. The evilness of Steve as he prepared the cup every night, plus how he held the plumes as the girls got in place, climbing over him.
4. The sinister smile on Katies face with her plume. Maybe she was flagellating a muppet.
5. The obliviousness of some Apostles as they are being stroked to calm down.
6. The joy of the Priestly boys when they throw Chris down.
7. Chris's apparent fearlessness of Bill Rolph's handiwork, great work Chris.
8. The contests backstage to see who could sing lower than Jim.
9. Kelly 1(who will learn the value of timeliness, but probably not from her current director), gazing at Jesus in total lust.
10. Watching the growth of young adults that you knew as child actors.

All joking aside- you guys did a phenomenal job. And Mike V., Jills sobs were real.
It was a pleasure folks.