Gary’s Superstar Experience – How I Got The Part

If you have been listening to The Robert And Erin Morning Show, you might have heard that I have been recently cast as Pontius Pilate in Stage Center's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

We have just begun rehearsals, and I would like to share my experiences as we get closer to the opening of the show.

First, a little back story...

I used to act when I was in high school and college, and did a little work with some local theater groups when I was a much younger man. During one production nearly 20 years ago, I met a woman named Stella, and we quickly secured a lifelong friendship.

I became a father figure to her three kids when she and her husband split up years later, and still spend as much time with them as I can.

Recently, Stella's daughters, Emily and Aubrey, got involved in local theater, and every time I saw one of their productions, I would get the itch to try "trotting the boards" again. But I was so nervous.

What would I do? Could I rekindle something in my youth, or was I just thinking wishfully?

When Stage Center announced that they were doing "Jesus Christ Superstar," both Emily and Aubrey were adamant that I "suck it up" and audition.  They suggested the role of Pilate, so I found the songs, and I practiced and practiced, hoping that the producers of the show wouldn't laugh at me.

I just wanted to get through the audition.  I, at least, could have said that after 18 years away from the theater, I tried. I knew that if I didn't get a major role, I wouldn't be able to do much ensemble work. Not because I felt I was too good to just be in the cast, but because I don't dance.

We'll get back to that.

So, I sent an email to Stage Center expressing my desire to audition for the role of Pilate. They sent a confirmation, and an audition time of 5:30PM, and they asked me to come to a 2PM dance call, just to see how I moved.

Wait....DANCE?

I was mortified. I don't dance. Not can't dance...DON'T.

Dancing to me is a foreign concept that I am physically incapable of doing, much like breathing underwater or achieving self-powered flight. All I could think is, "If I don't get the part, they are not going to want me and my Frankenstein-like dance moves stinking up the stage."

I reserved myself to try to knock the audition out of the park, and I continued practicing.

The day came. It was a Saturday, and Emily and I drove to Stage Center's offices to audition. She went first, and I auditioned a few people after her.

I sang my song, and it felt good.  I thought I sang it well and Jared (the director) and Seth ("Jesus") smiled cordially, asked me a few questions, and we exchanged pleasantries.

Now it was just waiting...and waiting....and waiting.

I was a bundle of nerves. Was I going to get the part? Was I going to be allowed to do anything? Were they sending the dance police to break my legs to ensure I'd never try that again?

The following Monday, after the one millionth time I checked my email, I saw the notification in my inbox. "Stage Center - JCS Casting," read the subject. This was it!

OK... Gary... Breathe... You've been rejected before... If you didn't get it, it's totally cool... There's always next season.

I opened the email...and there it was:

There was my name...right there.

I looked again. I checked to make sure the email was from Stage Center, and not one of my less-than-scrupulous friends. But, it all checked out. I was Pilate. After 18 years, I was an actor again!

Rehearsals were scheduled to begin the next Tuesday. My excitement grew as the day got closer. I couldn't wait to meet the rest of the cast and get started on this next great adventure.

When the day finally came, I was anything but disappointed.

To be continued....