What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a’happening? What’s the buzz? I’ll tell you what’s happening!
It’s Jesus Christ Superstar! Yes, the full-length stage musical, yes produced by Children’s Playhouse of Maryland, yes featuring some of the finest young talents in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. And TheatreBloom has a special treat for you readers. We’ve taken a few moments, on an early* Saturday morning to sit down with six very special cast members of the upcoming Jesus Christ Superstar to talk to them all about their experience with this production thus far and their experiences with Children’s Playhouse of Maryland as a whole. What makes these six young performers so special, you ask? Well, these are the graduating seniors, performing in their final CPM show— and what a show to go out on: an Andrew Lloyd Webber rock-iconic-classic.
Thank you all so much for agreeing to meet-up here before your all-day rehearsal on a Saturday to talk about both this show and your experiences with CPM. We’ll start by going around and you can each introduce yourselves and tell all the readers out there who you’re playing in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Sammy Jungwirth: My name is Sammy Jungwirth and I am Jesus.
Sophia Koman: I’m Sophia Koman and I play Mary Magdalene.
Emma Hammett: I’m Emma Hammett and I’m playing Judas.
Katreese Clover Wellons: I’m Clover Wellons and I play the role of Caiaphas.
Linda Brown: I am Linda Brown, I play Priest-3, a woman, and a soul-girl.
Myles Taylor: Hi! I’m Myles Taylor and I play Pilate.
What is it about Jesus Christ Superstar that made you want to be a part of it, knowing it’s the ‘senior finale’ show that you get to do with Children’s Playhouse of Maryland? Why make this the last show you get to perform in?
Sammy: Well, I didn’t know much about it when Diane (Artistic Director of CPM Diane Smith) first said that was the show we would be doing. I can imagine that other people felt like that too but I researched it and now it’s one of my favorite musicals. I think the score is just one of the best around. It’s an old-fashioned rock-and-roll score. I’m excited that we get to share this score that not a lot of other younger people know. Hopefully that will get more fans of this show.
Sophia: I had just finished Cinderella as the Fairy Godmother, so when Liz (Director of musicals at CPM, Liz Boyer Hunnicutt) told us— Jesus Christ Superstar, that was our next musical? I hadn’t really listened to it that much, didn’t know a lot about it. So I started to listen to the music and that was what really drew me in. Especially for the part of Mary. Her songs are so beautiful and emotional and I really connected with them. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.
Emma: I’ve been with CPM for a very long time. I usually play more of the ingenue type of character. So when it was announced that the final show this year would be Jesus Christ Superstar, I realized that while those parts are amazing opportunities, I want my final hoorah to be something really different. So I walked into that room and said, “I’m auditioning for Judas.” And I thought that, “it’s senior year. You gotta go big!” I thought that this was the perfect opportunity to go big and play such an iconic role and bring my own thing to it. I’m very, very excited by it.
This fascinates me, Emma. Because I foolishly assumed this casting choice was in response to the fact that often times, especially in young-performers-theatre, you don’t always get enough men coming out for the traditionally-cast male roles. So to hear that you walked in, wanting to audition for it is pretty impressive.
Emma: I really did. Liz actually said that she did not want a female Judas. But I said “Just give me a shot, please. Give me a chance.” And she did. And here I am.
That’s so impressive. What about you, Clover? What was the draw to do Jesus Christ Superstar as your last hoorah with CPM?
Clover: Well I heard about the musical from— I mean they listed off all the musicals for the season and I looked at this one— Jesus Christ Superstar. And I had never heard of a musical like this one. So I had to look it up. One of my teachers knew the musical so we were talking about it. And I thought, “I should try this out.” Especially since it’s my last year in CPM, I might as well just go for it.
Oh wow! Please tell me someone in this room had heard of this musical before getting involved with it for this production. Please. Was it you, Linda?
Linda: It was! My Dad has always been a huge fan of this show. Especially when the movie came out; he has always been inspired by this show and he really wanted me to do this show. So when CPM announced it, he was all for it and so was I. This is my first and only season at CPM so I really wanted to finish out my season strong. I didn’t think I was going to finish off, but I wanted to do this. I wanted to finish out with a bang. And this show is such an inspiring show and I’m glad I get to share it with everybody.
Myles: When I heard CPM was doing Jesus Christ Superstar, I was kind of shocked because it’s such a big show. Me going into it, knowing that it’s such a hard show to pull off made me super excited. “Oh yeah, a bunch of male roles. Cool.” And I was wondering if they were going to gender-bend the show, and we do have Emma playing Judas. Also, this show at this capacity and how we’re doing it? Is a great senior hoorah for any of us.
This is going to be so exciting. Just sitting here talking with you six gives me high hopes for a sensational show. Now, Sammy. What is it like getting to be Jesus?
Sammy: It’s cool. It’s a role that I haven’t really played before? Not Jesus itself but that sort of role. I’ve always sort of been either the five-year-old or the 70-year-old. Not only to get to play someone that’s not at either extreme end of that spectrum but also he’s very vulnerable and has a major breakdown during “Gethsemane” and I haven’t really done that type of thing on stage before. I’ve directed that but I’ve never played that. So that is very exciting. And the songs are great. I have a lot of fun singing them and singing them with Emma and Sophia.
I’m really excited for you, aside from that fact. Now, Sophia, what is it like for you getting to play a principle-character? I know you were wonderful as the Fairy Godmother, but that was more of a cameo/supporting character and Mary is definitely a principle role. What’s that been like? Because she’s got some challenging music too.
Sophia: She definitely does. I’ve been working on the music and really playing with my own vocal range and trying to figure out different ways to sing it because it’s so vastly different from the character that I just played. Also, the music is so fun and rock-and-roll, so I’ve really tried to get into that. I’ve been trying to find some similarities with Mary because— obviously— we’re very different. Thankfully! What stands her apart is her love and her love for what Jesus preaches. But also for Jesus. I’ve been really trying to channel that and dig into that.
That’s awesome. Okay, Emma, tell us about your Judas.
Emma: That’s a loaded question! Judas has so much pain to convey in this show and I’m not gonna lie— that intimidated me at first because I can’t relate to his situation. But I think through the guidance of my castmates and our director and creative team I have been able to get to a point where this story is something that I think I can tell. And to tell it in this rock-and-roll style way is what helps to put it in terms that I understand. I’m not going to lie— the Steven Tyler screaming and everything like that? It really helps things fall into place for me. Judas is just the most powerhouse role you can ever imagine. When he is on that stage, he commands everything. Even though it’s Jesus Christ Superstar, I personally think it’s Judas’ show. Judas’ story.
Clover! Talk to me about Caiaphas and the challenges or experiences that has been bringing to you or that you’ve been bringing to Caiaphas.
Clover: When I saw the role of Caiaphas the very first thing I thought was, “who is this person again?” Because I literally have lost mots of my biblical knowledge after I got out of my middle school. It’s gone down the drain. I do sort of remember some stuff, but I definitely had to remind myself, refresh my memory. So I decided to look up the songs that he sings in and when I heard his “Ah, Gentlemen, this Jesus Must Die”, I had this— “Oh, God.” moment. Luckily, I have realized that I can sing pretty deep. And I can find a way to work with Caiaphas. I really love the role. It’s to the point where I listen to “Jesus Must Die” every day. And I’ve been telling everyone I’m just mumbling all the lyrics during class, which is absolutely horrifying. But I’m learning them.
Whatever brings you to it! Now, Linda, you’re over here wearing all the different hats— priest, woman, soul-girl. What is it like getting to cycle through all these different roles?
Linda: It’s interesting. Especially because as of late at CPM I’ve been getting cast in that evil, villainous vibe. So with this one, at first I’m playing against Jesus, then I’m with Jesus, then I’m against Jesus again. So I have to flipflop roles really quickly. Especially with the score, I find myself flipflopping ranges too. I’m the only female priest, so I do have to sing in my lower range, which is fun. I also get to sing in my really high range, which is also fun. I think you really get to see that in “The Temple” which is one of my favorite songs in this show. I post about it all the time. It is, hands down, my favorite song in this show. And playing a soul-sister, for one of the last songs is rocking and very fun. It’s great! I can’t wait to learn that dance.
Myles, you had said you were playing Pilate. How are you coming to Pilate, how is Pilate coming to you? What has that experience been like for you?
Myles: It’s something different. I haven’t really played a true villain before or anything like that. It’s given me a lot of room to play and incorporate different things. I’m really excited to bring Pilate to the table.
This is going to involve some recollective thinking for some of you. Do you remember what your very first show was with CPM?
Sammy: I do. It was Bye, Bye Birdie. And I might have to check on the year, but I’m pretty sure it was 2012. And I was— Rudolph? Randolph? The son in the MacAfee household.
What about you, Sophia?
Sophia: It was just Cinderella. This year. And I played the Fairy Godmother. I was in the virtual holiday show— it was CPM’s very first virtual, streaming show. I think it was just called “The Holiday Show.” But my first live show with them was Cinderella.
That’s pretty neat! How about you, Emma? Do you remember your first CPM show?
Emma: Well I started out in the Saturday workshops program. I was in Winnie The Pooh. I played a mouse. I had one solo-line as a mouse and I was terrified. But the mouse-to-Judas pipeline is really varied. My first mainstage CPM show was Matilda. I was the voice of the “evil aunt” in the acrobat sequence.
Clover: My first introduction to CPM was actually when I was with Cockpit in Court Jr. I was doing a show with them, Moana Jr. That’s how I met Myles— he was Tamatoa. But my first official CPM show was SpongeBob. I enjoyed SpongeBob but there was so much chaos in that show. It was slightly post-Covid and there was a lot of cast shuffling happening. I mean Perch Perkins broke his arm in the middle of a show and I was a first responder; it was crazy, scary, and wild. But it was also amazing and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed everyone there. It’s great to see some of the SpongeBob cast here in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Linda, what was your first show?
Linda: My first CPM show was 42nd Street and I played Dorothy Brock.
I remember that show! And Myles, what about you?
Myles: My first CPM show was Hairspray. I was in the ensemble.
I know how we’ve talked about how most of you guys are gearing up to head off to college, and I hope that you’re all going to continue to pursue theatre in some capacity as you move forward in your lives. Is there a dream project or an actual project that you’re working on in the near future that you’re looking forward to the most?
Sammy: I am designing all three musicals at Cockpit in Court this summer; that’s going to be really fun. I always love working with them. Then my new production that I’ve started with local actor, Xander Conte, we’re going to be producing Grey Gardens this fall. I’m so excited for that. We have a great cast, we have nine of some of the most talented, local theatre people lined up for that. And we’re just going to keep going.
Sophia: There isn’t one show in particular, but definitely when I go off to college, I will be pursuing theatre there.
Emma: Before I go off to college, I’m going to be in The Prom this summer at Cockpit in Court. I’m going to be homophobic cheerleader #1. Then I am going off to college in NYC and I am getting my BFA in musical theatre.
Clover: I’m actually looking forward to Matilda Jr. (with Cockpit in Court Jr. this summer) because I got the role of Trunchbull, which I did not expect to get! When I got Trunchbull I was so excited! I’ve always loved Trunchbull, ever since I was a kid, and I know that’s weird because she’s the villain. But I love her! I was literally sobbing the day before because I couldn’t do a British accent. I figured that would blow it for me. Then I had woke up from a nap and there was a group chat blowing up my phone. And I was thinking, “What happened while I was asleep!?” When I checked and saw that I got Trunchbull, I literally screamed at the top of my lungs because I was so excited!
Linda: Before I go off to college, I’m also in Matilda Jr. and this one was shocking because I’m playing, ‘Mister Wormwood’ in the show. But he is so much fun and I am so excited. Then I’m going to McDaniel College in Westminster, MD to pursue education and theatre arts.
Myles: Well I’m currently— like this is why I’m in DC this morning facetiming into this interview— working on Hal Prince’s Broadway, which is being filmed to air on PBS sometime in July. And after that I go off to college to study music education.
It sounds like you all have amazing things coming up in your future! What has being a part of CPM taught you about yourself? What has been your big takeaway from the CPM experience?
Sammy: Just the collaboration. I think all of my personal mentors came from here. I grew up here. Diane (Artistic Director Diane Smith) and Liz (Production Director Liz Boyer Hunnicutt) I still consider them to be my personal mentors. Everything I’ve learned about technical theatre I’ve learned from Diane. And I’m also the assistant technical director here. I’ve had a lot of opportunities and I’ve done a lot of stuff here. Everything I do, I owe to CPM. I’ve learned a lot.
Sophia: I think I was really just struck by everyone’s passion and definitely their talent in this program. Everyone just loves it so much. I think my base takeaway has been that if you love something, just putting in that extra effort. And when everyone does that, as you saw from Cinderella, it becomes this super fun and amazing thing to be a part of. I hope that that same spirit will be in this show.
Emma: The power of theatre is very prominent at CPM. We get to see the audience after every show. I cannot tell you how many little girls have come up to me after a performance and told me how much they loved me. I’ve had people who I’ve been in shows with who say they saw me in a show and it inspired them to do theatre as well. It really strikes me because I once was that kid. I think the art of telling stories through theatre is something that CPM really understands. I’ve worked with other theatre companies and their approach is “let’s sing, dance, and do this.” But at CPM, we really focus on the storytelling and getting the message across. Our directors are just so supportive of all of us. We help people. People come to our shows and they leave with a smile on their face or they leave saying, “wow! Those were kids!’ I just think what we do here is very special. I think we introduce theatre to thousands of kids. I was one of those kids all those years ago. I would not be going to college for musical theatre if it had not been for CPM. I will forever owe everything to them.
Clover: I definitely have to agree with Emma. If it wasn’t for CPM, I wouldn’t be studying musical theatre in college. However, what CPM taught me is self-expression. Growing up in a place where self-expression was not a thing, you had to be very cookie-cutter at my old religious school. Just being able to come here and express myself, find other people who are able to express themselves in such a free way, I was just so happy to see that. I just became more comfortable with myself. I was glad to just be able to do this production with so many amazing people.
Linda: How I found out about CPM and how it inspired me is a bit of a story. I first came out to CPM in 2019 when they were auditioning for Frozen Jr. I auditioned. I didn’t get in, however. But I loved the community and I loved CPM even though I didn’t get in. It seemed like such a great community. So I started performing with other theatres. And then I think it was Myles, Bella Comotto, and Molly Foggo (all CPM regulars) had come to see me in Sister Act at The Suburban Players. It was the matinee where I went in for Dolores (the lead character) and they all said, “Hey, you should audition for CPM again.” And I did. CPM has taught me togetherness and family. I really feel like we are a family. Like the first rehearsal for the first show I did with them— 42nd Street— everyone was so loving, so caring, and so sweet. I just love our directors, our whole production team. Everyone, every cast that I have been in at CPM, everyone has been so warming and so helpful and I love it so much.
Myles: From CPM I’ve learned that collaboration is key. I’m going to second what Sammy said but yeah, collaboration is key. CPM just brings this warm togetherness. Everybody gets to put their hand in the pot and help work. It’s such a natural environment rather than a forced one. CPM is a force to be reckoned with.
I love hearing all of these wonderful experiences and learning lessons that you’ve taken away from your experiences at CPM, whether you’re long-haul-lifers or this is only your second show. Now, if you had to give a piece of advice to potential/future incoming CPM kids, what would you say?
Sammy: Don’t piss off Liz. Come to rehearsal prepared. And give it your all.
Sophia: Embrace your castmates and really get to know them. Because they are really the most awesome people that you will ever meet. They are the nicest and kindest people and I am just so glad I got to meet all these amazing people and that we’ve had this really great time.
Emma: Comparison is the thief of joy. If you come into these auditions— there are so many talented people— and if you compare yourself and say “oh, I’m not going to get anywhere.” Yeah. You’re right. You’re not. You have to go into these auditions and act like you are everything. I think that’s how all of us are where we are today. We have this— well, we’ve been given this confidence, really. By CPM. We go the extra mile with it. If you want to do something? Go for it! Do not compare yourself to people because you are not them. You are you. And you have something unique and special to bring and you have to show that.
Clover: I definitely have to agree with Sophia. Always hang around the cast. Get to know your cast. I’ve made a lot of good memories with the cast. Especially that one day—
Sammy: See now you’re going to have to explain that.
He’s right. You can’t be giggling like crazy, causing the whole group here to laugh, and not explain this epic memory that you’ve made.
Clover: Okay, okay, okay! This was during SpongeBob so of course everything was chaos. We had All Together Now going on too. We had a practice for SpongeBob and then right afterward we had a tech for All Together Now. I forgot whose idea it was, but someone suggested we go over to White Marsh Mall, eat at Red Robin.
Myles: Um…that was me.
Myles is to blame is what I’m hearing.
Clover: Yes! That’s right. Of course it was Myles. So anyway, we went there— Bella Comotto dropped a milkshake—
Emma: Yeah, she shattered it. There were firetrucks outside.
Clover: Oh, I forgot about that!
Emma: But not because of the milkshake. They did not call the firetrucks because Bella broke a milkshake!
Clover: See how crazy this is? Anyway, my mom wanted me to leave at a certain time. The cast was still kind of hanging around, and my mom turned up with “We have to go. NOW.” And in my panic to go, I forgot to say to the cast, “hey, I’m leaving.” When my mom says go; you go. So I left without telling the cast. And they thought I got lost.
Oh my goodness.
Clover: Oh no. They thought I got lost— and they left without me!!
Emma: We did look for you.
Myles: But yeah, we left.
Clover: Exactly. So when they all got back to the tech for All Together Now they all looked shocked to see me. And there was this huge hilarious moment of them thinking that I got lost and they didn’t know what happened to me but they had to make call time.
Emma: Correct! We had call time.
So I’m hearing that the moral of the story is…communicate with your cast… no cast member left behind…unless it’s going to make you late for call?
Clover: Yes. Exactly. Hold your castmates close. There are just so many wonderful fun memories you will make. And you’ll carry those with you as you move forward after CPM.
That’s a wonderful anecdote; thank you for sharing. Linda, what’s your advice for incoming CPM kids?
Linda: Take in as much of the experience as you can. Love your castmates, not only your castmates, but love the production team too. They put in a lot of hard work, as much as the cast does. Really come in with a bang, come in as yourself, be yourself and love yourself as much as you love your cast. Because you can’t love your cast without loving yourself. Love yourself as much as you love the cast. And have fun. It’s fun, it’s loving, it’s great. Have fun, have the experience, and make sure you put in all the work to make it amazing.
Myles: My four nuggets of wisdom are— early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable. What else? Stay hydrated. Have fun, of course. And also, try everything. Some things might seem really difficult but it’s a lot of fun and easier to get into once you try it.
Why is it that you want people to come out and see this final production that you’re doing with CPM? Why do you want people to come out and see you in Jesus Christ Superstar?
Sammy: This is really going to be an exciting show. I do love this show. I hope that more people our age will start to like this show because of our production. The production staff— Liz, Diane, and Robyn (Costumer Robyn Alvarez)— are great and all of the tech will be really high quality as well, as it always is at CPM. I’m excited for people who don’t know the show to come see the show and hopefully start to like the show.
Sophia: I know how much effort has already gone into putting this show together and I really do believe that we are going to have a spectacular production. With this musical in general, I think everyone should listen to it or better— see it at least once in their life. I would definitely tell everyone to come and see us do this.
Emma: You’ve never seen CPM like this before. This show is going to be nothing like all the others that have come before it. This show is so unique, so fun. But there’s also lots of morals deep inside of it. It’s very complex. And for us, 18-and-unders, to be doing it, I think that’s really interesting. I think that people need to come and see it for themselves because it is really, really something else.
Clover: We just have a great cast. I remember going to the music rehearsals and hearing Sammy hit those high notes. I was blown away. And just us working together, it’s just a great cast. Everyone is so kind and friendly. There are amazing actors and amazing singers so I definitely think that you should definitely see them.
Linda: It’s not a typical show that you would see a children’s theatre do, especially Children’s Playhouse of Maryland. So it is definitely something you should see for that reason. Also, I think, especially with the score and storytelling, there is so much depth with this show, that people should really come and see how we can tell those stories. Come see how we do storytelling through our songs, through our dancing, and everything like that. It’s amazing. And I hope people will come see it. Maybe they’ll love Jesus Christ Superstar as much as we all do.
Myles: It’s something different that the Baltimore theatre area really hasn’t seen, especially done by teens, especially here at CPM. The score by itself is super impressive. And now it’s being elevated by teens. Come on now, what more could you ask for?
Here is your cumulative closer question. If you had to sum up your experience with CPM— and for some of you that may be a lengthier, heftier experience, for some of you that may be a much briefer summation— but if you had to choose just one word to describe your total experience here at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland, which word would you choose?
Sammy: I feel like this might be sort of a generic word, but definitely family. I started a little over ten years ago. There’s so many people that have been brought up through here that I’ve met and made friends with. But mostly the production staff, like I said earlier, Liz, Diane, and Rachel (CPM resident choreographer Rachel Miller), who I grew up performing with and who is now the resident choreographer here, I owe everything to CPM. I hope to not leave them for a very long time.
Sophia, I know it’s only been two shows, but what’s the word you would use to sum up your CPM experience?
Sophia: I know, but even in those two shows, I think my word would be growth. Not just in my own abilities, like the growth of learning what I’m able to do? But also just in what Children’s Playhouse can put together. It was so incredible to see it come alive, especially with Cinderella. And already I know this show is going to grow into an incredible production.
Emma: I would say passion because I have never met a group of people who have been so proud of what they do. It’s helped me discover my passion for theatre through everything. It’s just so supportive. I feel all the things that I get made fun of for when I’m at school— like singing in the hallways or dancing around— everybody just loves that here and they all do that here too. It’s the most amazing environment where my passion is just so fostered.
Clover: I definitely have to say love. There’s a lot of love when it comes to this cast. It’s obvious that we love the show and that we love each other as a cast. We love the directors, they love us, and everyone loves theatre. There is just so much love that goes into these shows that CPM just feels like a second home. Even though I haven’t been here as long as some of the others, I always have a smile on my face when I come to be a part of these shows. Even if it’s the worst day of my life, I come here, and I end up leaving with a smile on my face.
I love that. I love that so much because, as you said, you haven’t been here as long as someone like Sammy, who was basically born here, or Emma, but you still feel like CPM is a welcoming, loving, second home. I really, really love that. Now, Linda, what’s the word that sums up your CPM experience?
Linda: Community. I think this is definitely one of those theatres that really comes together and they put something together, whether its an easier, junior-show, or an intense, full-length show like this one, they put all of their passion and love into it, and they put it on stage for everyone to see it. Kind of like Emma’s experience, I’ve been a person who has always been bullied outside of here for singing and dancing and all that stuff that goes along with musical theatre. Coming here to CPM definitely created that community for me to express myself in theatre and express who I am and love everybody and gave me the opportunity to have such amazing castmates who all love each other and pull through for each other and that has just been so great.
Myles: Ooouagh.
Please don’t make me try to figure out how to spell that.
Myles: No, I was trying to decide between which of these two words I was thinking about. But I think I’m going to say safety. CPM has always been a safe place for me, a safe place for many different people. It’s a place that you can come back to and express who you are and just really engage in the theatre and that community experience.
Jesus Christ Superstar plays May 5th 2023 through May 21st 2023 with Children’s Playhouse of Maryland in the Lecture Hall of the Administration Building at the Community College of Baltimore County Essex Campus— 7201 Rossville Boulevard in Baltimore, MD. For tickets call the box office at (443) 840-2426 or purchase them online.
Children’s Playhouse of Maryland is thrilled to announce ‘most’ of their upcoming season as well!
September of 2023— TBA (still waiting on a contract/rights negotiation)
December of 2023— Neverland (a new Peter Pan musical written by CPM’s resident musical director Charlotte Evans and her father)
March of 2024— Finding Nemo Jr.
May of 2024 (the full-length teen musical)— Mean Girls
*early being a beautifully, relative term because ten a.m. is definitely early for some of us.
