Performance Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
What’s the buzz? The national tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is coming to Robinson Center March 1st-3rd. Reese Spencer gives us a glimpse into being a part of the ensemble in the iconic production and shares some details of how she discovered a career on stage and on the road:
What was your path to becoming a professional actor?
I actually grew up solely as a competitive dancer. Dance was my life, and it wasn’t until I was 16 that I started thinking about what I wanted to actually do with dance in the long run. At that time, I ended up getting a callback for The Music Man on Broadway, and that was the turning point for me. Leaving the audition feeling so inspired, I got the “bug” to be in NYC. I finally had the confidence and courage that I had been searching for, started taking voice lessons, and began building my musical theatre knowledge. I ended up getting a scholarship to Pace University in New York City and being accepted into their Commercial Dance program. Studying at Pace, it’s been very convenient having access to so many auditions, classes, and opportunities in the city. I’ve been loving every minute of pursuing this career so far!
What was the audition process like for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR?
The audition process for JCS was exhilarating! I originally sent in some dancing and singing footage along with my headshot and resume, not expecting any sort of callback. I ended up getting an in-person callback in NYC, where we learned some choreography from the show. I then got another callback the following week, where we learned another piece of choreography from the show. We were then narrowed down to a smaller group and were asked to sing a few pieces of music from the show, plus our own song of choice. I found out that I got the role of the Mob Leader about a month later! With this being my first professional performance job ever, getting the job offer was surreal. Definitely a life changing moment that I’ll never forget!
What is your favorite part about touring the country with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR?
My favorite part about touring the country with JCS is the fact that it stays exciting no matter how many shows we do. Hopping across the U.S., each city feels like a whole new experience; the venues and the audiences are all so uniquely different! It’s also been really fun getting to see friends and family across the country who live in the cities that we travel to/perform in.
What do you enjoy the most about performing in the show every night?
What I love most about getting to perform in the show every night is giving each audience a unique and unprecedented performance. As the Mob Leader, I have moments in the show where I have the freedom to improvise and change things up every night. No two audiences get the exact same performance, and that keeps the show fresh and exciting for everyone!
Why do you think JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR still resonates with audiences of today?
I think that this show still resonates with the audiences of today for several reasons. The music is a huge draw, as it moves a lot of people the same way it did 50 years ago. For others, the story is what brings them in, considering how moving it is. This show definitely makes audience members feel something, whether that be through the music, the story, the energy, or the movement; I think that’s why it attracts such a wide variety of people.
If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?
If I wasn’t a performer, I honestly don’t know what I’d be doing instead. I’ve never really had a back up plan.. but if I did, I would choose to teach dance and/or tumbling. I grew up with some amazing dance and tumbling coaches that got me where I am today, and I think it’d be cool to pass on their knowledge to the next generation!
What item can you not live without while on tour?
One item that I can’t live without while on tour is packing cubes. As you’d imagine, it’s really challenging packing in one suitcase for 8 months! Packing cubes are honestly a game changer though, and my suitcase would be a mess if I didn’t have them. Highly recommend!
What is something that would surprise audiences about JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and why should they see it?
I think that audiences are usually surprised at the amount of energy (and glitter) poured onto the stage throughout the show. It’s an extremely high-energy performance from start to finish, and audience members are usually amazed by that! It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind production that everyone should witness if they get the chance.
What is your dream role?
My dream role is definitely the Bullet in Hamilton. It’s an ensemble/dancer role that I’ve always been fascinated by. My whole family is obsessed with Hamilton; in fact, both of my dogs are named after people in the show! So obviously, it would be a dream to actually be in it one day.
The North American Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will take the stage at Robinson Center in Little Rock for 4 performances, March 1-3, 2024 (Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday at 1pm). Purchase tickets in person at the Robinson Center Box Office, online at CelebrityAttractions.com or Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 501.244.8800.
