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SUPERHERO – Behind the Scenes
Stage and Lights
SUPERHERO The Story of a Man Called Jesus, is one of GHDT’s most well-known shows. One of the most
memorable parts of the show, is the numerous scrolls hanging at the back of the stage, providing a backdrop. Eleven years ago, when SUPERHERO first premiered, Artistic Director Gregory Hancock spent several weeks writing text from The Gospels in Latin, Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic onto the scrolls.
Along with the backdrop, what sets the scene so well is the lighting design. GHDT has worked with lighting designer Ryan Koharchik for 20 years. For SUPERHERO, Ryan uses lights create moods such as excitement, calmness, anger, and grief. Even more elaborate, he uses lights to create garden scenes, to portray the swirling mind of regret, and to cast a large shadow of Jesus on the cross.
Costumes
The costumes in SUPERHERO were all made by Gregory Hancock. Many costumes have character specific detail that are easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. Mother Mary’s costume includes a shirt with artwork depicting Mother Mary’s face on it. Pilate’s Wife, Claudia, wears a beautiful set of jewelry that Mr. Hancock bought in India. The Cross, has red circles on her palms to represent where Jesus was nailed to the cross.
During The Last Supper and Hallelujah scenes, dancers are representing the 12 apostles. This costume includes white head shrouds with writing on them. These head shrouds were also, just like the backdrop, all hand written by Mr. Hancock eleven years ago for the premiere. Although during these scenes, characters like Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene are not included, the dancers portraying them are. These dancers get specific head shrouds with writings on them from Gospels including their character. Pictured is the head shroud for Mary Magdalene.
Cast
The cast of SUPERHERO this year has dancers from many places. Joining the GHDT company dancers, Liang Fu is coming back again this year as a Guest Artist to perform the role of Judas Iscariot. Liang Fu, originally from Qingdao, Shandong, China, is currently dancing with Kansas City Ballet. GHDT’s pre-professional company, G2, is also in this production. This year, GHDT reached out to Phoenix Rising Dance Studio and Broad Ripple High School to offer their students the opportunity to perform in a professional production. We’re glad to have students from both joining the cast this year as townspeople.
Tech Week
Tech week, is the week leading up to opening night of a performance. The usual tech week has the company rehearsing in studio Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday afternoons, the company takes every costume, prop, and accessory over to the theatre so its ready for rehearsal in theatre the next day. Wednesday and Thursday are long days. Tech runs are done during the early afternoon, meaning a light run through of the show for the dancers, but a heavy fun through of the show for lightning and tech crew backstage. Both Wednesday and Thursday evenings are full dress rehearsals.
This year for SUPERHERO, dancers spent part of their Monday getting henna on their hands for the show. Be sure to look for the beautiful detail on stage! Tuesday was spent welcoming guest artist Liang Fu to rehearsals as well as moving into the theatre. We hope to see you on Friday for the show!
For tickets, please click here!
SUPERHERO Dancer of the Day
Erica Steward – Woman at Bethany
How many times have you been in a production of SUPERHERO?
I’ve had the honor to perform in 4 SUPERHEROs, this year will be my 5th.
What is your favorite scene in SUPERHERO?
My favorite scene in the show changes everyday. However, one scene that will always give me the “good feels”, is when Jesus has been resurrected and Mary Magdalene comes to tell everyone else that He has returned. It’s a very uplifting moment following the emotional crucifixion, and everyone is filling the stage with beautiful colors, thanks to our costumes.
Do you have a favorite role in the show, whether it’s one you’ve performed or not?
Judas, definitely. There’s unique layers to his character, but his choreography in the show is some of the most fun in the whole show. I’ve gotten to understudy Judas before, which was a lot of fun.
Favorite costume or part of a costume in the show?
My favorite costume in the show is Demons. The majority of the costume is fairly basic and black, but we get to wear the coolest masks. They’re covered in tall red and black feathers and each mask has one peacock feather. The masks really help us transform from ourselves, into Judas’ demons.
What is your favorite piece of music in SUPERHERO?
My favorite song in the show is called I Am. It’s Jesus’ big solo at the end of Act I. I love the message of the song, “Who’s going to do it, if I don’t step to it? I am.” It’s also a very good song to belt out when you’re by yourself in your car.
What does SUPERHERO mean to you?
Superhero means a lot to me. It’s a show I’ve gotten to perform many times, and each time I’ve performed the piece has been during a different stage of my life. Each time we perform show brings back memories, and creates new ones. It reminds me of old friends I used to dance with when I was in G2 and all the dancers I’ve met because of this show. It reminds me of hilarious rehearsal moments like earrings getting stuck to other people’s earrings or the smallest dancer in the cast volunteering to do some heavy lifting. It reminds me of my journey as a dancer, starting as a townsperson and now being Woman at Bethany. I always looks forward to what new memories I’ll get during Superhero.
Why should everyone come see SUPERHERO A Story of a Man Called Jesus?
Everyone should come see Superhero, because there is something for everyone in this show. Gorgeous costumes, fantastic music, captivating dancing. This show isn’t forcing anything on anyone, it’s just telling a beautiful story, in a beautiful way.
Come see Erica perform the role of Woman at Bethany! Tickets can be purchased for SUPERHERO here.
To learn more about Company Dancer Erica Steward, visit her Artist’s Page!
SUPERHERO Dancer of the Day
Taylar Green – Mother Mary
How many times have you been in a production of SUPERHERO?
This will be my second time performing in SUPERHERO.
What is your favorite scene in SUPERHERO?
My favorite scene is the opening! Its so fun and sets the tone of the first half. It also surprises new audience members from what they might be expecting the show to look like.
Do you have a favorite role in the show, whether it’s one you’ve performed or not?
My favorite role is Mother! The first time I saw it performed, I was mesmerized.
Favorite costume or part of a costume in the show?
My favorite costume detail is the face of Mary on Mother’s shirt! The audience may not be able to see it, but it’s a small detail that makes me connect to the role a little more.
What is your favorite piece of music in SUPERHERO?
My favorite song is The Cross’s song! It’s so beautiful and simple. It moves the audience and draws them into the power and sadness of that moment.
What does SUPERHERO mean to you?
This show means a lot to me because it doesn’t force anything on the audience or dancers. It allows you to just be in the moment, see the stories and, really feel them. It’s an overwhelming and euphoric experience once we’re in the theatre with the lights, music, and costumes.
Why should everyone come see SUPERHERO A Story of a Man Called Jesus?
Because SUPERHERO is a unique show, it tells the story of Jesus in a way that I have never seen. Audiences will find themselves jamming in their seats, crying, and smiling all in 2 hours!
Come see Taylar perform the role of Mother Mary for the first time! Tickets can be purchased for SUPERHERO here.
To learn more about Company Dancer Taylar Green, visit her Artist’s Page!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from GHDT! Cheers to a joyous and safe 2017. We’re looking forward to what this year will bring for the company.
Performances
Don’t miss an opportunity to attend all three productions in the remaining 2016-2017 season! In February, “The Black Dahlia,” a new work by Artistic Director Gregory Hancock, will premier at The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel, Indiana. This annual February cabaret-style performance is a fundraising event for the company. GHDT transforms the every day rehearsal space into a black box theatre, which creates an up-close, unique experience for the audience. Light refreshments are served. “The Black Dahlia” is a murder mystery ballet based on the story of the unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short from the 1940’s. Performances will be held the first three weekends of February (4th-19th), Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 3pm.
“SUPERHERO -The Story of a Man Called Jesus” will return on Easter weekend, April 14 & 15 to The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. This fan favorite production is back by popular demand with performances at 7 p.m. Tickets are now available at the box office.
We close our season with “A Night in India,” June 9 & 10 at The Tarkington. This production will highlight the beautiful history and culture of India as seen through the eyes of choreographer and Artistic Director Gregory Hancock. New works along with popular repertoire pieces will be performed by the talented and versatile company dancers. Buy your tickets today for a unique evening out at The Tarkington Theater!
Academy Student Performances
Along with the GHDT company performances this season, The Academy of GHDT will present “G2 and Academy Showcase” on June 4th at The Tarkington – one performance only. Come see the talented students of G2 and AGHDT perform new choreography and some popular company repertoire pieces.
GHDT is looking forward to a wonderful new year! Please join us at the theatre!
Nutcracker Event at Barnes & Noble
Klara, Sugar Plum, and other Nutcracker cast m
embers spent part of their Saturday at Barnes & Noble promoting their upcoming performance. Patrons shopping at the bookstore that day, could mention GHDT while checking out, and GHDT received some profits. The dancers colored with children, told the story of The Nutcracker, greeted shoppers, and even did a little bit of dancing!
It’s still happening!
The good news, is that you ca
n still help out! Through Wednesday, if you’re shopping in store, be sure to mention GHDT! If you’re doing your shopping online, be sure to enter code #12043253 and a portion will benefit the company there as well!
In light of recent events in the world, GHDT realizes how lucky we are to have a job creates beauty. As a director and choreographer, Gregory Hancock creates beautiful movement everyday. As a company of dancers, we bring to life Mr. Hancock’s beautiful movement every single day. As artists, we are so lucky to be surrounded by beauty every day.
Words by Gregory Hancock: 
HATE WILL NEVER WIN, but LOVE, COMPASSION and RESPECT must be taught and practiced all the time, not just during times of tragedy, not just when it is personal, not just when it is convenient, but all the time. HUMANITY; all human beings collectively. Kindness and benevolence.
GHDT is keeping everyone affected by the tragedy in Orlando in our hearts and on our minds. It is truly heartbreaking and horrendous how one man could end so many lives because of such hate. The world is a beautiful place, full of beautiful things and beautiful people. Unfortunately, the world is also contaminated by hatred and misfortune. It’s up to us to create a better world for the future. Keep an open mind and an open heart, always. We are with you Orlando.
