Meet the cast: Jason DeLong

Omaha Community Playhouse actors are well-known for having various careers outside of theatre. Due to the structure of Omaha’s theatre landscape, paid industry work is usually few and far between. Often, the time and energy put into rehearsals and performance is strictly volunteer. However, you’d never know it meeting some of OCP’s many volunteer actors. One such performer is Jason DeLong, an administrative coordinator for Envisions, Inc., a company that provides habilitation to adults with developmental disabilities. Jason will be appearing in the ensemble of Jesus Christ Superstar this March.

A staple on the OCP stage, Jason DeLong approaches all of his roles with an unprecedented passion and professionalism. Among his many contributions to the productions in which he’s involved, he assists in vocal and dance warmups and leads the ensemble as dance captain. At OCP, Jason has appeared in Thoroughly Modern Millie, All Shook Up, Guys & Dolls, Chicago, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz, Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone and four years of A Christmas Carol.

Jason’s relationship with Jesus Christ Superstar began years ago when he appeared in the Dundee Dinner Theatre’s 2003 production of the musical. What appeals to him is that it “does not glorify Jesus but portrays him like a normal person rallying for the good of mankind, nor does it condemn Judas but rather portrays him as a man concerned with a society of followers that are easily swayed by the thoughts of people higher than themselves.”

When asked about the production’s modern retelling of the story, he says, “I love the direction Kimberly (director) has chosen to take the story. So much of it has no specific timeframe. Our modern approach gives importance and significance to the issues we as a society still face on an everyday basis.” He continues, “I feel Kimberly approaches her version of the show with the thought of returning to the original roots of rebellion and letting the harsh aggression of the text and music shine and ring in a setting of life today.”

You can see Jason DeLong in the ensemble of the Omaha Community Playhouse’s Jesus Christ Superstar, running March 6–April 4, 2015 (no performance on Easter, April 5); Wednesday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for students. For groups of 12 or more, tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.

Story by Noah Diaz