MUNCIE, Ind. -- A Jan. 3 benefit performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar" will help Ball State University stage the show at the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival regionals.

Ball State's production of the classic rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice has been chosen to compete in the KC/ACTF Region III event Jan. 6-10 in Indianapolis. Ball State is the only Indiana school invited to the five-state competition.

The Jan. 3 benefit performance in University Theatre will raise funds to help cover the $10,000 cost of presenting the show at the festival. Tickets for the 2:30 p.m. show are $15 for the general public and $10 for students.

When "Superstar" was staged on campus in early November, all seven performances sold out before the first one opened.

"This is an opportunity for people who missed the original performances to see the show, and for people who saw the show to enjoy it again," said Don LaCasse, chair of Ball State’s Department of Theatre and Dance and co-director of the production with faculty member Beth Turcotte.

The musical is produced by Ball State's Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Fine Arts, with assistance from the Ball State School of Music. It includes musical direction by faculty composer Raphael Crystal and choreography by alumnus Holly Quackenbush of Fishers, Ind.

"Superstar" traces the last week of Christ's life, culminating in his crucifixion and death. The biblical events are viewed through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrays Jesus.

The production features a 1970s rock music score, rock-and-roll lighting, lush costumes and a set resembling an old church temple under construction. Some choreography and staging changes will be made and several costumes will be added to further strengthen the show, LaCasse said.

A 40-student cast includes Hank Campbell (Jesus), Kevin Thornton (Judas Iscariot), Jill Westerheide (Mary Magdalene), Nick Brenner (Pontius Pilate) and Matthew McNear (King Herod).

"Superstar" is the sixth Ball State theater show selected for the KC/ACTF regional competition since 1989, following "Cabaret," "Ghetto," "Company," "Dancing at Lughnasa" and "Dig for Fire."

Only six mainstage productions were invited to the regional festival from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. Other participants include the University of Michigan and Illinois State, Miami, Michigan State and Wright State universities.

"Superstar" opens the festival at 1 p.m. Jan. 7 at Indianapolis Pike High School, where all of the performances will be staged. Other festival activities will be at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

The musical's scenic design by Ball State alumnus Markas Henry of New York and lighting design by faculty member Doug Noble have been nominated for certificates of merit.

Top productions from eight regional KC/ACTF festivals around the country will advance to the national festival next spring at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Tickets for the Jan. 3 benefit performance on campus can be purchased at the University Theatre Box Office on Dec. 14 (1-5 p.m.), Dec. 28-30 (1-5 p.m.), Dec. 31 (1-3 p.m.), Jan. 2 (1-5 p.m.) and Jan. 3 (one hour before the show). Phone: (765) 285-8749.

Mail orders can be placed any time. To obtain a form, contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at (765) 285-8740.