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Oh Virgil! A Theatrical Portrait, Judson Arts / Woodstock Fringe
"Troy Valjean Rucker, a baritone with considerable stage presence and a sound that
resonates beautifully in the bare open space of the church/theater, lets us glimpse
Virgil’s vulnerability as well as his strength."
(Theaterscene.net)
"Both Heintz and Rucker have lovely voices and do more than mere justice to the
flirtatious, vivacious melodic lines that make Thomson's best work shimmer."
(Backstage.com)
"Both Watson Heintz and Troy Valjean Rucker have beautiful voices, which they put to
the service of Thomson’s music."
(New Millennium Arts Newsletter)
South Pacific, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse
"Troy Valjean Rucker as Emile’s servant steals a laugh with just one line."
(Syracuse Times, NY)
Angels In America, UM-D Players
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama - PAGE AWARD (nomination)
"most notable among cast members... Troy Rucker as Belize and Mr. Lies
demonstrated a great variety of emotions and characterizations."
(Dearborn Press & Guide, MI)
Detroiter Returns with cast of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
By STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA
O&E STAFF WRITER
Troy V. Rucker is coming home.
The Detroit native returns to his roots this month, as part of the touring cast of Jesus Christ
Superstar. The show opened at the Fox Theatre on March 14. He’ll take on the role of the
Apostle Matthew in the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.
Rucker’s initial interest in the arts came by way of music. He attended Detroit School for
Performing Arts as an instrumental music major and got the acting bug around age 15. He spent
three seasons as part of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit – an opportunity that led to his first
touring experience.
Following high school Rucker attended Wayne State University for music performance. But the
oboe player opted for an actor’s life and at age 19 “made a bold move” and headed for New
York City’s American Musical and Drama Academy.
Though he’s spent the bulk of his career thus far performing classical music and taking opera
roles, Rucker’s enjoying this brief departure. He calls Jesus Christ Superstar his favorite of
Webber’s elaborate musicals – placing it above Phantom of the Opera.
Rucker performed for 10 months beginning in 2006 with the cast, enjoyed five months off and
was ready to return to Jesus Christ Superstar for its current tour. “I did a few projects in
between” he said. “It’s good to be a working actor.”
Among those other projects he made his debut with the New York City Opera in Margaret
Garner.
But touring comes naturally to Rucker. “I love to travel,” he said, calling form Hershey, Penn.
“We go all over North America. So this is fantastic.”
And he’s the first to say that Jesus Christ Superstar isn’t what it might seem. “I don’t
necessarily view the show as a religious show,” he said. “It’s not preachy.”
It’s a rock opera that has endured since it opened in 1970. The story centers on the relationship
between Judas and Jesus. “People really get swept up,” said Rucker. “It’s very moving.”
From the title song to the crucifixion, Rucker described the show as “a crazy rock festival.” The
audience dances and sings along. But his favorite scene depicts The Last Supper, giving the
apostles a chance to express their brotherhood.
Following the Detroit performances Rucker will likely get a couple of weeks off. He plans to
spend time with friends and family in the area, and even visit a former teacher who performs
with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “Because I don’t get home as often as I’d like, I want to
see what’s changed, what’s new in downtown Detroit,” he said. There’s so much negativity
being put on the city and not enough good things being said.”
The Superstar tour runs through June.
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