6-Month Run Sought : Play of Life of Christ Proposed for Starlight

The operator of the troubled Starlight Amphitheatre in Burbank is seeking approval from city officials to use the facility six months next year for a play based on the life of Jesus Christ.

Tim Pinch, who managed the 6,000-seat theater last summer, said the play, “A Man Named Jesus,” would be a “theatrical spectacular” that would revitalize the outdoor arena. The Starlight Amphitheatre has been beset in recent years by poor attendence, legal disputes and organizational difficulties.

“My job is to bring good shows to this community, and that is what this will do,” Pinch said. “It will make a lot of money for the city and everyone involved.”

The play, Pinch said, is a high-tech production featuring 100 actors, recorded dialogue and classical music. It would be directed by Robert Hossein, who directed the production of “Les Miserables” currently drawing capacity crowds in New York.

More Information Sought

But city officials said they need more information from Pinch about the effect the production would have on traffic and noise in the surrounding residential community. The city’s Park and Recreation Board and a Starlight citizens’ advisory committee will consider the proposal at a meeting Monday at 6:30 at the Pavillion on the Golden Mall.

“We’re reserving all comments till then, but I’m sure there will be a lot of questions,” Inga said.

Historically, only concerts and community events have been staged at the Starlight, all during the summer.

Approval by the city would require changes in Pinch’s contract to manage the city-owned facility. His pact stipulates that he can present no more than 10 shows a year if the attendance for each is more than 2,500, or an unlimited number of shows if attendance for each is less than 2,500.

Audience of 4,500

Pinch wants to get permission from the city to have a maximum of 4,500 spectators at each performance for six months. The play would be staged Monday through Saturday from May through October, 1988.

The play’s producer, Peter Sailer, wants to spend $5 million to $6 million on the Burbank production, including at least $1 million on capital improvements to the facility, Pinch said. The improvements would include new seating and a “massive upgrade of power,” he said.

Sailer staged the show in France three years ago at sold-out venues, Pinch said.

Pinch said he is finalizing plans for this year’s summer season, which will feature country, rhythm and blues and gospel shows.