It’s been 30 years since Moonlight Stage Productions last presented Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1971 “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
I didn’t see that incarnation, but I’m here to tell you the one that’s onstage through May 27 is a must-see, even though it’s about a most unpleasant topic – the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
This post-hippie interpretation questions not only the identity of this Galilean visitor, but also what he has come to do. He doesn’t talk much, but there’s something compelling about him.
Some of the gang he meets really want to be his disciples, while others find him a curiosity intriguing to watch, but suspect that he may be an imposter after all.
When Jesus meets Mary Magdalene (wonderfully played by Monika Peña), she falls for him in a rather too human way. The elders are not happy about this stranger, either. And and when Judas (well played by Brian Justin Crum) – who will ultimately betray him – begins to hatch his plot, the ending gradually becomes more and more unavoidable.
This version boasts brilliant production values, including many fine actor/singers and dancers and an excellent orchestra conduced by Lyndon Pugeda. Credit Jimmy Locust for the fine choreography.
Kevin Depinet’s fine dual-level set, Jennifer Edwards’ fine lighting design and Brandon Boomizad’s sound design add to the atmosphere. Renetta Lloyd’s costumes and Peter Herman’s hair and wig designs contribute the hippie-hippie look this show needs.
The show stands or falls on the person of Jesus, and Moonlight favorite Richard Bermudez brings exactly the right, rather sad portrayal of the man who knows how this will end.
Whether or not you’ve seen this show before, Moonlight gives us a splendid production. Don’t miss it.
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