‘Jesus’ impresses at the PAC

For a guy who would rather enroll in upper-division calculus than sit through a live musical, and who looks back with less-than-fond memories about his childhood in Catholic school, the idea of attending a theater production about Jesus was less than appealing.

While I admit I have never seen the famous 1973 Norman Jewison film version, nor the current reinvention which has toured off-Broadway for nearly two decades, I have to say that “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which made its one-night stop at the Cohen Center on Tuesday, was not as bad as my preconceptions would lead me to believe.

The extravagant rock opera, a collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, tells the story of the last days of Christ, from his arrival to Jerusalem to his crucifixion.

Playing the pivotal role of Jesus was Ted Neeley, an understudy during the show’s original run in 1971 whose lead in the film version helped turn “Superstar” into a global phenomenon earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Though his stage presence was less commanding than some of his younger co-stars, Neeley lived up to his legend during his solo numbers, including “Gethsemane” and “Poor Jerusalem,” where his dynamic vocal range reminded this audience member of the broodiness of Blood, Sweat & Tears and the power of Styx.

Other cast members steal the show, however, like the velvet-voiced Cristina Sass as the prostitute Mary Magdalene and multi-talented emoticon James Delisco as the doomed Judas.

There were other good performances by the barrel-chested Jayson Kerr as the villainous high priest Caiaphas and Mark Baratelli, whose flamboyant King Herod provided the otherwise melodramatic production with some much-needed and well-delivered comic relief.

While the performances and choreography were definitely notable, the real attention-grabber for those who hate singing and dancing like me, was the band that played the soundtrack offstage. The band was so tight and the sound quality mixed to such perfection that I sat through most of the production before realizing it was live music I was listening to. I had to walk up and peak behind the stage after the show just to make sure I wasn’t being duped.

And whoever was playing the lead guitar could teach this 12-year veteran more than a thing or two.

In true rock opera fashion, the lighting and special effects were dazzling, with fog spewing and intricate psychedelic designs splashing the audience and the massive walls of the Christopher Cohen Center. Jesus’ free-floating ascent off the cross into Heaven was especially spectacular.

While I may never truly understand the draw to musicals, it is easy for me to grasp how anyone, with or without a Judeo-Christian background, would be moved by the words and music of this particular production. Toward the climax of the show, as Jesus slowly died on the cross, I couldn’t help but notice the sweet old woman sitting next to me choking back her tears.

If this reporter lacked any enthusiasm for this production, there was definitely no shortage among the audience members I talked to, many coming from all over the Central Coast to see Neeley reprise his most famous role.

“I loved it,” said Janice White who came from Templeton to see the production. “Ted Neeley made the show.”

That seemed to be the consensus. Ellie Jensen of Arroyo Grande said, “I thought it was great. Neeley is amazing. I saw him do the show back in ’95.and he’s better now than he was back then.”

Gail Stevens of Cambria, agreed. “I’d never been to a pure musical before, where there’s no speaking in between. It was wonderful, very entertaining and the performers were top notch.”

When asked who her favorite performer was, Stevens responded without pause, “Ted Neeley.good-looking guy, great voice and I remember him from the movie. He was almost as good live as he was in that movie. Not bad for a 65-year old guy.”

If for nothing else, witnessing this show at this particular moment in history inspires thought and consideration of how far- and how little- things have changed since Biblical times. In a week where Israel is in the middle of a massive, one-sided ground and air attack on Gaza, I was forced to reflect on how their role certainly has changed since they were the underdog to the Romans.

The story holds timely political relevance, as well. As Jesus’ disciples shouted out, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” seeking his salvation, I was reminded of those today – not only in this country, but in many parts of the world – who are desperately looking to the incoming American president to solve all their problems. And just like Jesus’ disciples, many are truly worried about the safety of our new leader.