The newest production by the theater group Enchantrix takes place in an empty industrial space in Castroville. It’s a utilitarian slate for a powerful play with a catchy soundtrack.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera based on the Gospels’ accounts of the arrest and crucifixion. But his biblical foil, Judas, takes center stage as a friend who wants to stop Jesus before he provokes the local Roman and Jewish authorities. In other words, the biblical treason of Judas has psychological complexity.
The opera starts with Judas Iscariot (played by Jeff Hinderscheid) calling out the shortcomings of Jesus’ followers (“Heaven on Their Minds”). He questions Jesus (Stephan Sams) as a messiah and suggests his cult went too far and will get everybody involved into trouble. Mary Magdalene (Jona St. John) attempts to soothe the situation in the tender ballad “Everything’s Alright.”
You probably know what comes next. In Enchantrix’s version, there are colorful tents at the back of the stage, signifying a commune, and the paint-covered wood pallets where most of the action takes place. Then – out of nowhere – a puppet scene is on the stage for the frantic “Herod’s Song.”
The play is fraught, human and occasionally funny. Herod and his puppets are hilarious, but the scenes of the arrest, Judas’ self-inflicted death and the eventual crucifixion of Jesus are dark, in a spiritual way.
The costumes are half ancient, half contemporary, with a nod to rock aesthetics. Jesus himself goes around with an electric guitar and his relationship with Mary Magdalene is portrayed as physical. It is also, and will likely always be, acutely present-day, representing the drama of humanity in general: Who are we? Whom should we believe? Is there life after death?
The director and choreographer is Colin St. John, the vocal director is Tara Mann and the set design was done by Sean Aten. The original opera was first performed in 1971, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
Enchantrix, a group of local performers, debuted with Man of La Mancha in 2023, followed by A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2024. If you want to see this show, hurry: It runs for just two more weekends. After that, fans will have to wait to see what Enchantrix comes up with next year.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 7pm Fridays and Saturdays through May 31. 11380 Commercial Parkway, Castroville. $25; $10/students. enchantrix.net/superstar