Courtesy of Albuquerque Little Theatre

With a cast of thirty-one actor/singer/dancers, a band of ten musicians, ten principal production staff, and myriad crew and administrative staff, this is an enormous undertaking. Under the direction of Brian Clifton, they have all risen to the task. It is an exhilarating production that is well worth seeing.

The physical aspects of the production are outstanding. The set design by Jason Roman provides many playing levels and is interesting to the eye, mixing graffiti and industrial squalor. Special kudos go to the graffiti artists' work incorporated into the set. Costume designers Shannon Scheffler and Katy Jacome have given every actor appropriate garb. Each costume suits each character, and actors are able to move well. Lighting designer RayRey Griego has blended mood lighting with visual clarity throughout the show.

The choreography by Jonathan Ragsdale and Dru Martinez is a highlight. Movement is seamless and totally integrated into the action. The cast of many ages and abilities is never given steps they cannot execute. The music under the direction of Colin Burdge is also very well done. Placed upstage of the action in partial view, the ten musicians manage the diverse and difficult score with aplomb.

All the actors in this production are effective. The non-traditional casting is accomplished very successfully. Age, gender identity, and race have been cast aside to form a blended and diverse ensemble. Martin Chavez-Borjas is an excellent Jesus; he delivers a very committed performance and has a great voice. His falsetto is a piercing cry. Kristin Mackey as Mary Magdalene has a clear and beautiful voice and delivers a tender, if not very sensual, performance. Joliana Davidson portrays Judas Iscariot. Her singing voice is adequate for the role, but the portrayal is missing an over-the-top spark needed to move the action. Like Jesus, this Judas seems more sinned against than sinning.

Other standouts in the cast include Matt Miller as Pilate and Izabella Maxfield as a Soul Girl. Matt is a well-known local actor who can always be counted on to deliver a powerful performance. Izabella is a scientist turned new thespian who has a dynamic physical presence on stage. Generally, this ensemble works well together to create remarkable moments throughout the play.

Jesus Christ Superstar opened as a stage production in 1971. Fifty years later the show's impact is difficult to exaggerate. The music is still memorable, and the questions the show raises are still relevant. The rock opera has become standard theatrical fare.

The Albuquerque Little Theatre has blown away any old cobwebs and presented a relevant and outstanding Jesus Christ Superstar. You should go and renew your acquaintance with this classic.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs through September 15, 2024, at the Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $32-$35. For tickets and information, please visit 4750 albuquerquelittletheatre.org or call 505-242-.

Directed by Brian Clifton, Assistant Director, Nicholas Laemmer, Musical Director, Colin Burge, Scene Design by Jason Roman, Choreography by Jonathan Ragsdale and Dru Martinez, Costumes by Shannon Scheffler and Katy Jacome, Props and Sound by Lando Ruiz, Lighting Design by RayRey Griego, Stage Manager, Kaleah Baca.

The Cast: Martin Chavez-Borjas, Joliana Davidson, Kristin Mackey, Paul Ashby, Kale Brown, Laura Cummins-Wright, Matt Miller, Lando Ruiz, Tiana Youtzy, Clare Adams-Crow, Pricilla Chavez-Borjas, Jude Chavez-Stromei, Elora Daniels, Nicole Erdman, Caleb Esquivel, Allisa Hall, Nicholas Handley, Joel Irvin, Leigh Irvin, Lauren Jehle, Izabella Maxfield, Peggy McLoughlin, Jason Roman, Deborah Schoenbaum, Rachel Schuster, Noah Smith, Helena Thompson, Felix Wallace, Meredith Williamson, and Oliver Yaney.