Northampton Community College Summer Theatre took a big leap of faith in choosing the 1970 rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” for the final production of its third summer season.
It’s not an easy show to sing but, working with a mix of theatre majors and graduates, director Bill Mutimer pulled off a version that’s well worth a visit.
Focusing on the last seven days in the life of Christ, “Superstar” explores a fictional relationship between Jesus and Judas, leading up to and including the crucifixion. Mutimer stages the story in modern dress and gesture; Cristina Sohns Williams’s athletic choreography is decidedly not B.C. There are few laughs in this musical but the opening night audience still loved every moment.
As Jesus, James Morogiello has amazing control of his tenor as he soars to stratospheric heights. Gabriel Trimbur as Judas is especially polished in his performance of “Superstar,” and Sam Kashefska’s vaudevillian song and dance in “King Herod’s Song” is a joy. Jason William Steffen as the main heavy Caiaphus, does things with his voice you won’t believe.
The principal cast is rounded out with Brady Love as a cruel but golden-voiced Pilate, Daniel Melo as a great assistant meany, and Julia Donahue as Mary Magdalene who adds the softer side. Much credit must go to music director Lucille DeMasi Kincaid also conducted the orchestra from the keyboard. 
NCC’s thrust-stage auditorium is somewhat intimate for show with a cast of 50 so the big dance numbers fill every last inch of the stage and spill up the stairs into the aisles. But it all fits together well enough to hold the audience spellbound.
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” runs till Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Lipkin Theatre, Kopechek Hall, Northampton Community College, 3585 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem. Tickets: $15, $10 students. 484-484-3412,