Civic Theater’s energetic production of the 1970s rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” effectively puts the story in a place without specific time or location.
Playing through March 9 at Allentown’s historic 19th St. Theater, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown, the sung-through musical features an eye-catching industrial multi-level set, on-stage electric band, video and costumes that embrace both 70s ear hippie and Gestapo-style black trench coats.
Diego Subero-Butler is an appealing and mostly stoic Jesus, only allowing his anguish to finally show through when he is being flogged. Subero-Butler put heart into songs like “Strange Things Mystifying,” and “The Last Supper.”
Judas, as played by Alejandro Rodriguez, ably demonstrates his frustration and growing conflict as he watches the crowds’ adulation for Jesus grow. The song "Jesus Christ Supertsar" is memorable as Rodriguez performs surrounded by fringe-clad background singers who nail the familiar soprano part.
Cathy Ritter offers a comforting escape for Jesus as Mary Magdalene. She belts and riffs on songs like “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” and “Everything’s Alright.”
As Pontius Pilate, Shaun Hayes effectively conveys the character’s mix of confusion and frustrated menace in “Pilate’s Dream” and in his scenes with Jesus.
Andrew Galindez hit all the right high notes as Annas in “This Jesus Must Die” contrasted by the lower register of Nick Conti as Caiaphas (Conti also is music director).
Sarai Misic is emphatic as Peter in “Peter’s Denial” and Chlóe Griffault is forceful as Simon in Simon Zealotes.
Cheryl Moritz had a very different and distinctive take on “King Herod’s Song,” giving it a unique Bernadette Peters vibe.
The five-piece band is on stage throughout the show, with Tom Zaneski coming forward to wail on the electric guitar for the opening solo and the intro to “Damned For All Time.”
Luke Blomstrom’s set worked well, especially in scenes like the chaotic Temple marketplace, and Ellen Schmoyer’s lighting design added was somber and moody.
Costumes by designer Rigby Maiatico were attractive and appropriate.
Director Rae Labadie kept the large ensemble cast moving efficiently around the stage, and tup and down the aisles.
Patrons are warned a gunshot is fired during the show. Depictions of violence may be disturbing to some viewers. Fog also is used in the production.
The 2 p.m. performances March 1 and 8 will feature Mason McGowan as Jesus, Chloe Griffault as Judas and Olivia Emens as Simon.
Tickets are $35 for adults; $30 for students, seniors and military and $13 for children age 13 and younger.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 28, and March 6 and 7; 2 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2 and 9; and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 1 and 8.
Ted Neeley, who portrayed Jesus in the 1973 film “Jesus Christ Superstar Civic” will attend a special screening of the film “Jesus Christ Superstar” Feb. 27 at Civic.
Neeley, who is on his “2025 Farewell Tour,” will be available for photos and autographs from 6 to 7 p.m. There will be VIP tickets available for a meet and greet with Neeley from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The film will start at 7 p.m.
The film, directed by Norman Jewison, was nominated for an Academy Award and Neeley was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Jesus.
For information, call 610-433-8903, or go to civictheatre.com/.