Growing up, I cannot tell you how many times I heard my mom singing, “Jesus Christ, Superstar, Do you think you’re what they say you are?” She always raves about JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and how it is a must-see show. Once I saw it was coming to Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, I had to see “what the buzz” is about with this show.

The story follows Jesus (Jack Hopewell) in his final weeks of his life. It portrays some of the well-known parts of the Gospel, such as the Last Supper, all through the perspective of Judas (Elvie Ellis). A series of events lead up to an intense final scene that will leave you speechless.

One of the features that really makes JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR stand out is its musical stylings. The show is a rock-opera and offers performers a chance to shine in ways you don’t typically see in musical theater. While individual performers shined, this production truly puts into focus the talents of the entire company. The orchestra plays on stage, showing the audience everyone performing throughout the show.

The production moves along through creative use of symbols, lighting, and costumes. One of my favorite moments was when Judas is asked to turn Jesus over in exchange for silver. In this moment, Caiaphas (Isaac Ryckeghem) takes Judas’s hands and puts them into a chest. Once Judas pulls out his hands, they are covered in silver paint, which they wear through the remainder of the show. It reflects the choice he made and explicitly shows that “his blood is on your hands.”

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a musical experience unlike anything I have ever seen. If you want to see raw musical talent and a storyline that’ll have your adrenaline pumping, then I highly suggest you catch the production at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, now through February 12. Learn more here.