STAGE REVIEWS : ‘SUPERSTAR’

The Fullerton Civic Light Opera Company has stripped the outlandish “Jesus Christ Superstar” of almost all its humor, irony and irreverence, leaving a rather tame musical treatment that even Jerry Falwell could like.

At the center of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice work of 1971 is the question of Christ’s authenticity, an issue that has hamstrung theologians for years:Was he a miracle worker sent from on high or a messianic mortal with a gift for showmanship?By placing him in a rock opera filled with songs questioning his role, Webber and Rice attempted to humanize and demystify Christ. The design is provocation in the face of sanctity, and the audience is asked to decide for itself.

In this version, though, there is little room for argument. In the Crucifixion scene, Christ, suspended above the stage, is accepted into heaven and a brilliant cross is projected onto the closing curtain. It’s a lovely, even inspiring moment, but it does seem to take liberties with the original vision. Alas, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is not the Crystal Cathedral’s “The Glory of Christmas” with wailing guitars and raucous singing.

Director Pepper Clyde underplays the musical’s comic moments, another means that Rice and Webber used to make the Christ story more accessible. Missed opportunities are everywhere. Even the climactic Last Supper scene, when the apostles deliver a tongue-in-cheek chorus about the fame to be enjoyed once they float to the afterlife, is sodden with melodrama. There is one hilarious number--when King Herod (played wickedly by Marc Cherry)bellows the sinful “King Herod’s Song” with a pack of harem girls--but it’s a case of too little, too late.

Still, the show does have plenty of energy. Clyde, who doubles as choreographer, has orchestrated some pretty frenetic dancing, and the singing (directed by Leo Kreter)is impassioned and reasonably good.

As Jesus, tenor James Whitson finds the emotion to shade the character. Micheal Frances, although his voice often slips, presents a satisfying characterization of the flawed Judas. The rest of the ensemble performs its duties competently as well.

“Superstar” has long been criticized as blasphemous by some religious leaders, and the FCLOC show, despite the reverence of the Crucifixion scene and its harmlessness overall, may disturb the more rigid fundamentalists. Others may just yawn.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” runs through Feb. 1 at Plummer Auditorium, Chapman Street and Lemon Avenue, Fullerton. Information: (714) 879-1732.