Actor’s Crystal method

“Break a leg” is the preferred way of wishing good luck to thespians before they take the stage.

For Pete Uribe, however, it has a more literal meaning ? it’s how he found his way to the theater in the first place. Back when he was a junior at Fountain Valley High School, Uribe broke his ankle while playing basketball for the Barons. Unable to return to the court, the only class he could get into during sixth period was acting.

That class changed his life.

“It really opened up a whole new world for me,” Uribe said. “I had played sports throughout my youth. Suddenly, that theater class ? allowed me to be all of myself, to really express the emotions and things that I had repressed.

“Had I not broken that ankle, I would have never taken that class. In a strange way, that broken leg did turn out to be good luck for me.”

Now 34, the Huntington Beach resident has several acting and directing credits to his name ? and he’s one of three prominent students to emerge from that acting class at Fountain Valley.

Beginning tonight, Uribe plays the part of Jesus of Nazareth in “The Glory of Easter” at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.

Uribe, who directed the rock musical “Quadrophenia” on March 10 in Hollywood, has been busy with rehearsals this week in preparation for the opening.

“I wish I had a clever, pithy answer, as to what it’s like to portray Jesus, but I don’t,” said Uribe, who teaches acting and directing at the Orange County High School of the Performing Arts and at Cal Poly Pomona.

“But I will tell you, the first time I went up on that cross during rehearsals, it was almost an uncontrollable emotional experience,” he said. “I’m aware the entire time that it’s a pretty awesome task playing Jesus. With this show, as an actor, you have to take in people’s perception of Jesus as well. I’m aware that the audience has a pretty specific idea of what Jesus is to them. It’s definitely a family show, and I have to be careful not to tread on that idea.”

The two-hour production includes an ensemble cast of actors, dancers and soloists, as well as horses, camels, donkeys and peacocks.

“Peter brings a natural strength to the role of Jesus,” producer Paul Dunn said of Uribe. “His presence is commanding and fills the great stage of the Crystal Cathedral. When you hear Peter speak, it’s like hearing the words of Jesus for the first time.”

Uribe had been in many stage productions, playing including Hamlet at the Long Beach Shakespeare Festival. “I remember that first day in acting class at Fountain Valley,” said Uribe. “I didn’t know it would become my career, but I did know acting was something I like to do. I had such a great time in that class and learned so much.”

Uribe said that three other students ? who remain close friends ? from that acting class went on to notable acting careers: Craig Brewer has written and directed several films, including “Hustle and Flow”; David Denman has several acting credits, including one as a series regular on the NBC hit “The Office”; and Omar Metwally has a part in the recent Steven Spielberg film “Munich.”

Uribe says playing Jesus is demanding. “The physicality of it takes it toll,” he said, noting he’ll lose nearly 10 pounds from his 187-pound frame during the show’s run. “This production really is, to me, two acts. The first part is about the message of love, love, love. I know it sounds so clichéd, but it’s so true. The second act is the Last Supper and crucifixion. I don’t speak as much during this segment of the show, but that’s when so many emotions stir. It becomes a little more personal at that point.

“This role, as with any role for an actor, is always a challenge. You never feel like you totally master it. The story of Jesus is well known, and playing this role truly is an awesome responsibility.”

He might have the part down pat, as this marks the fifth year he has played it. “The Glory of Easter” has a preview show tonight, followed by an engagement that starts Friday and ends on April 15.