Near West Theatre's sizzling production of Jesus Christ Superstar, running weekends through August 3rd , is not for the faint of heart. It is for people willing to engage with modern social themes exploitation, bigotry, and hatred. The futuristic set, in-your-face costumes, eerie lighting, and special effects create a world in which the powerful are hell bent on domination and the powerless are often clueless victims of an overwhelming socioeconomic system.

It was hard to remember that the actors are part of NWT's teen theater. The performances were strong and at the same time nuanced, making me wonder how high school and college kids could so trenchantly portray world-weary characters.

Listening to Director Bob Navis talk about his experience engaging with the issues raised by the show was worth the price of admission. The brutality of the crucifixion scene, made all the more so by a brilliant new interpretation, was countered by a redemptive closing in which souls who have suffered greatly (Anne Frank, Oscar Romero, Mahatma Ghandi, Rumi, Elie Wiesel) shine brightly through their quotations. We are reminded at last what a costly and fragile thing redemption truly is. This show is not to be missed! From Cool Cleveland contributor Lois Annich RevLois@aol.com

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