32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 22-28, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com ONSTAGE The newest production by the theater group Enchantrix takes place in an empty industrial space in Castroville. It’s a utilitarian slate for a powerful play with a catchy soundtrack. Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera based on the Gospels’ accounts of the arrest and crucifixion. But his biblical foil, Judas, takes center stage as a friend who wants to stop Jesus before he provokes the local Roman and Jewish authorities. In other words, the biblical treason of Judas has psychological complexity. The opera starts with Judas Iscariot (played by Jeff Hinderscheid) calling out the shortcomings of Jesus’ followers (“Heaven on Their Minds”). He questions Jesus (Stephan Sams) as a messiah and suggests his cult went too far and will get everybody involved into trouble. Mary Magdalene (Jona St. John) attempts to soothe the situation in the tender ballad “Everything’s Alright.” You probably know what comes next. In Enchantrix’s version, there are colorful tents at the back of the stage, signifying a commune, and the paint-covered wood pallets where most of the action takes place. Then—out of nowhere—a puppet scene is on the stage for the frantic “Herod’s Song.” The play is fraught, human and occasionally funny. Herod and his puppets are hilarious, but the scenes of the arrest, Judas’ self-inflicted death and the eventual crucifixion of Jesus are dark, in a spiritual way. The costumes are half ancient, half contemporary, with a nod to rock aesthetics. Jesus himself goes around with an electric guitar and his relationship with Mary Magdalene is portrayed as physical. It is also, and will likely always be, acutely present-day, representing the drama of humanity in general: Who are we? Whom should we believe? Is there life after death? The director and choreographer is Colin St. John, the vocal director is Tara Mann and the set design was done by Sean Aten. The original opera was first performed in 1971, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Enchantrix, a group of local performers, debuted with Man of La Mancha in 2023, followed by A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2024. If you want to see this show, hurry: It runs for just two more weekends. After that, fans will have to wait to see what Enchantrix comes up with next year. Jesus Christ Superstar 7pm Fridays and Saturdays through May 31. 11380 Commercial Parkway, Castroville. $25; $10/students. enchantrix.net/superstar. @GOONI_B.MEDIA Crucifix Cool With Jesus Christ Superstar, Enchantrix asks what if God was one of us? By Agata Popęda Mary Magdalene attempts to calm Jesus after a verbal spat with Judas (standing) during Enchantrix’s performance of the famed rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 5PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 5-6PM & 8-9PM Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’24 Best Steak Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 Best Pizza ’98-’24 Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates
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