Sonya Ellingboe
It’s uneven in spots, but the new rock opera “Magdalena, Woman
of Light” is clearly worth a visit on the strength of the four
leads and the lively score, played by a fine five-piece band that
includes a harpist.
The new rock musical about Mary Magdalene runs through Oct. 19
at the New Denver Civic Theatre, and has been a decade-long project
for Colorado writers Susan Griffin and Michele Wagner, with music
by Kama Devi.
Unfortunately, this is the final weekend, although I would
expect to see it reappear, as its creators intend. The cost in
money, time and effort to mount a full-scale production is mind
boggling.
The authors say this project was under way before the “Da Vinci
Code” novel became a best seller, as was the film. Controversy
raged about both because of the story that Jesus and Mary Magdalene
loved each other and married, also the premise of this work.
As lights go up, the Egyptian Head Priestess, the powerful
Natalie Oliver-Atherton, is spotlighted in the Temple of Isis,
backed by a chanting chorus. She becomes Mother Wisdom in Scene 2
as she crowns Magdalene, Woman of Light, Marika Reisberg, who has a
wonderful, lush voice. A few days later on the shores of the sea of
Galilee, she meets Jesus, a solid Benjamin Francis, who is teaching
his apostles.
Among them is Peter (the multitalented Steven J. Burge), who
thought he was the chosen one and is jealous of the immediate
connection between Jesus and Magdalene.
“She’s just a woman,” he laments.
The Last Supper, crucifixion and a resounding “Rise, Baby Rise,”
with Mother Wisdom consoling a devastated Peter, are followed by a
full company, “A New Way of Being.” Both are depicted with a
rousing gospel chorus.
Wagner directed the production, with musical directed by
Devi.
The temple dancers who appear occasionally are a somewhat weak
link and other cast members were not as confident as the leads.
The production plays through Oct. 19 at the New Denver Civic
Theatre, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Performances: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 5 p.m.
Sundays.
Tickets: $39.50, $34.50, 303-309-3773, denvercivic.com, TicketsWest at King
Soopers, www.ticketswest.com,
866-464-2626.
