The 12

The 12
Denver Center Theater Company
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Denver, CO
March 27 - April 26, 2015

One thing I love about theater is the rare occasion when a script lands in the right hands and it becomes a show that is life changing. The world premiere of The 12 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is one of those events.

The concept is intriguing, telling the untold story of the surviving disciples of Jesus in the time between his crucifixion and resurrection. The Bible tells us that they hid together in a room. But what happened there?

From the very beginning, the fear, uncertainty and confusion is clear. The script effectively gives the audience an introduction to the disciples and their backgrounds. While it is not realistic, it is very helpful to keep them all straight and poetic way to begin. From there, the cast rock into "Walk Away," an anthem that sets the mood for the next two hours.

We quickly learn the relationships of the disciples are tenuous at best. Their weaknesses come out and they only agree on their dislike for Mary Magdalene. The one thing that kept them together was their Teacher, who is represented by an empty chair in the middle of the stage. Through their conversations and songs, we get to know them all better.

The first act is full of bickering and confessions of wrongdoing. These 12 are divided and it's clear they didn't understand the words of their beloved Teacher. The brief appearance by Jesus' mother rocked the entire theater to it's core. Her mournful ballad "Rain" was heart wrenching, along with her accusing question, "What are you going to do?"

In Act Two, Mary returns with the news that the tomb is empty, everything starts to change. While it is disappointing that none of the disciples investigate, the lesson in faith is astounding. Mary's "What If" challenges us to believe in the Resurrection. Thomas' doubts are menacing, but they represent the doubts in all of us. And we see Peter grow into the leader we know him as. It's as if, finally, the disciples have learned the lessons their Teacher gave them.

The set is what you might expect in Jerusalem during the Roman occupation, but the costumes are modern - jeans for the fishermen, a suit for the tax collector, a sweater for the student. But is seems to work as the audience realizes that the disciples are just like us. And the song "Ordinary" only reinforces that feeling.

The story is intimate and powerful, the music captivating. The 12 is called a rock musical and it will rock your soul. You can feel it challenging you to live up to your potential. It brings the disciples down from their pedestals and makes them just like us. We know what they accomplished, what can we do?