Miriam Dance, The Riviera Ridge School’s director of visual and performing arts, dedicates her days to inspiring youth to advance their musical theater talents and still makes time to pursue her own artistic passions.

A dark-haired figure wearing black pants and a black leather jacket stands tall against a white smoky background as audience below raise their hands in adoration. (Courtesy photo)
Riviera Ridge teacher Miriam Dance plays the lead in Out of the Box’s performance of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ (Courtesy photo)

She is currently taking on the role of a lifetime, starring as Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which runs April 5-14 at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara.

Out of the Box Theater Company’s version of the musical departs from tradition with a modern spin, including an all-women cast. The idea was inspired by Morgan James’ “She is Risen” project, an album that features an all-female cast, orchestra, and engineers performing “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Growing up immersed in church culture, Dance said she often considered what it might be like to put herself in the shoes of Jesus Christ, but she never imagined she’d play the role on stage. 

“When we think of someone who is chosen to sacrifice their life to save the world, what image comes to mind? Probably not a woman. Probably not a black woman,” Dance said. “However, when we think about the things that Jesus represents, the words he spoke about love, forgiveness, treating others, how we want to be treated, etc., those are things that I can stand on and relate to.”

“We are excited to celebrate our educators and artists in residence,” said Chris Broderick, Riviera Ridge head of school. “Miriam’s talent shines bright both in the classroom and on the stage. It is an honor to have her proudly represent our school and the performing arts in such an extraordinary way,”

The production is further modernized with a present-day setting depicting Jesus and the apostles as activists and protesters, but the classic American rock opera songs will retain the 1970s sound popularized in the original production.

“The music is definitely edgy and soulful at the same time,” Dance said. “The set is very minimal, and scenes are brought to life mostly through movement.”

However edgy the production is, Dance believes it’s a story everyone can connect to, especially with a main character as iconic as Jesus. 

“To see the humanity of such a figure is a captivating experience,” she said. “Jesus was the son of the creator, and he came down to live a human life. What was that journey like?

“This musical explores this question and takes it to another level by asking the viewer to consider it through the lens of an all-women cast.

“This show is a masterpiece, and I’m so excited for my students, colleagues, and the entire SB Community to be touched and entertained by it.”

For show tickets, visit CenterStageTheater.org.

For more Riviera Ridge email info@rivieraridge.org or call 805-569-1811 ext. 131.