Out of the Box Theatre Company will present the second show of its 2023-24 season, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara.

This iconic rock opera — featuring an all-female and nonbinary cast — opens April 5 and runs Friday through Sunday through April 14.

A dark-haired figure wearing black pants and a black leather jacket stands tall against a white smoky background as followers below raise their hands in adoration. (Courtesy photo)
Out of the Box’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is an all-female and nonbinary production. (Courtesy photo)

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events, but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, “Superstar” follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life.

The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his followers, and the Roman Empire.

The 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”

Directed by Samantha Eve, “Jesus Christ Superstar” stars local singer/songwriter Miriam Dance as Jesus, and features a cast of performers from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.

The show is part of Out of the Box Theatre Company’s new youth initiative, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation. Through the initiative, which is developed to encourage increased arts exposure for young Santa Barbara residents, a limited number of free tickets will be made available to local residents under the age of 18 (with I.D.).

“Jesus Christ Superstar” tickets can be purchased and free tickets can be reserved through the Center Stage Theater box office, www.centerstagetheater.org, or by calling 805-963-0408.