Critic's choice: Stage

By Joseph T. Rozmiarek
Special to The Advertiser

"Jesus Christ Superstar": Still rockin' after 30 years, this production cranks up the music, but succeeds with excellent acting that opens up the central characters to multiple layers of meaning. Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene make a fascinating triangle in a somber story with show-biz punch. Repeats at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 1, at Diamond Head Theatre. Also, extended for two performances — 8 p.m. Aug. 7 and 4 p.m. Aug. 8. Tickets are $12-$42. 733-0274.

"King Lear": Shakespeare's strongest and most mature tragedy gets a naturalistic interpretation during this year's Hawaii Shakespeare Festival. But there's still plenty of gratuitous violence to keep our adrenaline pumping. Repeats at 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, Paliku Theatre. Tickets are $16 general, $14 seniors and military, and $8 students (younger than 18 or college ID). 235-7433.

"Once Upon One Time": This is remounting of the original Lisa Matsumoto production of fractured fairy tales done pidgin style. It's fresh and spontaneous and finds ways to keep children and adults fascinated and grinning from beginning to end. Repeats at 7:30 p.m. today, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Hawai'i Theatre. Tickets are $15-$35. 528-0506.