This creates an eerie feel for the opening scene of the superb presentation of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Woodminster Amphitheater in Oakland. Featuring commanding performances, infectious music and tremendous energy, this production doesn't disappoint.

Directed by H. James Schlader and conducted by William R. Williams, this rock opera — a musical production by the team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice — focuses upon the last seven days of Jesus' life. Set in contemporary times, the story is told from the perspective of Judas. The plot centers on the overwhelming challenges Jesus faces, including his trial and eventual crucifixion.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, red T-shirt and dark jeans, Judas (Noel Anthony) appears and sings "Heaven on Their Minds," a number that showcases his powerful voice. He's soon joined by Jesus (Kit Wilder), dressed in a white tank top and baggy khakis. The costumes convey the message: Get ready for a battle between darkness and light, good and evil.

The ensemble's performance of "Hosanna," as Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, highlights one of the most appealing songs of this production. In the foreground Jesus preaches to a throng of young men and women dressed in muscle shirts, jeans and military fatigues, as they hold up signs including the slogan "Jesus is Awesome."

But it's clear that not everyone's mesmerized by this charismatic newcomer. Perched on a metal trestle above the town square, the five local religious leaders — Caiaphas (Dan Olson), Annas (Joel Schlader) and the Priests (Greg Carlson, Robert Ferguson and David Flack) — leer at the crowd below. Then Caiaphas warns Jesus to quiet "this mob of fools." Jesus, sitting on the shoulder of a follower, wags a finger at the leaders with a warning that the people can't be stopped.

One of the most poignant scenes takes place after Jesus, exhausted from the droves of infirm begging him to heal them, seeks comfort in the arms of Mary Magdalene (Marcie Henderson). After Jesus falls asleep, she covers him with a blanket and sings "I Don't Know How to Love Him." The inflection of Henderson's voice and the emotional depth with which she portrays her character expresses the tenderness of this song and the uncertainty Mary feels about the closeness of this relationship.

"King Herod's Song," a lighthearted, Vaudeville-style ditty performed charmingly by Carl Danielsen as Herod, also showcases the talents of choreographer Jody Jaron. Dressed in a white suit and red tie, Danielsen is accompanied by a gaggle of women wearing silver-sequined tops, white chiffon palazzo pants and black dance shoes. They do a top-hat-and-tails-style dance while men, wearing sunglasses, black tuxedos and red high-top sneakers, strut in a mirthful chorus line.

Schlader uses effective visual imagery in the highly disturbing scene "Trial Before Pilate." Succumbing to pressures from the Priests and an angry mob, Pilate (played chillingly by Gene Brundage) orders Jesus to be flogged. Beaten, stripped down to a loincloth and strung up by ropes, Jesus can barely stand. As Pilate counts out each lash, the Priests and mob rush Jesus, swiping him with blood, and soon the air is filled with cries of "crucify him!"

With a potent voice and an impressively diverse range, Wilder plays Jesus with alternating serenity and anguish. From revered prophet to a man questioning the meaning of his life on the final, desperate night before his crucifixion, Wilder masters this complex role with brilliant dramatic intensity.

With vibrant performances from the wonderful ensemble, it's a thoroughly engaging production that keeps the audience enthralled to the end.

Webber and Rice originally released "Jesus Christ Superstar" as a concept album in 1970. The rock opera debuted on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre where it ran for 20 months; in 1972 in opened at London's Palace Theater where it ran for eight years. Since then performances of "Jesus Christ Superstar" have taken place throughout the world. The show had a revival production on Broadway in 2000.

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