Theater Review

"The 12" is a Rocking Show,

But Needs to Find its Pace

By Ray Brasted

There is a lot of passion in "The 12", the rock opera that had its world premiere at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 1. There had better be, the story is based on the tribulations and confusion experienced by the 12 apostles following the crucifixion of their leader, Jesus Christ.

As the show begins, "Peter" (Ron Bohmer) emerges from the front of the audience in an agitated state. Their leader is lost. Will the show go on? This opening is clever on one hand, but a bit disconcerting on the other. The audience has to quickly get up to speed because just moments after Peter's appearance, the first of 20 songs "Walk Away" begins. The numbers are strung together with minimal dialogue to set them up and almost no set pieces or costumes.

There is a lot of singing talent on stage and the music and lyrics by Neil Berg are on point and reflective of the angst and uncertainty the band members feel. Bohmer's Peter is torn with guilt and it comes through in in raging lyrics and anguished screams.

Jeremy Kushnier as Tom (Thomas) is the doubter of the 12 and it takes some convincing to make him believe that the group should carry on their leader's work and his desire to bail out on the band comes through in his emotionally charged solo, "I'm No Hero".

There was inspired casting in the choice of Dan Spitz, one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Anthrax. Director Richard Seyd makes sure Spitz gets the spotlight and some ripping guitar solos in several of the numbers. Spitz, as the apostle Philip has no lines in the show. He lets his guitar do the talking.

With 12 men on stage, it is necessary to make sure there are some strong female voices and Sophia Ramos as Mary Magdalene and Elaine Caswell in several roles (Mother Mary / the Devil / Roadie) offer some of the best numbers of the show.

It is early in the run, but there seems to be some steps that can be taken to ensure The 12 finds its place in rock opera history. Performers should have head set microphones and not rely on hand mikes that limit their movement.

The audience should be given a chance to get into the scene before the first song is belted out. And sure, this is a rock band and everyone wears what they came to work in, but a bit more effort at costuming wouldn't hurt. Pacing is a challenge with so many people on stage, but at under 90 minutes the show has room to set up transitions and add some dialogue. We have great singers, we just need a bit more acting.

This is a great story and concept but to reach the kind of wide audience that helps ensure long term success, patrons have to identify with the characters on some level. We have mothers, lovers, friends and traitors in this story. Define them a bit more and The 12 can have a long life because there is no doubt this musical rocks out.