Love, Love is All Around

? la "Romeo and Juliet," "Corpus Christi" makes no amends about revealing the ending of the play before it has begun. "We're going to tell you an old and familiar story," recites freshman actor David Adler as the play opens. "There's no suspense and even fewer surprises."

In telling the old and familiar story of the New Testament, playwright Terrence McNally does present some interesting twists. Jesus, along with all 12 of his apostles, is gay. The biblical group has been relocated and is portrayed in modern times. Complete with nightclubs, Lucky Strike cigarettes, and Birkenstocks (the apostolic footwear of choice), Jerusalem has been replaced by the city of Corpus Christi, a conservative Texas town.

Pen, Paint, and Pretzels' (3Ps) major, which opens tonight in the Balch Arena Theater, recounts the life and death of Jesus, or Joshua as he is called in this retelling. The modern adaptation serves to place the New Testament in a new context, with the trajectory of Joshua's life mirroring that of Jesus.

The manger has been replaced with a seedy motel, and Lucifer appears to Joshua as a mirage of James Dean. The basic events and underlying message of Jesus' life, remain unchanged.

According to senior director Jenn Jarecki, the first half of the story focuses mainly on Joshua's experiences with his own sexuality. Whether it's unhappily trying out for the football team or awkwardly attending his senior prom, growing-up Jesus must deal with "what it's like to be an outsider," Jarecki said.

With the help of Judas, played by junior Andrew Beattie, Joshua grows to accept his homosexuality, and a few scenes and a trip to the desert later, he is also able to accept his role as the leader of men.

The remainder of the play depicts Joshua's gathering of the 12 apostles and his interactions with those in need via kindness and miracles. The play ends, inevitably, with Joshua's condemnation and crucifixion, all of which is presented on stage.

Corpus Christi's on-campus debut could not be more perfectly timed. The scene in which Joshua gladly weds apostles James and Bartholomew is quite poignant within the context of the current debate concerning gay marriage.

Later, in watching Joshua's crucifixion, the audience can't help but make a connection to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."

Parallels will be made, but to that end the director said that she has been told her presentation is "a good antidote to 'The Passion,'" because it addresses different themes.

While the play can be seen as a comment on current events, none of the show's actors saw their experiences as public commentary of current events. For them, the play was an entirely unique experience.

David Adler, who plays James, stressed that the play is about "love and acceptance." To him, McNally isn't trying to push a gay or religious agenda. "I don't feel as though I'm preaching when I perform the show," Adler stated.

Sophomore William Dunn, who plays singer-turned-disciple Simon, presented the play as an open dialogue with the audience. "You don't just get to sit at this play and watch," says Dunn.

Indeed, the performance attempts to break down the barriers between actors and viewers. As stated by senior producer Taylor Shann, "There is no fourth wall."

Often, audience members will find themselves sitting next to an apostle who, when not directly engaged in dialogue, may be lounging in the aisle.

Due to the play's rather risqu?© topics and presentation, it is possible that some audience members will feel uncomfortable.

But Dunn suggests keeping an open mind throughout the performance. "If you come in with baggage and looking for something [to be upset by], you're going to miss what is a fantastic show."

According to those involved, the play is not meant to shock or jar the viewer; it is simply intended to present the story of a man who cared for and accepted others.

During a time when religion can be a topic of contention, this play's casual atmosphere and earnest presentation breaks it down to its core teaching -- love. The audience can expect to leave with a sense that they have just seen something very important, even if they did already know how it would end.

Pen, Paint, and Pretzel's production of Corpus Christi runs March 11, 12, and 13. $1 of each ticket sold for Friday night's performance will be donated to GLAAD.