ORONO – The University of Maine School of Performing Arts will present eight performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar” beginning tonight in the newly renovated Hauck Auditorium.

The rock opera written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice combines hard-driving rock tunes and soulful ballads to create a work of great passion. “Jesus Christ Superstar” first appeared on Broadway in 1971, but the UM production promises to give a contemporary edge to the biblical narrative.

The themes, said director Sandra Hardy, associate professor of theater, are still relevant today.

“Christ is viewed in the theatrical piece as a troubled man whose leadership is questioned and whose disciples turn against him justifiably,” Hardy said. “What can Jesus, the Savior, do to prove his purity of motive, his dedication to the poor, the helpless, the sick and the wayward? Is there any room left in this technocratic world for idealists? Can we still believe in love? Those are no small, outdated dilemmas.”

Nearly 50 cast members, 20 musicians and two dozen backstage crew members have been assembled to tell the story of Christ’s final days.

“When you have such an enormous cast, it’s not about you ever. There is no one character; there’s the ensemble,” said Hans-Stefan Ducharme, a third-year theater major playing Pontius Pilate. “With that in mind, you constantly give to many different people. Ultimately, the amount of work is indescribable. Working on this project is immense, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Several guest designers are involved in this production. New York-based Joseph Ritsch, a UM graduate, choreographs once again for the Hauck stage. He last choreographed 2002’s “Rocky Horror Show.”

Scenic designer Art Rotch most recently conceptualized a postmodern interpretation of “The Crucible” in Juno, Alaska. Lighting designer Matt Guminski, who designed Hardy’s production of “Bent” last season, most recently won the New Hampshire Critic’s Award for his lighting design.

Breaking away from his resident designer responsibilities for Penobscot Theatre Company, Lex Liang has designed more than 150 costumes for “Superstar.”

Danny Williams of the UM Alumni Association, who also conducts the Black Bear Men’s Chorus, is joining Hardy as musical director for their fifth collaboration.

The show will run at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 23-25, and 2 p.m. Feb. 19 and Feb. 26. Admission is $12. UM students with MaineCard get first admission free, $6 thereafter. Call 581-1755 for more information.