JEEZUS *****

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Congratulations to talented co-writers and cheeky performers Sergio Antonio Maggiolo and Guido Garcia Lueches Not only is their show a hit, but they made the news in Edinburgh recently when they became engaged on stage after a performance of their award-winning production  “Jeezus!”

Co-created and directed by Laura Killeen and presented by Alpaqa, this musical comedy takes an irreverent look at Peru’s Catholic Church from a queer viewpoint.

Maria and Jose are having difficulties conceiving, so Maria prays to the image of Christ in Lima Cathedral, promising her life’s service if she gets pregnant. A year later, she is blessed with a son whom she names Jésus.

She hangs a crucifix in the boy’s bedroom and Jésus grows up fascinated by the image of a naked Christ on the cross, who, he is sure, has winked at him.

Shortly before his first communion, the family visits relatives in Orlando, Florida, and little Jésus has a sexual awakening in the bedroom of his athletic 14-year-old male cousin.

Back home, much to the satisfaction of his proud father who is a lieutenant in the right wing military, he is chosen as an altar boy. His father likes to lecture his son on life and love and soon the subject turns to  homosexuality. He has to explain to Jésus what he means by  faggots and why he hates them. This leaves Jésus confused, as his mother and her friends seem to like faggots.

His priest warns the boys against the sin of masturbation which must be confessed before, and stopped after, their first communion. However, following a graphic six hour long movie on the life and death of Christ, Jésus falls head over heels for his namesake and has a novel idea about how to prove his love. His first confession is not as expected and miracles do happen!

“Jeezus!” is a crazy hour of camp comedy, witty tunes and wicked thoughts. How far can you go, for the love of Christ? Blasphemy has never been so much fun!