'The 12' Explores 'Who Is This Man Of Christ'

DENVER (CBS4)- What happened to the 12 apostles and Mary Magdalene after the crucifixion of Jesus? That's the question raised-- and answered-- in the world premiere musical "The 12" now on stage at the Denver Center.

"The 12" is a new musical treatment of a period of religious history that's really never been explored dramatically, according to Critic at Large Greg Moody.

Rock music is the vehicle for telling the story.

"The only way to get a story like this across convincingly and with conviction is with rock n' roll... is something that has weight and substance and grit to it," said Tony Vincent who plays Tom.

The musical explores the time after the death of Christ as the apostles put their lives back together and find their new path. The 12 are the disciples of Jesus Christ plus Mary Magdelene.

"Some of these songs are absolutely fantastic," said Vincent.

Tony Award winning playwright Robert Schenkkan takes one of the most famous stories in history and explores one of the least known aspects of it-- what happened in the hours and days after Jesus' death.

"It really is a story about these people who lost an extremely important person in their lives and how they all thought they could do more to save him," said Colin Hanlon who plays Peter.

"The 12" has been in development for several years. The Denver production is the world premiere of the stage show and promises to take the audience on quite a ride.

"This show starts off with so much intensity. It's 100 mph right off the bat," said Anthony Fedorov who plays Andrew.

"Even though it's a fictitious story it does present a really interesting take on who is this man of Christ," said Vincent.

"The 12" runs through April 26 in the Stage Theatre of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. For tickets call (303) 893-4100 or visit denvercenter.org..