Performances began Sept. 22 and continue through Oct. 15 at the Gerald W. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College.

Maria Maria is performed by an all-Korean cast in Korean with supertitles. It tells the story of Mary Magdalene with an intriguing plot twist. Maria is a prostitute who leads a miserable life serving Roman soldiers. Wanting to escape her fate she makes a deal that will change her life. With the rising popularity of Jesus, his opponents make her an offer to seduce him. If successful her reward is a chance to go to Rome to redeem her life.

The 25-person cast includes Korean pop-star Sonya and Gain Choi, who share the title role, and Seung Chul Lee as The Pharisee. Recreating their roles are Hyo Seong Kang, who received the 2004 Korean Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Maria; Korean pop-star Bok Hee Yoon as The Blind Woman and Sang Woo Park as Jesus. At Left (From Top): Hyo Sung Kang (Maria) at the opening night party; Sang Woo Park (Jesus), Bock Hee Yoon (Blind Woman) and Hyo Sung Kang (Maria); Director Cheon Mo Seong, artistic and musical director Moo Youl Choi and choreographer Insook Choi.

Below: The cast of Maria Maria takes their opening night bows.

photos by Aubrey Reuben