It has been called the greatest story ever told, and the eternal desire to retell it has ensured that it has been narrated in every imaginable genre or medium.


It is the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And now Moscow can see it at the Kremlin Palace in a dramatic show by Promise Productions, Inc., an evangelical organization from Texas. As everyone knows, when you're from Texas, if you do it, you do it big.


"The Promise," as this extravagant musical passion play is called, is nothing if not big.


True, since the 20 camels promised were no-shows, it isn't quite as big as on its home stage in Texas. But there are 140 actors; an obedient, if endearingly lethargic, donkey; a balky goat, which had to be carried away, since it flat refused to leave center stage once it got there; two prancing steeds; and a major flock of well-trained doves.


Proving there's a black sheep in every family -- even among well-trained doves -- one of the birds declined to fly backstage when its scene was done. Instead, it dive-bombed an actor's head -- to the surprise of the actor and the delight of the crowd -- until someone snared it in a gentle but firm grip.


The story, in English, is told by a grandfather -- played by the show's producer, David Humphrey -- who takes his two grandchildren (Joel and Sarah Clarkson) on a walk past a local church near the Highland River in Texas. When the girl, standing in front of a child's grave, questions the fairness of life, her grandfather begins the tale. The lighting shifts, and the churchyard scene slowly melts into a scene of Joseph and Mary in the desert. Throughout the rest of the show, Peter Wolf's grandiose and ever-changing set, looking distinctly like a mobile Christian theme park, provides the background against which grandpa and his grandkids witness moments great and small in the life of Jesus.


The production is structured like a Broadway musical, with the songs (plus a bit of dancing) carrying the package. When Jesus (Randy Brooks) is asked to explain his teachings, he launches into song with his answer. ("I'm closer than a heartbeat, for your heart will be my home.")


The libretto, by Jan Dargats, gets people to the church on time, so to speak.


The Broadway connection is discernible right from the start of the overture, in which you can hear the distinctive phrases of Leonard Bernstein's "America," one of the most popular songs from "West Side Story." Later, it's Lennon and McCartney who are flattered with imitation, when Peter, after having thrice denied knowing Jesus, croons that he "longs for yes-ter-day."


Up to 1,500 enthusiastic spectators were scattered about the cavernous 6,000-seat hall at the Kremlin Palace on opening night. Encouraged before the show by David Sanders, the president of Promise Productions, Inc., to applaud during the performance, they greeted the first appearance of the adult Jesus, as well as his resurrection, with ovations and cheers.


"The Promise" presents the story of the Son of God in unmistakable American fashion: with lots of flair, and no chance of subtlety obscuring the message.





"The Promise," a production of Promise Productions, Inc., and Word Music, Inc., closes tonight at 7 P.M. Tel. 917-2336. Tickets are on sale for 3,000-15,000 rubles at the Kremlin Palace box office, directly behind the Manezh. Running time: 2 hrs., 50 min.