EAST HADDAM — Musical theater has a long tradition of using biblical stories for inspiration — Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Children of Eden — and now The 12.

A brand new rock musical written by Neil Berg and Robert Schenkkan, The 12 is currently having its Connecticut debut at Goodspeed Opera House. The 12 previously had a run with a different cast and director at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts in 2015.

The 12 tells the story of the 12 apostles (known here as disciples) in the hours and days after the crucifixion of Jesus (known here as “Teacher”). It explores the humanity and struggles the disciples faced without a leader.

The 12 takes a modern slant on the story. As John Doyle states in his Director’s Note, “The 12 aims to tell this perhaps familiar story “anew,” it’s told by contemporary people, now. It’s told for you.”

These age-old stories are brought to new life in this new production.

The modern aesthetic is brought to vibrant life by the Costume Designer Ann Hould Ward and Doyle, who doubles as Scenic Designer. The disciples are decked out in jeans, T-shirts, and other contemporary clothing.

The set is a simple abandoned warehouse, in which the 12 must take cover as they are being hunted by Roman guards and angry mobs. The show relies heavily on the audience already knowing these characters. Luckily, there is an overview of each individual included in the program, for those unfamiliar beyond the surface level of this story.

The level of talent in this cast is undeniable. Doyle has stacked this show full of powerhouse actors with incredible voices. Standouts include Gregory Treco as Simon, Rob Morrison as Bart, Brandon J. Ellis as Phil, and Wesley Taylor as Tom.

In addition to the disciples themselves, we get two other figures from the life of Jesus: Mother Mary (Rema Webb) and Mary Magdalene, or here, “Mags” (Adrienne Walker). Webb brings the house down with her featured number “Rain.” Taylor’s “Your Own Way” is also a highlight.

Treco’s strong and vulnerable Simon serves as the main focal point of the show, giving the show a loose thread of plot with his claim that he killed Judas; proven later to be false.

The show runs 85 minutes and could benefit from something audiences don’t generally ask for these days: a longer show. The almost entirely sung-through show does not delve much into anything beyond the surface, because it simply doesn’t have the time.

The audience leaves clamoring for more story, more traditional “book scenes” fleshing out these characters and stories in between the wonderful songs.

Kudos to Goodspeed for taking a chance and putting this new musical on their mainstage. This show is a bold and striking new musical, which will hopefully, with a little more development, have life beyond this production. After brushing up on the Bible, The 12 is well worth a visit to Goodspeed Opera House.

Performances continue through October 29. Tickets and additional information is available at goodspeed.org.