Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Introduced in 1970, it highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot and Jesus. The action takes place within the last week of Jesus's life, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Crucifixion. Twentieth-century attitude and sensibilities pervade the lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout.

From Album to Broadway

The opera was first heard as an album before being staged—on Broadway and later in London's West End. (The same pattern would be followed by Rice and Lloyd Webber's second great musical hit, Evita.) On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by Ian Gillan and that of Judas by Murray Head. The future Gary Glitter had a one-liner as a priest and Michael d'Abo appears as King Herod. The title song, sung by Judas, and the song "I Don't Know How to Love Him", sung by the Mary Magdalene character about her relationship with Jesus, were both big hits.

Related Topics:
Album - Broadway - London - West End - Evita - Ian Gillan - Murray Head - Gary Glitter - Judas - Mary Magdalene

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In 1971, the show opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on Broadway. Many religious groups protested outside the theatre, claiming that the show sacrilegiously portrayed Jesus Christ as a mere man. The Broadway production would receive mixed reviews, as reviewers from the New York Times deemed it to be a heartless overhyped production. The show starred Jeff Fenholt and Ben Vereen. Carl Anderson stepped into the role of Judas when Vereen fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role. The Broadway show would close after 18 months.

Related Topics:
Jeff Fenholt - Ben Vereen - Carl Anderson

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"Superstar" opened at the Palace Theater in London in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus and Stephen Tate as Judas. This production was much more successful, running for eight years and becoming the world's longest-running musical (a title now held by the London production of "Cats").

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