The legendary rock opera by lyricist Tim Rice (Evita, The Lion King) and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, The Phantom of the Opera), the premiere of Jesus Christ Superstar redefined the Broadway musical and 40 years later it remains a beloved classic. The instantly recognizable tunes and daringly contemporary lyrics made it one of the most popular albums of all-time, selling over seven million copies, as well as creating a truly global smash hit, with sold-out productions in more than 40 countries.
Tony Award-winning stage and screen legend Ben Vereen is this year's Special Guest Star at ACADEMY AFFAIR 2013, the Annual Benefit and Community Awards Gala presented by MenAlive, the Orange County Gay Men's Chorus. The event takes place at the posh Center Club, located at the Garden Level of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Before Mr. Vereen arrived in Orange County to perform at the Benefit, he spoke with West Coast Contributing Editor Michael Lawrence Quintos about his blessed life and expansive career in the theater.
Emerson Umbrella Center for Arts is gearing up for its spring season and a brand new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. The run opens on March 29th and will play a limited engagement through April 14th.
Following a triumphant opening weekend at London's 02 Arena, the 21st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" will be broadcast to select U.S. cinemas nationwide today, Oct. 29 and again on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
NCM Fathom Events, Omniverse Vision and The Broadway League present Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular in select movie theaters nationwide for two nights only on Monday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. (local time) and Thursday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. (local time). Seats are limited so get your tickets now!
On Twitter Watch, Emma Bunton wrote 'I am so unbelievably proud of my gorgeous friend @MelanieCmusic she was fantastic!!!
@OfficialMelB: @EmmaBunton @melaniecmusic me too wish I was there with you" Missed you!
Following a triumphant opening weekend at London's 02 Arena, the 21st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" will be broadcast to select U.S. cinemas nationwide on Monday, Oct. 29 and again on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Presented by NCM Fathom Events, Omniverse Vision and The Broadway League, "Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular" was pre-recorded by Universal Pictures on Oct. 4 and tonight at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England.
The event features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin - also the co-writer of West End smash musical "Matilda" - in the role of 'Judas Iscariot;' pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as 'Mary Magdalene;' radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as 'King Herod;' and the winner of the UK's primetime ITV show "Superstar," Ben Forster, who was chosen by the British public to take on the title role of 'Jesus and Alexander Hanson as "Pontius Pilate" who was recently seen on Broadway in A Little Night Music. "Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular" will include a special historical retrospective, as well as interviews with cast members past and present.
"Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular" tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 575 select movie theaters across the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.
'I have waited 42 years for 'Jesus Christ Superstar' to play arenas in the UK, and it is great to finally see the show as it was originally intended, as an arena rock opera," said Lloyd Webber. "I'm thrilled that Universal will be filming the new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar for DVD and cinema release, which allows us to capture this amazing production and share it with the world!"
"Jesus Christ Superstar" is a worldwide phenomenon, portraying the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of 'Judas Iscariot,' and featuring hit songs such as "Superstar," "I Don't Know How To Love Him," "Heaven On Their Minds" and "Hosanna." Over 40 different cast recordings have been released in 19 different languages.
The first production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was a U.S. arena tour in 1971. It then debuted on Broadway, and in 1972, UK fans finally got their chance to see this landmark show when it arrived at London's Palace Theatre - its run of eight years and over 3,000 performances smashed all box office records. Since then, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has rarely left the stage, with professional productions in 42 countries around the world and with around 300 amateur productions officially licensed each year.
"Fans have enjoyed this amazing musical for 40 years, but the 'Jesus Christ Superstar UK Spectacular' event promises to put a whole new spin on a time-honored classic," said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. "Movie theaters will be turned into concert arenas as this spectacular event rocks fans nationwide."
Universal Pictures filmed two nights of the 21-date arena tour, the first ever in the UK, for worldwide broadcasts to cinemas as well as DVD and Blu-ray release in early 2013 internationally, with the exception of the UK which will release in time for Christmas on November 19, 2012.
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The 21st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar will be broadcast to select U.S. cinemas nationwide on Monday, Oct. 29 and again on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 PM local time.
Following a triumphant opening weekend at London's 02 Arena, the 21st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" will be broadcast to select U.S. cinemas nationwide on Monday, Oct. 29 and again on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
According to BBC News, the Russian city of Rostov's philharmonic has canceled a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar due to protests by Orthodox Christians.
Grease kicks off the second blockbuster Broadway musical series, tonight, Sept. 12 - Oct. 7, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is joining in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original stage version of Grease with an entertaining cinematic experience: Sing-a-Long-a Grease. Here's your chance to sport a pink wig or poodle skirt and belt out "Grease Lightning" at The 5th Avenue Theatre, at one of four screenings.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is joining in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original stage version of Grease with an entertaining cinematic experience: Sing-a-Long-a Grease. Here's your chance to sport a pink wig or poodle skirt and belt out "Grease Lightning" at The 5th Avenue Theatre, at one of four screenings.
Grease kicks off the second blockbuster Broadway musical series, Sept. 12 - Oct. 7, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.
Homeless youth working towards brighter futures will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with Broadway stars at Covenant House's A Night of Broadway Stars gala tonight, June 12 on the stage of Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. A Night of Broadway Stars starts at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception. The show begins at 7:30 pm, followed by a dessert reception with the stars.
Homeless youth working towards brighter futures will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with Broadway stars at Covenant House's A Night of Broadway Stars gala on Tuesday, June 12 on the stage of Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. A Night of Broadway Stars starts at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception. The show begins at 7:30 pm, followed by a dessert reception with the stars.
In 2005 Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatres sold his four playhouses, the Lyric, Apollo, Garrick and Duchess theatres to Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer who formed Nimax Theatres Limited, adding the Vaudeville Theatre in 2008. Today Burns and Weitzenhoffer are also the proud owners of the spectacular Palace Theatre with its prime location on Shaftesbury Avenue, currently home to Stage Entertainment's hit revival of Chichester Festival Theatre's Singin' in the Rain.
A few days shy of the holiest week of the year for Christians - aptly named Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter (with Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the most sacred events on the calendar coming between) - Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's seminal rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was resurrected on Broadway by TOMMY and JERSEY BOYS director Des McAnuff - modeled after the hit Stratford Shakespeare Festival production last year and comprised of many of the same cast members, including all three leads - to hails of praise and hosannas, mostly. While JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR itself will always divide audiences and critics alike - and not merely because of its controversial content and its button-pushing treatment of the hallowed tale it tells - the magnetism and sheer power that Lloyd Webber's propulsive, throbbing rock score imbues gives the show an energy, vitality and life rare to find in even the most earnestly effervescent and energetic of comparable entities - the recently revived and similarly-themed GODSPELL in a revival a few blocks away included. Then, there are Tim Rice's lyrics - oh-so-spot-on in 1970, but still biting and edgy today in McAnuff's hi-tech and elaborately presented new Broadway production. Using the book of John as the jumping off point, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ (Paul Nolan) and his subsequent betrayal by Judas (Josh Young) and sentencing to death at the hands of King Herod and Pontius Pilate (Tom Hewitt). The twelve apostles, Mary Magdalene and her female companions, lepers, Pharisees, priests and others populate the grand story told almost entirely through song - the show is 90% music - and Webber and Rice's score never, ever lets up. While this may not be the most faithful rendering as far as the Bible is concerned, nor the most historically accurate, SUPERSTAR is now available to experience for a whole new generation thanks to this new revival and the timing could not be more ideal. The time is ripe for a revival of SUPERSTAR, and, as Andrew Lloyd Webber himself has recently related, this new production of the show is the best ever as far as he is concerned. High praise indeed - coming from no less than the Lord.
A careful look through the New Testament indicates that Jesus Christ liked to eat. In addition to the notable Last Supper, he dined at the home of Martha and Mary; grilled fish at the seashore; multiplied loaves and fishes; was a guest at a friend's wedding at Cana; and ate with friends on the road to Emmaus. After healing Peter's mother-in-law, she got up and prepared a meal for Him and His coterie. It's a small wonder then that Hunter Parris, who plays Jesus in the Broadway revival of GODSPELL, chooses to be interviewed over lunch at one of his favorite Chelsea eateries.
The April 2012 at the B. B. King Blues Club and Grill, NYC, has been announced, featuring Melanie and Oleta Adams.
The RRazz Room has announced upcoming performances for April-December 2012 which include Elaine Stritch, Ben Vereen, Ann Callaway, and more.
Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series presented the premiere of Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris in 'Schmoolie & Minnooli' on Sunday November 20 at 6pm and Broadway Beat was there to capture the show's zippy opening number with musical direction by Billy Stritch!
Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series will present Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris in 'Schmoolie & Minnooli,' Sunday November 20 at 6pm and Monday, November 21 at 7pm. Billy Stritch musical directs.
Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, Fairfield County's Professional Theatre Company, will open the 25th Anniversary MainStage Season with one of the most popular and beloved American musicals of all time, 'Cabaret.'
Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, Fairfield County's Professional Theatre Company, will open the 25th Anniversary MainStage Season with one of the most popular and beloved American musicals of all time, 'Cabaret.'
Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series will present Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris in 'Schmoolie & Minnooli,' Sunday November 20 at 6pm and Monday, November 21 at 7pm. Billy Stritch musical directs.
Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, Fairfield County's Professional Theatre Company, will open the 25th Anniversary MainStage Season with one of the most popular and beloved American musicals of all time, 'Cabaret.'
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