John Legend as Jesus for NBC's Superstar Live

[kaykordeath]

Haven't found any confirmation online yet, but the Today Show just announced John Legend has been cast as Jesus for NBC's upcoming Jesus Christ Superstar live.

[thebookofwhizzer]

Adam Lambert as Judas, Please! 

[fashionguru_23]

From BWW, via Variety!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/John-Legend-to-Star-in-Title-Role-of-NBCs-JESUS-CHRIST-SUPERSTAR-LIVE-20171219

[Lot666]

thebookofwhizzer said: "Adam Lambert as Judas, Please!"

They would have to get him out of the Queen tour.

[Gorlois]

This is the biggest get since they snatched Carrie Underwood for TSOM.

[xoffender45]

Chrissy Teigen as Mary Magdalene. 

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

I demand credit for the "POC as Jesus" idea, I suggested Bruno Mars and BWW read it here first. :P

But in all seriousness... we get more confirmation that this particular live broadcast is going to be more of a concert than a staging (which means the choice of director still doesn't make sense; Leveaux is known mostly for serious narrative), and we get this choice. My reaction can be summed up thus: "Hmmm..."

This, I admit, was unexpected. I like John Legend immensely. He's got talent and soul to beat the band, and while it's still not remarkable casting and totally in the parameters of what I expected, it is kind of a bold statement given what NBC usually does, especially in the current political climate. We probably won't get a High G, but his Jesus will draw some attention.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Agreed, this is a big get for them. 

[Valentina3]

IdinaBellFoster said: "Agreed, this is a big get for them."

He can't act (re: La La Land). But I like him a lot too. Are we getting Cynthia Erivo for Mary Magdalene then?

[bdn223]

g.d.e.l.g.i. said: "I demand credit for the "POC as Jesus" idea, I suggested Bruno Mars and BWW read it here first. :P

But in all seriousness...we get more confirmation that this particular live broadcast is going to be more of a concert than a staging (which means the choice of directorstilldoesn't make sense; Leveaux is known mostly for serious narrative), and we get this choice. My reaction can be summed up thus:"Hmmm..."

The 2 Broadway Revivals, were essentially "staged concerts" and the show lends itself well to that type of staging. I must also admit I am not a fan of the show, but I think a "concert staging" is the way to go. For all the faults of Sound of Music, Peter Pan, and The Wiz, the one thing that made them feel special was that they were staged on a "stage" and not a movie set. Hairspray, Grease, and lost that intimacy that staging the show on a stage gives the audience, which  was exacerbated A Christmas Story, where almost every other song takes place in a different location. So instead of being in the moment the cast felt like they were constantly trying to hit their marks, and then would look into the wrong camera. So a contained "concert" set will likely solve this problem. 

My real question is how long will the broadcast be considering Jesus Christ Superstar is barely 2 hours with an intermission? So I hope this is more in line with Sound of Music or Peter Pan, where there were limited commercials, instead of Hairspray or especially The Wiz were it felt as if we were watching 3 hours of commercials with musicals numbers interspersed.    

[ggersten]

As for Mr. Legend's ability to sing the role - this site purports to claim his range as F2-C5-G#5, while agreeing those higher notes may not be as pure....  http://thevocalpoint.tumblr.com/post/162021046302/vocal-profile-john-legend

[RippedMan]

I imagine he'll give us a more soulful/falsetto rendition, but it might be gorgeous. I prefer my Jesus' like Drew Sarich who just wails on those notes. But I'm a huge John Legend fans, so I'm excited.

[Lot666]

This just doesn't excite me.

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

I think this is an inspired and terrific choice. John Legend can certainly sing, and I actually liked him in La La Land. He couldn't act worse than Ariana Grande in Hairspray, at least.

Also, cool for NBC to actually cast a dude of color.

[jacobsnchz14]

I read too much into things, but Adam Lambert liked John Legend's tweet about joining the cast, and besides 10 dates in the spring with Queen, Adam Lambert might have availability. lol.

 

[CindersGolightly]

Ado Annie D'Ysquith said: "He couldn't act worse than Ariana Grande in Hairspray, at least."

Out of all the performances from NBC’s past, that’s the one you chose? It takes a lot of skill for one of the worlds biggest pop stars to play a meek sidekick and not pull focus. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Adam Lambert as Judas is the only way I'll be tuning in for this one; that would be thrilling casting. 

John Legend is kind of boring to me. Sorry.

[CindersGolightly]

BroadwayConcierge said: "Adam Lambert as Judas is the only way I'll be tuning in for this one; that would be thrilling casting.

John Legend is kind of boring to me. Sorry."

What if Phillipa was Mary?

[The Distinctive Baritone]

He can't act (re: La La Land). But I like him a lot too. Are we getting Cynthia Erivo for Mary Magdalene then?

I thought he was fine in La La Land, and Jesus in JCS doesn’t have to do much acting other than standing there looking troubled but majestic. Even “Gethsamane” is so well written that it does a lot of the acting for you. It’s a singer’s role all the way, although it really should be sung by a rock tenor. But as far as stunt casting goes, this is pretty decent.

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

CindersGolightly said: "What if Phillipa was Mary? "

Cinders, you know me too well!

[JSquared2]

CindersGolightly said: " What if Phillipa was Mary?

No one outside of a few people from this board would care."

 

[broadway86]

CindersGolightly said: "Out of all the performances from NBC’s past, that’s the one you chose? It takes a lot of skill for one of the worlds biggest pop stars to play a meek sidekick and not pull focus."

lol. Having seen Ariana in concert, she doesn't need much help in that department. Her voice is strong and impressive, but her stage presence and charisma have never been up to par.

[RippedMan]

Agreed. I find her a terribly boring performer.

[CurtisTaylorJr2]

He doesn't have the range for that score, but the casting was more about name than anything else. I imagine the score will be tinkered with the way Evita's was to make it work for Madonna.

[everythingtaboo]

Is being surprised and bored at the same time a thing? Because that's literally my reaction.

I will admit I'm curious to see him act against Alice Cooper. I'm also relieved he'll be singing something besides that All Of Me song.