Jesus Christ Superstar at The Arts at Angeloria's

When Jesus Christ Superstar was first released in 1971 as a concept album, it was so controversial that it sparked mass protests every night of its original run on Broadway. The American Jewish Committee said that the show would spark antisemitism due to its depiction of the antagonistic high priests. Theologians hated it for its blasphemous depictions of romance between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and its sensitive portrayal of Judas Iscariot, a man often considered to be the ultimate sinner. Many people just thought it was plain vulgar for depicting a biblical story through rock and roll.

Pope Paul VI said, “I believe [this show] will bring more people around the world to Christianity, than anything ever has before.” Whether or not his prediction is accurate is up to debate, but it’s undeniably true that Jesus Christ Superstar has made its mark on history. It has been revived on Broadway several times, sold hundreds of millions of copies as an album, and is well-cemented in the popular mind. As a religious adaptation of the Bible, it does not fully hit the mark with accuracy to Scripture or Christian meaning- but it was never meant to. This is a deeply political show, and when read through that lens, it is beyond a doubt successful.

It’s interesting to note the time period in which this show was written. The 1970s were a tumultuous time politically. The Vietnam War was raging, the United States was contributing soldier’s lives and weapons to an overseas conflict, and that government was facing various protests often led by college students who sought peace and an end to the fighting. American culture was shifting, with the role of women becoming more prominent and less confined to the home. Coming out of the 1960s movement of folk protest songs, the culture was used to hearing biting, unabashed political analysis put to music.In Jesus’s time as in our own, the people were facing tyranny and oppression- who is better, a Herod type of leader, all theatrical, big talking, full of flash and cynicism? Or a Pilate type, who means well but bends inevitably to the mob mentality of the crowd? At the end of the day, aren’t they both oppressive? No wonder the followers of Jesus sought a different way. This story is timeless and enduring, and full of fascinating complexity, no matter what your religious beliefs. 

It is important, timely, and meaningful in our current cultural climate to let these historical, political, and religious figures be modernized and humanized in order to broaden our worldviews. In this country, topics that no one wants to bring up for fear of controversy are religion, politics, women’s rights, transgender issues, and climate change among others. That is exactly what this production intends to do and that is why the casting for ALL roles has allowed for non-traditional assignments (casting without consideration of age, gender, race, body shape, etc.) We are bound to dazzle, confuse, and maybe offend. That is what good art does. With the powerful rock music you know and love, you are sure to love everything about this production that will literally unfold all around you. See you at the show!

Authors

• Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Tim Rice
• Tom O'Horgan

Tony Awards and Nominations for Jesus Christ Superstar