Chilina Kennedy News

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.

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As With Your Favorite Broadway Stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on! In this next edition, we caught up with Emily Padgett who is currently playing 'Sherrie' in ROCK OF AGES at the Helen Hayes Theatre!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR just opened on Broadway on Thursday, March 22. Check out a new montage with scenes and music from the show below!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR just opened on Broadway on Thursday, March 22 and BroadwayWorld.com is excited to present a first look at the show's thrilling new TV spot which begins airing on Wednesday! Check it out below...

A long-standing opening night tradition on the Great White Way, the fabled Gypsy Robe is bestowed upon a veteran Broadway chorus member for each opening production. In what has now become a theatrical ritual, originating on Broadway 60 years ago, the latest recipient was JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR cast member Mark Cassius.

Looking for a quick roundup of this week's events? Look no further - here are some of the best articles the week had to offer!

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's hit production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by Des McAnuff, opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on March 22. Tim Rice sat down with BBC America to talk about the new production. Find out what he had to say below!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway last night, Thursday, March 22, and after the performance the cast and creative team headed over to the Hilton Hotel to celebrate. BroadwayWorld was inside the after party and takes you onto the red carpet below.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: ANYTHING GOES and PRISCILLA celebrate milestones, the [title of show] team is back, PIPE DREAM preps for performances, and so much more!

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As With Your Favorite Broadway Stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on! In this next edition, we caught up with Josh Young, who is making his Broadway debut in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR- currently in previews at the Neil Simon Theatre.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway last night, Thursday, March 22 and BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the red carpet arrivals!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway last night, Thursday, March 22 and BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the show's thrilling opening night curtain call with the cast, director Des McAnuff, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway last night, Thursday, March 22 and after the performance the cast and creative team headed over to the Hilton Hotel to celebrate and BroadwayWorld.com was there to join in the fun!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway last night, Thursday, March 22. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by Des McAnuff began previews March 1 and is now playing at the Neil Simon Theatre. Here's what the critics have to say...

As previously reported, Josh Young, who is starring as 'Judas' in Broadway's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR after originating the role in both the Startford and La Jolla productions of the show (receiving rave reviews in both cities), has been out of the show since March 20th, missing multiple critics performances. His role has been played by Jeremy Kushnier in his absence. BroadwayWorld has now learned that Young is feeling much better and will be back in the show tonight for the highly anticipated opening performance.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's hit production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Artistic Director Des McAnuff, opens tonight on Broadway after beginning previews on March 1.

A statement from Young's rep reveals that 'It was extremely unfortunate timing that Josh became sick over the past week. He has been with JCS since its inception in Canada and was saddened that this happened at such a crucial time and rendered him unable to perform. Josh is waiting for his doctor to clear him to rejoin the cast. Nothing brings him more joy than performing the role of Judas with this amazing company of actors and he cannot wait to return to his work'

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Artistic Director and 2-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opens March 22, 2012 (previews began March 1) at the Neil Simon Theatre. The highly anticipated performance highlights have been released and below, BroadwayWorld brings you a very first look at the show's montage and brand new performance clips!

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Artistic Director and 2-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opens March 22, 2012 (previews began March 1) at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Check out new, just-released production photos below!

Tomorrow, March 7 Andrew Lloyd Webber will appear on ITV's Daybreak (8:20am) and BBC Radio 4's Front Row(7:15am) to chat about the Love Never Dies film, which is set to be released on DVD in the UK on March 12.