Jesus Christ Superstar - 1971 - Broadway Articles Page 20

My first dose of musical theater was through my uncle's old screechy phonograph recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's hippie, loud, angst-laden rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" (JCS). The classic stage hit, which was originally a concept album before evolving into a full-blown Broadway musical that follows the passion and death of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, had completed its three-year run on Broadway (1971-1973), and its first commercial movie release (1973) by the time I got to experience JCS's electrifying, personally-impactful songs in the '80s though. So when the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Toronto, Canada announced late last year that its critically-acclaimed, deemed revolutionary production of JCS, directed by Tony winner Des McAnuff, was coming to Broadway, I was delighted to hear the news; and more so when I learned that three Filipino-Canadian musical theater artists - brothers Julius and Jason Sermonia, and Laurin Padolina - are part of the show.

Today in 2000, the second Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (now the Foxwoods Theatre), where it ran for 161 performances. Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started off as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. The musical is based very loosely on the Gospels' account of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion. The third Broadway revival is currently playing at the Neil Simon Theatre.

In October of 1971, three days after the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar began its week and a half of previews, the title song of what is considered to be the world's first rock opera was heard on American television's highest-rated show.  No, it wasn't The Ed Sullivan Show, which had ended its run earlier in the year, but the controversial new sitcom, All In The Family.

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.

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...

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Bring It On,' season announcements from Broadway In Chicago, Porchlight and Paramount, Idina and Kristin tour dates, Andrew Lloyd Webber in movie theaters and more....

The April 2012 at the B. B. King Blues Club and Grill, NYC, has been announced, featuring Melanie and Oleta Adams.

Whatsonstage.com reports today that Andrew Lloyd Webber's next project may involve searching for a new Jesus. The maestro is reportedly in talks for a new reality talent show that would focus on finding the next 'Jesus' for a stadium tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2012. The tour could kick off in the US before heading to London't O2 Arena.

Today in 1970, JESUS CHRIST SUERSTAR creators Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice received gold records for the original cast album of the show. The musical started off as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. The musical is based very loosely on the Gospels' account of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus, struggles that are not in the Bible. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play.

The Montclair Operetta Club will present Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tice Rice's Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar on November 4, 5, 11, & 12 at 8pm, and November 6 & 13 at 2pm at the Bloomfield College Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin Street Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Entering its third month at the Byron Carlyle Theatre, the Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre presents Neil Simon's award-winning comedy 'The Prisoner of Second Avenue,' opening Friday, November 11 through November 26. The production replaces 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' on the season schedule.

The 40th Anniversary production and first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's rock musical GODSPELL officially opened at the Circle in the Square Theater on November 7, 2011. Were the critics charmed? Let's find out!

The Montclair Operetta Club will present Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tice Rice's Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar on November 4, 5, 11, & 12 at 8pm, and November 6 & 13 at 2pm at the Bloomfield College Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin Street Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Entering its third month at the Byron Carlyle Theatre, the Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre presents Neil Simon's award-winning comedy 'The Prisoner of Second Avenue,' opening Friday, November 11 through November 26. The production replaces 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' on the season schedule.

Since the 1986 opening of the The Edgerton Center, Sacred Heart University has generously shared this outstanding resource with the surrounding community, making professional-quality theatrical, musical and dance performances both affordable and accessible. James Earl Jones, Julie Harris and Dizzie Gillespie are just some of the outstanding artists to perform at the Edgerton Center over the years.

Since the 1986 opening of the The Edgerton Center, Sacred Heart University has generously shared this outstanding resource with the surrounding community, making professional-quality theatrical, musical and dance performances both affordable and accessible. James Earl Jones, Julie Harris and Dizzie Gillespie are just some of the outstanding artists to perform at the Edgerton Center over the years.

In November, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will open at La Jolla Playhouse with Des McAnuff directing. However, no plans are confirmed on it's expected move to Broadway, according to Sign On San Diego.

Audiences will be captivated by Pittsburgh CLO's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, August 2-14 at the Benedum Center! This powerful rock opera takes viewers on an emotional journey through the final days of Jesus of Nazareth.

Audiences will be captivated by Pittsburgh CLO's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, August 2-14 at the Benedum Center! This powerful rock opera takes viewers on an emotional journey through the final days of Jesus of Nazareth.

Audiences will be captivated by Pittsburgh CLO's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, August 2-14 at the Benedum Center! This powerful rock opera takes viewers on an emotional journey through the final days of Jesus of Nazareth.

The joyful 40th anniversary production of 'Godspell,' presented this summer at Northwestern University, is a Tony Award-winning show that holds a special place in musical theatre history.

The joyful 40th anniversary production of 'Godspell,' presented this summer at Northwestern University, is a Tony Award-winning show that holds a special place in musical theatre history.

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is pleased to announce the upcoming production of Galt MacDermot's (HAIR) musical, THE HUMAN COMEDY, with libretto by William Dumaresq based on the story by William Saroyan.

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is pleased to announce the upcoming production of Galt MacDermot's (HAIR) musical, THE HUMAN COMEDY, with libretto by William Dumaresq based on the story by William Saroyan.