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| The opera was first heard as an ] before being staged—in ]'s ] and later on ]. (The same pattern would be followed by Rice and Lloyd Webber's second great musical hit, '']''.) On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by ] and that of Judas by ]. The future ] had a one-liner as a priest. None of the album's cast appeared in the West End show. | The opera was first heard as an ] before being staged—in ]'s ] and later on ]. (The same pattern would be followed by Rice and Lloyd Webber's second great musical hit, '']''.) On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by ] and that of Judas by ]. The future ] had a one-liner as a priest. None of the album's cast appeared in the West End show. | ||
| The show opened on Broadway in ] to mixed reviews. Many religious groups protested outside the theatre claiming that the show sacrilegiously portrayed Jesus Christ as a mere man. The show starred ] and ]. |
The show opened on Broadway in ] to mixed reviews. Many religious groups protested outside the theatre claiming that the show sacrilegiously portrayed Jesus Christ as a mere man. The show starred ] and ]. ] stepped into the role of Judas when Vereen fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role. | ||
| The movie, directed by ] and filmed on location in ] in ], failed to emulate the success of the stage show. The title song, sung by ], and the song "I Don't Know How to Love Him", sung by the ] character about her relationship with Jesus, were both big hits. On the other hand, the movie was also controversial, causing another religious group to bomb a theater at which it was playing. The film starred ] as Jesus and ] as Judas. Only two of the album cast, ] and ] (]) made it into the film version. | The movie, directed by ] and filmed on location in ] in ], failed to emulate the success of the stage show. The title song, sung by ], and the song "I Don't Know How to Love Him", sung by the ] character about her relationship with Jesus, were both big hits. On the other hand, the movie was also controversial, causing another religious group to bomb a theater at which it was playing. The film starred ] as Jesus and ] as Judas. Only two of the album cast, ] and ] (]) made it into the film version. | ||
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| In April 2003, following a disagreement with the director, Bach was replaced with ]. Carl Anderson died of ] on February 23, ]. According to the ], Anderson had been planning to appear in a worldwide tour that was to open at the ] in the fall of 2004. | In April 2003, following a disagreement with the director, Bach was replaced with ]. Carl Anderson died of ] on February 23, ]. According to the ], Anderson had been planning to appear in a worldwide tour that was to open at the ] in the fall of 2004. | ||
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Revision as of 18:48, 14 April 2004
Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Introduced in 1969, it highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ, and is told largely from Judas' irreverent point of view. The action takes place within the last week of Jesus's life, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Crucifixion. Twentieth-century attitude and sensibilities pervade the lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout.
The opera was first heard as an album before being staged—in London's West End and later on Broadway. (The same pattern would be followed by Rice and Lloyd Webber's second great musical hit, Evita.) On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by Ian Gillan and that of Judas by Murray Head. The future Gary Glitter had a one-liner as a priest. None of the album's cast appeared in the West End show.
The show opened on Broadway in 1971 to mixed reviews. Many religious groups protested outside the theatre claiming that the show sacrilegiously portrayed Jesus Christ as a mere man. The show starred Jeff Fenholt and Ben Vereen. Carl Anderson stepped into the role of Judas when Vereen fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role.
The movie, directed by Norman Jewison and filmed on location in Israel in 1973, failed to emulate the success of the stage show. The title song, sung by Judas, and the song "I Don't Know How to Love Him", sung by the Mary Magdalene character about her relationship with Jesus, were both big hits. On the other hand, the movie was also controversial, causing another religious group to bomb a theater at which it was playing. The film starred Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Judas. Only two of the album cast, Yvonne Elliman and Barry Dennen (Pontius Pilate) made it into the film version.
One other member of the film's cast went on to an unusual film career. Philip Toubus, who played Peter, found himself struggling as a mainstream actor. But three years after appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar, and having changed his name to Paul Thomas, he began a long and successful career performing in adult films.
By the turn of the century, the furor over the play had died down so greatly that it is now often performed by church groups, who appear to appreciate it simply as a secular play concerning Jesus, with excellent music.
There was a North American touring revival of "Superstar"in 1992. The show was revived on Broadway in 2000 to mixed reviews and closed quickly. In 2002, a national tour was begun starring 80s rock star Sebastian Bach as Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas (reprising his film role) and Natalie Toro as Mary Magdalene.
In April 2003, following a disagreement with the director, Bach was replaced with Eric Kunze. Carl Anderson died of leukemia on February 23, 2004. According to the Los Angeles Times, Anderson had been planning to appear in a worldwide tour that was to open at the Vatican in the fall of 2004.