 |
Jesus Christ Superstar
is a rock opera. Being an opera there is no spoken dialogue, but it is not
your traditional opera. In fact, this musical is not what most people
think it is going to be. |
| The story line is
about the last seven days of Jesus' life, as seen through the eyes of
Judas. Not only is this about Jesus' journey to the cross, but also about
what Judas has to go through during all of these events. |
 |
 |
Now, when you usually
think of the Passion of the Christ you probably think of the movie by Mel
Gibson. But this is totally different. It does tell the Passion and it
does have its solemn moments, but the rest is told in a way that is not so
traditional. |
| Screeching guitar
solos, banging drums, you think that would be something you would hear at
a rock concert. But, you would hear it if you came to this show, being a rock
opera, after all. This radical music was written by Andrew Lloyd Weber,
who also wrote Cats. This music is probably the farthest
thing you would think of when it comes to opera, or Jesus. |
 |
 |
The costumes and
setting was not the usual, either. The setting was mainly in the streets.
It's not the old streets in Jerusalem, but more modern with graffiti. The
costumes were not old rag like things, but regular clothes. Yes, just
plain old street clothes for most, but Jesus and some other main
characters wore more garment like costumes. |
| Jesus Christ Superstar
first premiered at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York on October 21,
1971. The original cast from this performance included: Ben Vereen
(Judas), Jeff Fenholt (Jesus), Yvonne Elliman (Mary), Barry Dennen
(Pilate), and Paul Anisley (Herod). |
 |
 |
The show is still
going and doing many performances around the country. A lot of people
haven't seen the show live, but know it from the movie. The movie of Jesus
Christ Superstar came out in 1937. It starred Ted Neeley and Carl
Anderson. So, no matter weather you've seen it live or rented the movie,
Jesus Christ Superstar is one amazing show. |
