Jesus Christ Superstar Better The Second Time Around
On Easter Sunday, "Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert" was rebroadcast on NBC. It originally aired live on April 1, 2018. This show, based on the 1970 rock opera, was produced by Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice and Marc Platt. I loved this production when I saw it the first time, but with everything that is currently happening around the world, it made it much more special this time around. The entire cast proved to be up to the task of presenting the last days of Jesus Christ.
I was especially impressed with how John Legend was able to stretch his range in the role of Jesus Christ. Sara Bareilles portrayed Mary Magdalene's affection and love for Jesus through song very convincingly. I can't say enough about Brandon Victor Dixon's portrayal of Judas Iscariot. Dixon is no stranger to the stage, as he is a Tony-nominated Broadway actor, singer and theatrical producer. His performance brought me to tears!
While every performer received nice applause upon arriving on stage, none received a bigger ovation than Alice Cooper. He took his "No More Mr. Nice Guy" persona into the role of King Herod. Unlike the gender-bending portrayal shown in the original film, The Coop was more kingly and skeptical.
Norm Lewis hit those bass notes very comfortably as Caiaphas. Lewis is known for being the first African-American actor to perform in the title role of Broadway's "Phantom Of The Opera." Ben Daniels, an English stage and television actor, was the perfect foil as Pontius Pilate. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jason Tam portrayed the denying Peter. Some people may know this actor and dancer as Markko Rivera from "One Life To Live." Jin Ha, as Annas, may have been recognized as Jamie from the mini-series "Devs."
Erik Grönwall had amazing stage presence as Simon Zealotes. Grönwall is a Swedish hard rock / heavy metal singer, songwriter and actor. In 2009, he was the winner of the Swedish Idol television series. He is also known for fronting the band H.E.A.T. His first solo album after winning Idol contained covers, some of which were songs from American Idol winners.
This show wouldn't be what it is without the tremendous compositions from the Webber and Rice team. "Heaven On Their Minds," "What's The Buzz / Strange Thing Mystifying," "I Don't Know How To Love Him" and Everything's All Right" all get stuck in your head after hearing them. It was great seeing it the first time, but this past Sunday I really need this!