[Ciexyz]

When Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" came out circa 1970, I remember being a big fan. But now when I see the DVD of the musical, it's astonishing to see how sympathetic it is of Judas, who at one point sings to Jesus, "You have murdered me." The play was written from the persepective of Judas and purports to show how Judas was "manipulated" by Jesus, was a helpless puppet.

I don't agree with that position, of course. I just find it astonishing that the slant of the musical never dawned on me when I as a college student saw it some 35 years ago.

[NYer]

I just find it astonishing that the slant of the musical never dawned on me when I as a college student saw it some 35 years ago.

Ditto. Somehow or other, the expression - 'Wisdom comes with age' - takes on a new meaning. :-)

[VeniVidiAuferi]

They did the play 'way back in high school, everyone thought it was 'cool' because of the music - then they sat down and read the lyrics: the play died right there on the table because nobody wanted to have anything to do with it.

[VeniVidiAuferi]

Oh, hey (I just remembered it) - on the subject of theater:

Remember the movie Godspell? DID YOU KNOW that Christ was played by Victor Garber (alias Jack 'Spy Daddy' Bristow on ABC's 'Alias')? Think about THAT next week when the show comes back! :) Every time he comes in-scene, all I can ever see are the suspenders, striped pants, and the big red 'S'...

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002VDU.01._PE24_.Godspell-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

"...Yes, it's all for the best!..."