'Jesus Christ, Superstar' US Tour Announced: 'The Time is Right,' Andrew Lloyd Webber Says

The Christian Post ^ | April 4, 2014 | Sami K. Martin

[Faith Presses On]

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have announced that they are preparing to launch a new tour of hit show "Jesus Christ, Superstar." The musical started on Broadway in 1971 and is now being re-launched with an all-star cast featuring JC Chasez, Michelle Williams, and Brandon Boyd.

The new production stars Brandon Boyd as "Judas Iscariot," JC Chasez as "Pontius Pilate" and Michelle Williams as "Mary Magdalene." Ben Forster, a relative newcomer to the U.S., takes on the daunting role of "Jesus Christ."

The musical offers a unique interpretation of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, with Judas Iscariot, his betrayer. Judas is presented as a figure upset with the way that Jesus is leading the disciples, which greatly impacts his decision to betray Jesus to the authorities. Another controversial decision is to portray Mary Magdalene as a follower of Jesus who finds herself falling in love with him, which has no biblical basis. Of course, the production is not without controversy for its portrayal of Jesus' life and relationships with his disciples and friends.

[Focault's Pendulum]

I did a regional tour of this back in the late 80's. Played Simon the Zealot and occasionally Pilate. Understudied Herod.

BTW. I thought the movie sucked.

[BobL]

Thanks...it’s the first song that I actually bought in years. I love it.

[Boogieman]

Always the contrarian, that one.

[CityCenter]

I loved it too.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

John “Rotten” Lydon STILL holds naked contempt for organized religion “YOUR RELIGION”.

That might make him an especially effective Pontius Pilate or Judas Iscariot. Who knew that when he opened "Anarchy in the UK" all those years ago singing "I am an anti-Christ", he was just looking ahead to his career as an actor? As for Brandan Boyd, I've been a fan of Incubus since the late '90s. And a former member of Destiny's Child - a lot of talent there, despite the N'Sync guy - might need to check this out.

[lulu16]

I saw Jesus Christ Superstar in Tucson five years ago with the great Ted Neely. It was so moving and the production was excellent. (I also wanted to dance along; the choreography was unforgettable.)

I have the the LP, had it since college in the 70’s. Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene was a legend in Hawaii: local girl done good.

When you think about it, have you seen a Biblical retelling as creative since?