**Warning, this post may include spoilers**
When NBC announced back in 2013 that they were going to bring back the live holiday specials, I was overjoyed! Musical theatre will always have a special place in my heart and I watched with childhood glee as it was broadcast into my home. Minus a few technical difficulties that I easily forgave, the prospect of having another productions to look forward to the following year was exciting! Then FOX jumped on board. Unfortunately, due to dwindling viewership and poor reviews I was afraid for the future of these live performances. Then NBC announced it would be presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar as an Easter special. I thought, “I get it, but it seems like a far reach for the general public.”
Needless to say I was cautiously optimistic going into Sunday’s broadcast. And rightly so! It requires an immense amount of vocal range from its leads and has a variety of dance breaks, requiring a multitalented cast and deals with Biblical content in a somewhat controversial manner. **SPOILER ALERT** Jesus dies. And that’s where it ends. Simply for the fact the show covers the final days of Jesus through the crucifixion. Every show must have an ending.
The live broadcast is its own entity with strength and passion that will captivate even the strongest cynics. With a loose 80’s feel, this production of Jesus Christ Superstar did not disappoint. Broadway veteran Brandon Victor Dixon was flawless in his portrayal of Judas, who drives the bulk of the show. I wasn’t sure how to feel about singer/songwriter John Legend as Jesus. I mean, the man can sing but can he act? Thankfully he delivered! The ever amazing Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene was a welcome addition to the cast, despite the underdeveloped role. Also notable from the supporting cast were Ben Daniels as a militaristic Pontus Pilate, a show-stopping performance from Erik Gronwall’s Simon and the Pharisees, Jin Ha & Norm Lewis. The one performance that did feel somewhat lacking in charisma was Alice Cooper’s King Herod. Devilish, sure, but not dynamic. If there was one place to bring back a beloved former cast member, this was it. Josh Mostel, who played Herod in the film would have been a much more intriguing choice!
The set, consisting of scaffolding and broken temple edifice was versatile enough to allow minor set pieces and lighting changes to transport us to various locations. During “The Arrest”, the dizzying incorporation of paparazzi style camerawork gave an interesting POV. Then there was the writhing leather-clad, glitter bathing ensemble of “The Temple” making it truly look like a den of thieves and other unsavory characters. The death of Judas was very tastefully done; the torture and death of Jesus emotionally effective. Of course, “Superstar” performed by Judas and the ensemble of the afterlife was a sparkling array of sorrow and celebration which brought the live audience to its feet.
I enjoyed watching (almost) every minute of this broadcast and while it did have its flaws, the performances were captivating. Incorporating a live audience (hence, “in concert”) gave a whole new air of excitement to home viewership. Bravo to directors Alex Rudzinski and David Leveaux on their marriage of television and stage styles. I hope to see more from this duo soon! I plan on watching this again On-Demand. If someone wants to send me the soundtrack, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Expect some nominations for this cast!
