From Playhouse to Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar Review

Photo Credit: Adapted by the Beachcomber

Jesus Christ Superstar

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January 27, 2012 • Nikki Zanchetta, Staff Reporter  
Filed under A&E

Rock ‘n’ Roll musical score and the story of Jesus Christ? That can only mean one thing, the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” has stepped back into the spotlight with its return to the Broadway stage. San Diego hosted the musical from November 18th and through New Years Eve, the cast at The La Jolla Playhouse has star struck San Diego’s audiences with their show stopping performance and are now headed to New York City for the Broadway premiere of the production in March.
This rock opera is a story of the final days of Jesus’ life, portraying the relationship between Jesus Christ (Paul Nolan) and his disciple and best friend Judas Iscariot (Josh Young). It shows the emotion of Jesus accepting his days left on Earth are numbered and although he is the messiah, he is still a human with flaws and fear.

The cast’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Nolan’s impressive portrayal of Jesus captivates the audience, shown as a saint yet still a human who is trying to come to terms with the harsh reality of betrayal and death.  Young’s performance demonstrates the complicated and disturbing character of Judas; trying to do right for mankind by betraying his best friend Jesus to the ruthless Romans, eventually leading to both of their deaths.

Director Des McAnuff has done a remarkable recreation of the ground-breaking production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” originally inspired by the album of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice. The artistic combination of theatre, church and a rock concert McAnuff presents, leaves you with a pleasantly unique experience.

Many know this musical to be controversial ever since its emergence in the theatre over forty years ago. Its slight romantic relationship between Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene has been disputed amongst the public for decades.

However, the religious aspect of this play isn’t what captures its viewers, that is to say the audience doesn’t consist of only church-goers. Accompanied by a full orchestra and the emotional, passionate rock trills of the talented singers on stage, the music is remarkable making it easy to forget you are at a play and rather at a rock concert. Intentionally done by Webber and Rice to appeal to the youthful generation, and there is no doubt by the positive reaction seen throughout the crowd they accomplished this.

The cast is now on their way to Broadway, New York, where “Superstar” will open starting in March.  Hopefully they will enchant the critics and audiences of the Big Apple as they have in San Diego. “Jesus Christ Superstar” has been rockin’ the Broadway scene for more than 40 years and will continue to do so thanks to McAnuff and his cast of actors and borderline rock stars.

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