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| Because of the religious controversy that seems to have been brought up in recent times over this particular musical, I'm not even going to get into the subject matter that is portrayed in JCS. Instead the focus of this tribute is the music itself, the players, and the productions... |
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| ...which when you really think about it is enough to get over any material controversy when it comes to this show. Heh, one of the first musicals I ever really got into (before CATS even) was Jesus Christ Superstar when my mother dug up her old records that she used to listen to when they first came out. Personally I think this musical is extremely passionate no matter what the story is about (in this case: the last few days of Jesus Christ's life and crucifixion as told by Judas Iscariot, and in a modern time setting). |
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| The music alone even without lyrics is enough to get that point across. Quite honestly I don't know where to begin...except, well, the beginning. Just listen to the Overture of any JCS recording. If there was one word to describe the music that fills this rock-opera it would probably be "ironic." The entire thing is just one long bout of mocking irony. It really gets at you after awhile, if you really listen to it. The opening number Heaven On Their Minds, the fight that leads into Simon Zealotes, the Trial by Pilate...let's not forget Gethsemane (Cripes! Have you heard Michael Ball sing that on Celebration!??!) and I Don't Know How to Love Him. The sharp rock'n'roll notes of certain songs and the smooth fluidity of others have a way of just reaching the soft spot of the most tender emotions... I don't know how else to say it. The score is simply that powerful. (Typical Andrew Lloyd Webber...) |
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| As far as productions go I have both video versions in my possession, and have seen the 2000 version of the show on Broadway. The best I'll save for last, but speaking specifically of the two videos it is really a no-win situation with them. The first version has great singers but rotten music, and the more recent version awesome music and horrible singers. That doesn't go entirely 100% for them both, but that statement covers the majority of the videos. The 1973 version, set in the actual desert of Israel starring Ted Neeley as Jesus, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdelene, and Carl Anderson as Judas, had great leading singers if one can get past the thin, slow-sounding musical track. Notably Anderson, who remains in my mind an awesome singer. Now the 2000 version, probably due to better technology and a few years for the creators to think about it, has a score that will blow your emotions through the roof. (It sure did for me!) The brighter and even more modern setting makes it seem much more attractive than the previous one, and in most ways it is. The emotional quality is there, no doubt, but the vocals...ugh. I can hardly stand to hear the way Jerome Pradon (Judas) sings, and though Glenn Carter (Jesus) certainly looks the part and is a so-so singer, the higher notes he hits sound very weak and unsupported. Sorry, man. Now, looking on the brighter side, one particular performer stands out in two of the three JCS versions I have seen... |
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| Tony Vincent. Man, that boy can wail! I saw him as Judas on Broadway and (putting it lightly) the strength and quality of his voice left quite the impression. I was disappointed to see he only made it into the video as Simon (above pic) but nevertheless outshone everyone else with his energy and intensity. I particularly like the way he portrayed his characters...so emotional and focused. Okay, so the way he showed off Simon on the video may not have been the right kind of acting for film, but in musical theatre it's a must. He was phenomenal as Judas on Broadway, and his voice can also be found on a few solo albums which I'm currently trying to get my hands on. The Broadway production also featured Glenn Carter (bad first impression, man...bad, bad, bad!) again as Jesus and Paul Kandel, who I can remember hearing as Clopin in Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, as King Herod. Great singer, too! |
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| Tony played a large part in contributing to which characters of the show became my favorites (Judas and Simon...nothing to do with religion) but all in all I like all the characters for different reasons. The main thing I like about musical theatre is all the intense emotion, and finding plenty of that in JCS's music and characters it's difficult to chose a favorite. |
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| Jeez, that was more of an evaluation than a tribute, wasn't it? Oh well. Jesus Christ Superstar really deserves a lot of praise. It's a musical that's downright depressing in the end, but thoroughly a very emotional ride. I would recommend it to any objectional musical theatergoer who won't be offended by the religious material. Needless to say, I think it's great. =) |
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| A JCS fic...sorta. Was written in a very depressed mood if ya can't already tell, but I think it makes a valid point. |
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