Jesus Christ Superstar last night
 

Did anyone see NBC's live production of John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar last night, Easter Sunday?

This was a somewhat modernized "in concert" version. I thought it was pretty good given that it was performed live for television. At times though it felt like the orchestra (and frequently the audience) overwhelmed the singers. The second half of the performance was far better in my opinion.

John Legend did an adequate, if emotionally underwhelming, job in the role of Jesus. The true superstars were Norm Lewis as Caiaphas, Jason Tam as Peter, Ben Daniels as Pilate, and Brandon Victor Dixon, as Judas.

Alice Cooper gave a surprising performance as King Herod, however, the shocker to me was that he played it far less flamboyantly than is usually performed.

What did you think?

PS

Go to youtube and search for Michael Crawford’s version of Gethsemane from this play for an incredible performance.

I enjoyed the program. A couple of minor criticisms, as a casual viewer. They needed to pick a timeframe. The dress of the actors indicated the future, past, or just getto? If people dress like this in the major cities, I am glad that I am in The Villages. When “the media” was taunting Jesus, I don’t think the microphones, cell phones, etc were not needed. They just didn’t “fit”.

I agree with the actors doing a great job. You did not mention Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene. I thought she really knocked out of the park with “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”!

For those who missed the show or just want to watch it again, it is available on the NBC app.

Got it on our DVR to watch tonight. More to follow.....

I was blown away by the last 30-45 minutes. Agree that John Legend lacked the passion I would have expected but his vocals were outstanding. Ditto on all the supporting actors - several stirring performances. Overall, very impressive.

[QUOTE=BK001;1529452]Did anyone see NBC's live production of John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar last night, Easter Sunday?

This was a somewhat modernized "in concert" version. I thought it was pretty good given that it was performed live for television. At times though it felt like the orchestra (and frequently the audience) overwhelmed the singers. The second half of the performance was far better in my opinion.

John Legend did an adequate, if emotionally underwhelming, job in the role of Jesus. The true superstars were Norm Lewis as Caiaphas, Jason Tam as Peter, Ben Daniels as Pilate, and Brandon Victor Dixon, as Judas.

Alice Cooper gave a surprising performance as King Herod, however, the shocker to me was that he played it far less flamboyantly than is usually performed.

What did you think?

I thought this was the greatest thing I've ever seen on TV. I would also add Jin Ha as Annas as one of the top performers. I agree John Legend wasn't quite what I'd hoped for but he was great at times, mediocre at others. Alice Copper's scene was brilliant with the dancers. The music, background singing, and dancing were first rate.

You are right about Sara Bareilles. She was excellent.

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I started watching it on TIVO...but last night....to ff through the commercials. I quite it after maybe the 1st hr.---it just wasn't holding my attention all that well as it was distracting with the audience keeping on clapping/screaming. It was too "modern" for my taste. I remember the 1st time seeing it back in the day (wasn't it also a movie back then?) and liking the music. I ended up erasing the TIVO as I wasn't interested in finishing it. I agree John Legend just didn't seem "into" his role.

No Thanx!

I found it interesting but didn't care much for the "urban" production. Many excellent performances as mentioned by others. It appears that John Legend tried very hard but he was really lacking the vocal ability that is needed. His Gesthemene was very weak and he avoided the money notes that make the song soar. I heard Michael Crawford sing it in concert and saw Ted Neeley, who owned the role for years, along with Carl Anderson. They are/were the real deal. Hearing Legend confirmed my suspicions that some of the current stars don't need to develop superior voices since electronics can augment voices that are not very well trained. This was much better than the other television efforts to bring Broadway shows to the small screen.

Andrew Lloyd Webber
 

I have read that Andrew Lloyd Weber absolutely detested the first stage production of the play and also the movie.

I have only seen the movie, which I didn't care for, although some of the songs were quite good.

I felt that Jesus was portrayed as an inappropriately weak personality.

Many confuse meekness with weakness. Perhaps that is what the playwright did.

As a sixth grader in grammar school, our class trip was to the play in Manhattan. I watched it again twice with my wife who never saw it back in the day. Even though I agree with our OP BK001 in many ways I think I'll stick with my original memory from long ago. The modernization including the cell phones and microphones was out of line in my opinion.

I listened to the original album yesterday on YouTube, Just fantastic.