Jesus Christ Superstar 

A rock musical version of the Passion Play seen from the point of view of Judas.

Directors:

Gale Edwards, Nick Morris

Writer:

Tim Rice (book)

Stars:

Glenn Carter, Jérôme Pradon, Renée Castle

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Glenn Carter	...	Jesus of Nazareth
Jérôme Pradon	...	Judas Iscariot (as Jerome Pradon)
Renée Castle	...	Mary Magdalene
Fred Johanson	...	Pontius Pilate
Rik Mayall	...	King Herod
Frederick B. Owens	...	Caiaphas
Michael Shaeffer	...	Annas
Tony Vincent	...	Simon Zealotes
Cavin Cornwall	...	Peter
Pete Gallagher	...	First Priest (as Peter Gallagher)
Michael McCarthy	...	Second Priest
Philip Cox	...	Third Priest
Matt Cross	...	Apostle / Ensemble (as Matthew Cross)
Kevin Curtin	...	Apostle / Ensemble
Paul Vickers	...	Apostle / Ensemble

Storyline

The Passion of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. This popular rock musical is based on the 1996 London/2000 Broadway revivals of the show, directed by Gale Edwards. Re-orchestrated and set to modern times, it is not the Superstar of the 70's but rather one for the 21st Century.

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Plot Keywords:

jesus christ character | rock musical | rock | passion play | crucifixion of jesus | 

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Genres:

Drama | Musical

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Tony Vincent (Simon) played the part of Judas in the 1999-2000 Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

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Quotes

Jesus: My God, why have you forgotten me?

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Connections

Version of Jesus Christ Superstar (1972)

User Reviews

Generally okay production

An interesting production, with a more "modernized" style (which was deliberate on the producers' and director's part, if you watch the post-tape "making of"). All the musical numbers are there, and that's always the strongest part of any JCS production. Glenn Carter is mostly harmless. Jerome Pradon gives it all, but no one seems able to decide exactly what his character's motivation is. He ranges from sarcastic and demeaning towards Jesus early on, towards a more "tortured" aspect as he is drawn into the betrayal.

Fred Johanson and Renee Castle are probably the strongest consistent performers throughout. Rik Mayall seems weak as Herod, apparently cast here more as a novelty than anything. The Herod scene also demonstrates one of Carter's problems: he seems incapable of reacting here, almost unsure of _how_ he's supposed to be reacting, like Pradon throughout. Carter seems more concerned that he'll be stepped on by the Herod dancers then the fact he's on trial for his life.

The staging is well done. The costuming is somewhat debateable. Okay, they wanted to update for the 21st century, but do we really need Roman guards dressed like Darth Vader and Pharisees dressed like Cenobites from Hellraiser? There's a curious de-emphasis on dancing and choreography: only the Herod piece is really strong here. The "Simon Zealotes" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" numbers are irritatingly static.

None of this really gets in the way of enjoying the core songs and book, however. I'd recommend it if you're a fan of Rice & Webber.

Details

Official Sites:

The Really Useful Group

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 April 2001 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Toronto, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

KQED, Really Useful Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Color:

Color