Jesus Christ Superstar, the iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base, celebrating its 50th Anniversary, in a new mesmerizing production coming to North America!
“One of the greatest pieces of live theater I’ve ever seen” – Austin American Statesman
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.” – The Daily Telegraph
“This ‘Superstar’ has a lush, glorious sound the likes of which you’ve never heard before.”– Chicago Sun Times
Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’. Judas is concerned that the preaching and talking by Jesus and the other disciples is going to incur the wrath of the Roman Empire, and that Jesus’s relationship with Mary Magdalene might be seen as inconsistent with his own teachings and be used against him. Caiaphas, the High Priest of Israel, assembles the Pharisees and priests to move against Jesus before the Romans decide to move against the Jewish people, and so Judas seeks out the Pharisees to sell Jesus for his thirty pieces of silver.
Originally released as a rock opera album musical in 1970 which led to the show’s Broadway debut in 1971, and by 1980, the musical had grossed more than $237 million worldwide. Running for over eight years in London between 1972 and 1980 it held the record for longest-running West End musical before it was finally overtaken by Cats in 1989. A film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar was released in 1973 directed by Norman Jewison. It was shot in Israel, and earned four Golden Globe Nominations, and won a Golden Turkey Award.
Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. The musical features award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
“Until now, I have never come across an approach to this piece that taps into its latent power… As reinvigorated by the director Timothy Sheader, ‘Superstar’ delivers a genuinely primal jolt.” – New York Times
“Sprinkling of genius sends stylish ‘Superstar’ soaring. Timothy Sheader offers some of the most stylish direction I’ve seen all year, sculpting each segment into something distinct and vivid and compelling.” – Evening Standard
“This is not your grandmother’s ‘Superstar.’ Drew McOnie’s choreography has the explosive feel of barely contained ecstasy, filled with flailing movements that evoke old time tent revivals where snake handlers spoke in tongues and miraculously cured the sick. Tom Scutt’s smoke-colored costumes give the piece a timeless feel, as does his towering, sleek, steel-and-scaffolding set. Stark and shadowy, lighting designer Lee Curan’s work is so rhythmic it almost feels like a part of the orchestra.” – Chicago Sun Times
“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical. It might not qualify as a miracle, but with help from choreographer Drew McOnie, designer Tom Scutt and a first-rate cast, director Timothy Sheader is turning water into top quality wine with his revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock musical, originally released as a concept album.” – The Guardian
“Timothy Sheader’s adrenaline-pumping production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” is ardently, honestly sincere. I haven’t had so much fun listening to Mr. Lloyd Webber’s score, his finest, and Mr. Rice’s lyrics, his cheekiest, since I bought the concept album as a teenager.” – New York Times
