Jesus Christ Superstar - wikipedia Jesus Christ Superstar This article is about the musical production. For the film, see Jesus Christ Superstar ( film ). For the album, see Jesus Christ Superstar ( album ). For other uses, see Jesus Christ Superstar ( disambiguation ). Jesus Christ Superstar Album cover for the 1970 American release of Jesus Christ Superstar Music Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics Tim Rice Productions 1970 Concept album 1971 Broadway 1972 West End 1972 Australian Tour 1973 Film 1977 Broadway 1977 US Tour 1992 US Tour 1992 Australian Tour 1996 West End 1998 UK Tour 2000 Broadway 2001 UK Tour 2002 US Tour 2004 UK Tour 2006 US Tour 2008 UK Tour 2012 Broadway 2012 -- 2013 UK Arena Tour 2015 UK Tour 2016 London Regent 's Park Open Air Theatre Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started as a rock opera concept album before its Broadway debut in 1971. The musical is sung - through, with no spoken dialogue. The story is loosely based on the Gospels ' accounts of the last week of Jesus 's life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. It depicts political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus that are not present in the Bible. The work 's depiction offers a free interpretation of the psychology of Jesus and the other characters. A large part of the plot focuses on the character of Judas, who is depicted as a tragic figure dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus steers his disciples. Contemporary attitudes and sensibilities, as well as slang, pervade the lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. Stage and film productions accordingly contain many intentional anachronisms. Contents 1 Plot 1.1 Act I 1.2 Act II 2 Principal roles 3 Instrumentation 4 Musical numbers 5 Production 5.1 Original Broadway production 5.2 Controversy 5.3 Other 1970s and 1980s productions 5.4 1990s and 2000s 5.5 2010s ; other international productions 6 Recordings and radio broadcasts 7 Films 8 Awards and nominations 8.1 Original Broadway production 8.2 1996 London revival 8.3 2000 Broadway revival 8.4 2011 Stratford Shakespeare Festival / 2012 Broadway revival 8.5 2016 London revival 9 Further reading 10 References 11 External links Plot Act I The apostle Judas Iscariot expresses his concern over Jesus 's rising popularity as a `` king '' and the negative repercussions that will have. He strongly criticises Jesus for accepting his followers ' unrealistic views, and for not heeding his concerns ( `` Heaven on Their Minds '' ). While Judas still loves Jesus, he believes that Jesus is just a man, not God, and worries that Jesus 's following will be seen as a threat to the Roman Empire which would then punish both Jesus and his associates. Judas 's warning falls on deaf ears, as Jesus 's followers have their minds set on going to Jerusalem with Jesus. As they ask Jesus when they will be going to Jerusalem, Jesus tells them to stop worrying about the future, since whatever will happen is determined by God ( `` What 's the Buzz ? '' ). Recognizing that Jesus is irritated by the badgering and lack of understanding from his followers, Mary Magdalene tries to help Jesus relax. Judas is concerned that Jesus is associating with a woman of `` her profession '', i.e., a prostitute. It seems to Judas that Jesus is contradicting his own teaching, and he worries that this apparent lack of judgment will be used against Jesus and his followers ( `` Strange Thing Mystifying '' ). Jesus tells Judas that Mary is with him ( Jesus ) now, and unless Judas is without sin he should not judge the character of others. Jesus then reproaches his apostles for being `` shallow, thick and slow '' and somewhat bitterly answers that not a single one of them cares about him. Mary Magdalene tries to assure Jesus that everything is alright while anointing him with oil ( `` Everything 's Alright '' ). Judas angrily insists that the money used to obtain the oil should have been used to help the poor instead. Jesus sadly explains that he and his followers do not have the resources to alleviate poverty and that they should be glad for the privileges they have. He claims that once his followers no longer have him, they will lose their path. Meanwhile, Caiaphas ( the high priest ), Annas, and other Jewish priests ( who have been studying Jesus 's movements ) meet to discuss Jesus and his disciples. Jesus 's growing following consists of Jews unwilling to accept the Romans as their rulers, and the priests believe that Jesus may become seen as a threat to the priesthood 's integrity and the Roman Empire. If the Romans retaliate, many Jews will suffer, even those who are not following Jesus. Caiaphas tells them they are `` fools '' for not seeing the inevitable consequence of Jesus 's activities. He believes there could be great bloodshed and the stakes are `` frighteningly high ! '' For the greater good, he has to `` crush him completely ! So like John before him, this Jesus must die ! '' Annas and the other priests concur ( `` This Jesus Must Die '' ). As Jesus and his followers arrive exultantly in Jerusalem they are confronted by Caiaphas, who demands that Jesus disband them, which Jesus says would be futile and change nothing. As the crowd cheers him on, they suddenly ask, `` Hey JC, JC, wo n't you die for me ? '' To this, Jesus visibly reacts with concern ( `` Hosanna '' ). Jesus is approached by Simon the Zealot, who suggests that Jesus lead his mob in a war against Rome and gain absolute power ( `` Simon Zealotes '' ). Jesus rejects this suggestion, stating that none of his followers understand what true power is, nor do they understand his true message ( `` Poor Jerusalem '' ). Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, has had a dream, in which he meets with a Galilean ( Jesus ) and that he, Pilate, will receive all of the blame for the man 's violent and mournful death ( `` Pilate 's Dream '' ). Jesus arrives at the Temple in Jerusalem and finds that it has become a haven of sin and debauchery as it is being used for selling everything from usury and weapons to prostitutes and drugs. He is furious and demands that the merchants and money changers leave ( `` The Temple '' ). Angry, disconsolate, and tired by his burden, Jesus is confronted by lepers, cripples, and beggars, all wanting to be healed. Even though he heals some, their number increases, and he is overwhelmed. Unable to solve everyone 's problems, Jesus tells the crowd to heal themselves and finds Mary Magdalene by his side. She lays him to rest ( `` Everything 's Alright ( Reprise ) '' ). While Jesus is asleep, Mary acknowledges that she is unconditionally in love with Jesus, unlike any man she has known before, and it frightens her ( `` I Do n't Know How to Love Him '' ). Conflicted, Judas seeks out the priests and promises to help them arrest Jesus, while belaboring that he is acting with unselfish motives and that Jesus himself would approve if he knew those motives ; he bids the priests not declare him damned. Caiaphas demands that Judas reveal the location of Jesus so that the authorities can apprehend him. In exchange for the information, Judas is offered money as a `` fee '' so that he can assuage his conscience by using the money charitably ( `` Damned for All Time / Blood Money '' ). Judas decides that it would be better to turn Jesus in before his popularity leads to the deaths of Jesus and his followers, Judas included. He reveals that on Thursday night, Jesus will be at the Garden of Gethsemane. Act ii At what Jesus knows will be the Last Supper, he pours wine and passes bread for his apostles ( `` The Last Supper '' ). Very aware of the ordeal he faces, he is stung when the others pay little attention to him ; `` For all you care this wine could be my blood / For all you care this bread could be my body, '' he remarks, alluding to ( and anticipating ) the Christian doctrine of the Eucharist. He asks them to remember him when they eat and drink ; he predicts that Peter will deny him three times `` in just a few hours '' and that one of them will betray him. Judas, believing that Jesus already knows ( `` cut the dramatics, you know very well who '' ), admits he is the one and angrily accuses Jesus of acting recklessly and egotistically. Claiming he does not understand Jesus 's decisions, he leaves to bring the Roman soldiers. The remaining apostles fall asleep, and Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray ( `` Gethesemane ( I Only Want to Say ) '' ). He admits to God his doubts, fears and anger, that he is tired and has done all he can. He asks powerfully if any of it has meaning and implores God not let him suffer the horrible death that portends for him. He feels disillusioned with his quest as the Messiah, does not understand what it has achieved and wishes to give up. Receiving no answer, Jesus realises that he can not defy God 's will, and surrenders to God. His prayer ends with a request that God take him immediately, `` before I change my mind. '' Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on the cheek ( `` The Arrest '' ). Jesus is arrested, and his apostles attempt to fight the soldiers. Jesus tells them to let the soldiers take him to Caiaphas. On the way, a mob ( acting like -- and sometimes represented as -- modern - day news reporters ) asks Jesus what he plans to do, but Jesus declines to comment. When Jesus is brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas asks if he is the son of God. Jesus responds : `` That 's what you say, you say that I am. '' This answer is affirmative according to Jewish custom, and that provides enough justification for the high priests to send Jesus to Pontius Pilate. Meanwhile, Jesus 's apostle Peter is confronted by an old man, a soldier and a maid, and Peter denies to each that he knows Jesus ( `` Peter 's Denial '' ). Mary asks Peter why he denied Jesus, and Peter responds that he had to do it in order to save himself. Mary wonders how Jesus knew that Peter would deny him three times. Pilate asks Jesus if he is the son of God. Jesus gives the same answer that he gave Caiaphas : `` that 's what you say. '' Since Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate says that he is not under his jurisdiction and sends him to King Herod ( `` Pilate and Christ '' ). As Jesus is dragged away, the chorus asks where Jesus 's power has gone. The decadent and flamboyant King Herod asks Jesus to prove his divinity by performing miracles, offering to free him if he complies ; but Jesus ignores him ( `` King Herod 's Song ( Try It And See ) '' ). Herod decides that Jesus is just another phony messiah and angrily sends him back to Pilate. The apostles and Mary Magdalene remember when they first began following Jesus, and wish that they could return to a time of peace ( `` Could We Start Again, Please ? '' ) Judas is horrified upon beholding Jesus 's harsh treatment by the authorities. Feeling extreme guilt for this, and panicking that he will be seen as responsible, Judas expresses regret to the priests, fearing he will forever be remembered as a traitor. Caiaphas and Annas do not agree with him, saying that what he has done will save everyone and that he should not feel remorse for his actions. As Judas is sent on his way, he recognizes that memories of this could haunt the rest of his life, that God chose him to be the one to betray Jesus, and that he has been used as a pawn for the `` foul bloody crime ''. He suffers a mental breakdown during the epiphany, cursing God for his manipulative ways, and in a final attempt to detach himself from his destiny, he commits suicide by hanging himself from a tree ( `` Judas 's Death '' ). At Jesus 's trial Pilate asks the crowd if they would crucify Jesus, their king, and they declare : `` We have no king but Caesar ! '' Pilate remembers the dream he had about the crowd and the unjust execution of Jesus. Pilate tells the crowd that, while Jesus should be imprisoned, he does not deserve to die. Pilate demands that the crowd give him a reason to condemn Jesus, and the crowd breaks into a pep rally - style cheer about how Jesus is a blasphemer and has defied Rome. After revealing Jesus as nothing more than a pathetic human being ( `` Behold the man ! '' ), Pilate calls the crowd hypocrites, as he knows they hate Roman rule. He attempts to satisfy their bloodlust by having Jesus whipped, counting thirty - nine bloody strokes ( `` Trial Before Pilate, ( Including The Thirty - Nine Lashes ) '' ). Pilate, clearly disturbed by the whole ordeal, pleads with Jesus to defend himself ; but Jesus says weakly that everything has been determined, by God, and Pilate can not change it. The crowd still screams for Jesus to be crucified, and Pilate recalls his duty to keep the peace. He reluctantly agrees to crucify Jesus to keep the crowd from getting violent. Pilate then washes his hands of Jesus 's death : `` I wash my hands of your demolition ! Die if you want to, you -- innocent puppet... '' As Jesus prepares to be crucified, he is mocked by the spirit of Judas. Judas questions why Jesus chose to arrive in the manner and time that he did, and if what happened to him was really part of a divine plan, but Jesus does not say ( `` Superstar '' ). After reciting his final words and commending his spirit to God, Jesus slowly dies on the cross, his fate coming full circle ( `` The Crucifixion '' ). In the end, the Apostles and Mary, mourning the death of their fallen saviour, reflect on the impact he has had on their lives ( `` John Nineteen : Forty - One '' ). Principal roles Character Voice type Description Jesus Christ tenor ( A2 -- G5 ) Title role, leader of the twelve disciples, called the `` Son of God '' and the `` King of the Jews. '' Judas Iscariot tenor ( D3 -- D5 ) One of the twelve apostles of Jesus ; concerned for the poor and the consequences of Jesus 's fame. Mary Magdalene mezzo - soprano ( F3 -- E ♭ 5 ) A female follower of Jesus who finds herself falling in love with him. Pontius Pilate baritenor ( A2 -- B4 ) Governor of Judea who foresees the events of Jesus 's crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation. Caiaphas bass ( C ♯ 2 -- F4 ) One of the main antagonists of the show. High priest who sees Jesus as a threat to the nation. Annas countertenor ( G2 -- D5 ) One of the main antagonists of the show. Fellow priest at the side of Caiaphas who is persuaded by Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat. Peter baritone ( A2 -- G4 ) One of Jesus 's twelve apostles ; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus 's arrest to save himself. Simon Zealotes tenor ( G3 -- B4 ) One of Jesus 's twelve apostles ; urges Jesus to lead his followers into battle against the Romans. King Herod tenor ( C ♯ 3 -- G4 ) The King of Galilee ; Jesus is brought to him for judgment after first being taken to Pilate. Instrumentation 2 flutes, clarinet, 2 bassoons, 2 saxophones ( one tenor ), 6 horns, 4 trumpets, 2 trombones, drum set, percussion set, 6 guitars ( 1 acoustic, 2 electric ), 4 bass guitars, 5 pianos, electric piano, 3 organs, positive organ, and strings. Additional vocals are provided by a choir, a children 's choir ( `` Overture '' ), and other singers ( `` Superstar '' ). Musical numbers Act One `` Overture '' -- Orchestra `` Heaven on Their Minds '' -- Judas `` What 's the Buzz '' / `` Strange Thing Mystifying '' -- Apostles, Jesus, Mary, Judas, Peter, Woman `` Everything 's Alright '' -- Mary, Women, Judas, Jesus, Apostles `` This Jesus Must Die '' -- Annas, Caiaphas, Apostles, Priests `` Hosanna '' -- Apostles, Caiaphas, Jesus, Ensemble `` Simon Zealotes '' / `` Poor Jerusalem '' -- Apostles, Simon, Jesus, Ensemble `` Pilate 's Dream '' -- Pilate `` The Temple '' -- Ensemble, Jesus `` Everything 's Alright ( reprise ) '' -- Mary, Jesus `` I Do n't Know How to Love Him '' -- Mary `` Damned For All Time '' / `` Blood Money '' -- Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Chorus Act Two `` The Last Supper '' -- Apostles, Jesus, Judas `` Gethsemane ( I Only Want to Say ) '' -- Jesus `` The Arrest '' -- Judas, Jesus, Peter, Apostles, Ensemble, Annas, Caiaphas `` Peter 's Denial '' -- Maid by the Fire, Peter, Soldier, Old Man, Mary `` Pilate and Christ '' -- Pilate, Soldier, Jesus, Ensemble `` King Herod 's Song ( Try it and See ) '' -- Herod, Dancers `` Could We Start Again Please ? '' -- Mary, Apostles, Peter ( not included on the original 2 - LP - set 1970 ) `` Judas ' Death '' -- Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Chorus `` Trial Before Pilate ( Including the Thirty - Nine Lashes ) '' -- Pilate, Caiaphas, Jesus, Ensemble `` Superstar '' -- Judas, Soul Sisters, Angels `` The Crucifixion '' -- Jesus, Ensemble `` John Nineteen : Forty - One '' -- Orchestra Production This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( February 2015 ) Main article : Jesus Christ Superstar ( album ) The songs were first written and conceived as a concept album, before the musical was created and staged. On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by Ian Gillan, with Murray Head as Judas, Michael d'Abo as King Herod, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, and Barry Dennen as Pilate. In July 1971, the first authorised American concert of the rock opera took place in front of an audience of 13,000 people at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 's Civic Arena with Jeff Fenholt singing the role of Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas and Elliman repeating as Mary Magdalene. Original Broadway production The musical opened on Broadway on 12 October 1971, directed by Tom O'Horgan, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. It starred Jeff Fenholt as Jesus, Ben Vereen as Judas and Bob Bingham as Caiaphas. Dennen and Elliman played the roles that they had sung on the album. Kurt Yaghjian was Annas, and Ted Neeley ( as a Christ understudy ), Samuel E. Wright and Anita Morris appeared in the cast. Carl Anderson replaced Vereen when he fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role. The show closed on 30 June 1973 after 711 performances. The production received mixed reviews ; the reviewer from The New York Times deemed it to be a heartless over-hyped production. Lloyd Webber said in 2012 : `` I hugely objected to the original New York production, which was probably the worst night of my life. It was a vulgar travesty. '' The show was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Score, but did n't win any. Lloyd Webber won a Drama Desk Award as `` Most Promising Composer '', and Vereen won a Theatre World Award. Controversy The Broadway show and subsequent productions were condemned by some religious groups. Tim Rice was quoted as saying `` It happens that we do n't see Christ as God but simply the right man at the right time at the right place. '' Some Christians considered such comments to be blasphemous, the character of Judas too sympathetic and some of his criticisms of Jesus offensive. At the same time, some Jews claimed that it bolstered the antisemitic belief that the Jews were responsible for Jesus ' death by showing most of the villains as Jewish ( Caiaphas and the other priests, Herod ) and showing the crowd in Jerusalem calling for the crucifixion. The musical was banned in South Africa for being `` irreligious ''. A 1972 production of the play was banned in the Hungarian People 's Republic for `` distribution of religious propaganda ''. Other 1970s and 1980s productions Paul Nicholas in Jesus Christ Superstar Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in London in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus, Stephen Tate as Judas and Dana Gillespie as Mary Magdalene. It was directed by Australian Jim Sharman. This production was much more successful than the original production on Broadway, running for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom 's longest - running musical at the time. Dmitri Shostakovich attended this production in London just before his death. He regretted that he could not have composed something like it ; he lauded especially a rock band underpinning full symphonic strings, brass and woodwind. One of the earliest foreign productions was a five - day run in Sweden at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, opening on 18 February 1972 and playing to 74,000 people ( a record at the time ). Starring as Mary Magdalene was Agnetha Fältskog. On 16 March 1972 an oratorio version was performed at Memorial Drive Park in Adelaide, South Australia as part of the Adelaide Festival of the Arts. This was followed in May by the first full Australian production, at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, later moving to the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Sharman again directed, and the cast included Trevor White as Jesus, Jon English as Judas, and Michele Fawdon ( 1972 -- 1973 ) and Marcia Hines ( 1973 -- 1974 ) as Mary Magdalene. Hines was the first black woman to play the role. Other cast members included Reg Livermore, John Paul Young, Stevie Wright, and Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, who met during the production and subsequently formed the band Air Supply. The production ran until February 1974. In June 1972 the show opened in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in Atelje 212 theatre, in adaptation by Jovan Ćirilov. The role of Jesus Christ was played by Korni Grupa vocalist Zlatko Pejaković, the role of Mary Magdalen by Azra Halinović and the role of Pontius Pilate by Branko Milićević. The premiere was directly broadcast by Radio Television of Belgrade. Bora Đorđević and Srđan Marjanović, at the time a little known musicians, also participated as members of the choir. The production was praised by the Yugoslav public. In 1973, the show opened in Paris at the Théâtre de Chaillot in a French adaptation by Pierre Delanoë. The title role was sung by Daniel Beretta, and Maria Magdalena was Anne - Marie David. The critics were unimpressed, and the production stopped after 30 performances. In 1974, first Spanish - language production ran in Mexico with the title `` Jesucristo Super Estrella ''. Julissa played Mary Magdalen. The musical was seen in 1974 in Peru and Singapore. Robert Stigwood launched two road touring companies in 1971 to cover North America, with Robert Corff and Tom Westerman as Jesus, respectively. The first major US National Tour, however began In 1976, managed by Laura Shapiro Kramer. The tour continued until 1980. In 1977, the show had its first Broadway revival, running from 23 November 1977 to 12 February 1978. It was directed by William Daniel Grey, with choreography by Kelly Carrol and starred William Daniel Grey as Jesus, Patrick Jude as Judas, and Barbara Niles as Mary Magdalene. Regional productions followed. In 1981, Emilio de Soto directed an English - language version in Venezuela, with 163 actors. From 1982 to 1984, an Australian production toured Australia and South - East Asia, directed by Trevor White, who also reprised his role of Jesus. The cast included Doug Parkinson as Judas and Marcia Hines ( reprising her role as Mary Magdalene ). 1990s and 2000s The North American touring revival of Superstar in 1992 starred Neeley and Anderson reprising their respective Broadway and 1973 film roles as Jesus and Judas, receiving positive reviews for their performances. This production also starred both Dennis DeYoung as Pilate, and Syreeta and Irene Cara sharing Mary Magdalene. Originally expected to run for three to four months, the tour ended up running for five years. Replacements in this tour included Jason Raize as Pontius Pilate and Simone as the Maid by the Fire and understudy for Mary. In 1994, a New Zealand production starred Darryl Lovegrove as Jesus, Jay Laga'aia as Judas and Frankie Stevens as Caiaphas. Also in 1994, a stage version titled Jesus Christ Superstar : A Resurrection was performed in Atlanta, Austin and Seattle featuring Amy Ray as Jesus, Emily Saliers as Mary Magdalene and Michael Lorant as Judas. In 1996, the musical was revived in London at the Lyceum Theatre and ran for a year and a half. Directed by Gale Edwards, it starred Steve Balsamo and Zubin Varla as Jesus and Judas, and Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene and Alice Cooper as King Herod. The production was nominated for a Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival but did not win. It was followed by a UK tour. This production was revived on Broadway at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in 2000, starring Glenn Carter as Jesus and Tony Vincent as Judas. It opened to mixed reviews and ran for 161 performances. It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical but did not win. In 2002, a national tour starred Sebastian Bach as Jesus and Anderson once again as Judas. Bach received mixed reviews while Anderson was again praised. In April 2003, Bach was replaced by Eric Kunze. Anderson left the show later in 2003 after being diagnosed with leukaemia and died in 2004. The tour closed shortly after Anderson 's departure. In 2004 a year - long UK tour began, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright. Carter reprised his role as Jesus, with James Fox as Judas. In 2005, a successful Scandinavian tour starred Australian Peter Murphy ( Jesus ), American Kristen Cummings ( Mary ), Englishman Jon Boydon née Stokes ( Judas ), Frenchman Jérôme Pradon ( King Herod ) and Australian Michael - John Hurney ( Pilate ). A US tour starring Neeley, reprising his role as Jesus and Corey Glover as Judas, began in 2006 and played for five years. A Chilean heavy metal version has played annually in Santiago since 2004. In Boston, Gary Cherone portrayed Jesus in productions in 1994, 1996 and 2003 and Judas in 2000. 2010s ; other International productions A new production of Jesus Christ Superstar was mounted at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, in Stratford, Ontario in 2011. Directed by Des McAnuff, the cast starred Paul Nolan as Jesus, Josh Young as Judas, Brent Carver as Pilate, Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Bruce Dow as Herod and Melissa O'Neil as Martha. This moved to La Jolla Playhouse later in the year and transferred to the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway in 2012, with Tom Hewitt taking over the role of Pilate. Reviews were mixed. The revival was nominated for two Tonys : Best Revival and, for Young, Best Actor. Neither award was won, but Young won a Theatre World Award. The revival closed after 116 performances and 24 previews. Through a 2012 ITV competition TV show called Superstar, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the UK public chose Ben Forster for the role of Jesus in an arena tour of the musical that started in September 2012. The production also starred Tim Minchin as Judas, Melanie C as Mary Magdalene and Chris Moyles as King Herod. Lloyd Webber stated that the show was meant to be presented outside the confines of a proscenium theatre. The tour resumed in March 2013 in the UK, and an Australian leg of the tour commenced in Perth in May 2013. Andrew O'Keefe played King Herod in Australia, with Jon Stevens as Pilate. Stevens had played Judas in an Australian arena tour in 1992. 2011 production of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Doon School, India 2013 production in Rotterdam, Netherlands The musical has been produced in Ireland, Brazil, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Bulgaria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Australia, The Philippines, South Africa, Panama, Colombia, Croatia, Bolivia ( where it was also released as a TV movie ), Netherlands, Portugal, and others. Two notable Jesuses were Takeshi Kaga, in the 1976 Japanese production, and Camilo Sesto in the 1975 Spanish production. Mary Magdalene was Rocío Banquells in a 1981 production in Mexico. A Czech version premiered in 1994 in Prague 's Spirála Theatre and ran until 1998, with 1288 performances. In the 2000s, a Venezuelan production ran for two years ( 2006 -- 2008 ), directed by Michel Hausmann. A Spanish production produced by Stage Entertainment ran from 2007 to 2009, followed by long - running productions in Italy and Sweden ( featuring Ola Salo ) and Norway. In 2010, an Australian production presented by Harvest Rain Theatre Company was directed by Tim O'Connor. Luke Kennedy appeared as Jesus, Naomi Price as Mary, Tod Strike as Judas, and Steven Tandy as Herod. A 2014 production in São Paulo, Brazil starred Igor Rickli as Jesus. Negra Li was Mary Magdalene. A 2014 production in Lima, Peru, at the Sarita Colonia prison, as part of a rehabilitation program for inmates, received some press. Eighty prisoners mounted the production, directed by inmate Freddy Battifora, who also played the role of Jesus. The Catholic Church approved of the production. Concerts of the show have been mounted in Vienna, Austria, since 1981, including one on Easter of 2015 starring Drew Sarich in the title role. In 2016, celebrating 45 years since the musical debuted on Broadway, Jesus Christ Superstar returned to London at Regent 's Park Open Air Theatre, directed by Timothy Sheader. The production won the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The production will return to the Open Air Theatre as part of the 2017 season, running from 11 August 2017 to 23 September. Recordings and Radio broadcasts The original 1970 concept album was very popular ; its 1971 release topped the US Billboard Pop Albums. The 1972 and 1992 Australian cast recordings were also both highly successful. In 1994, a studio recording under the name of Jesus Christ Superstar : A Resurrection was released. A 1996 radio production for BBC Radio 2 starred Tony Hadley as Jesus, Roger Daltrey as Judas, Frances Ruffelle as Mary Magdalene and Julian Clary as King Herod ; this production was re-broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra on 6 August 2016. In 2000, an Italian performance of Jesus Christ Superstar was broadcast on Rai Radio 2. Carl Anderson appeared on this recording, singing the song `` Superstar ''. Films Main article : Jesus Christ Superstar ( film ) A film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar was released in 1973 and was the eighth highest - grossing film of that year. The film, directed by Norman Jewison, was shot in Israel and other Middle Eastern locations. Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman were each nominated for a Golden Globe Award for their portrayals of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene, respectively. Bob Bingham ( Caiaphas ) and Barry Dennen ( Pilate ) also reprised their roles. Though it attracted criticism from some religious groups, the film was generally well received. A new song, called `` Then We Are Decided '' and phrased as a dialogue between Caiaphas and Annas, was written and composed for this adaptation. A second adaptation was filmed in 1999, and released around the world on video in 2000 and 2001. It starred Glenn Carter as Jesus, Jérôme Pradon as Judas, Reneé Castle as Mary Magdalene, and Rik Mayall as Herod, and was directed by Gale Edwards and Nick Morris. It was released on video in the UK in October 2000. In the U.S. it was released on VHS and DVD in March 2001, and aired on PBS 's Great Performances series in April 2001. It won the International Emmy Award for Best Performing Arts Film in November 2001. The style of the film is more like the stage version than the location - based 1973 adaptation, and it used many of the ideas from the 1996 -- 1999 UK production. A live recording of the 2012 arena tour was shown in Australian cinemas in November 2012. A DVD and Blu - ray copy of the film was subsequently released. Awards and nominations Original Broadway production Year Award ceremony Category Nominee Result 1972 Tony Award Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Ben Vereen Nominated Best Original Score Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice Nominated Best Scenic Design Robin Wagner Nominated Best Costume Design Randy Barceló Nominated Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher Nominated Drama Desk Award Most Promising Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber Won Theatre World Award Ben Vereen Won 1996 London revival Year Award ceremony Category Nominee Result Laurence Olivier Award Best Musical Revival Nominated 2000 Broadway revival Year Award ceremony Category Nominee Result 2000 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical Nominated 2011 Stratford Shakespeare Festival / 2012 Broadway revival Year Award Category Nominee Result 2012 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical Nominated Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Josh Young Nominated Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical Nominated Outstanding Sound Design Steve Canyon Kennedy Nominated Theatre World Award Josh Young Won 2016 London revival Year Award ceremony Category Nominee Result 2016 Evening Standard Theatre Awards Best Musical Won Emerging Talent Tyrone Huntley Won 2017 Whatsonstage.com Awards Best Musical Revival Nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Tyrone Huntley Nominated Best Choreography Drew McOnie Nominated 2017 Laurence Olivier Awards Best Musical Revival Won Best Actor in a Musical Tyrone Huntley Nominated Best Theatre Choreographer Drew McOnie Nominated Best Lighting Design Lee Curran Nominated Best Sound Design Nick Lidster for Autograph Nominated Outstanding Achievement in Music The band and company for creating the gig - like rock vibe of the original concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar Nominated Further reading Robert M. Price. Jesus Christ Superstar : The Making of a Modern Gospel. eBookIt. 2011. Ellis Nassour, Richard Broderick. Rock Opera : The Creation of Jesus Christ Superstar, from Record Album to Broadway Show and Motion Picture. Hawthorn Books, 1973. References Jump up ^ This is the text in the original recording Jump up ^ This scene originally was added to the original Broadway production ; it was included in the film and subsequent productions. Jump up ^ In the Broadway production, a stanza is added where Pilate admonishes the crowd for their sudden respect for Caesar, as well as for how they `` produce Messiahs by the sackful '' ; this was kept for the film and subsequent productions. Jump up ^ As Jesus is nailed to the cross some productions show Judas suffering a stigmata - like effect, indicating that he is paying for his sin. Jump up ^ The title of the instrumental number `` John Nineteen : Forty - One '' is a reference to a verse in the Gospel of John about Jesus being laid in the tomb. Jump up ^ Credits listing on the original album. ^ Jump up to : Theatre Features. `` Andrew Lloyd Webber interview : the second coming of Jesus Christ Superstar ''. Telegraph. Retrieved 21 November 2013. Jump up ^ Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 1996 Jump up ^ Time magazine ', 9 November 1970. Rice went on to say `` we are basically trying to tell the story of Christ as a man. I think he increases in stature by looking at him as a man. '' Jump up ^ Life magazine, 28 May 1971 Jump up ^ `` Free Presbyterian Church -- Online Pamphlet ''. Freepres.org. Retrieved 21 November 2013. Jump up ^ Superstar Film Renews Disputes : Jewish Groups Say Opening Could Stir Anti-Semitism Reasons Given Company Issues Statement, The New York Times Jump up ^ Jessica Winter ( 4 November 2003 ). `` Mel Gibson 's Jesus Christ Pose ''. village voice. Retrieved 21 November 2013. Jump up ^ Jesus Christ Superstar : Show facts and figures Archived 11 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Miklós, Tibor ( 2002 ). Musical ! ( in Hungarian ). Budapest : Novella Könyvkiadó. p. 9. ISBN 963 - 9442 - 04 - 6. Jump up ^ `` Michael Coveney : Happy birthday to the grand old men of musical theatre ''. Jump up ^ `` AusStage ''. AusStage. Retrieved 21 November 2013. Jump up ^ `` 1972 Australian production ''. Milesago.com. Retrieved 21 November 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` Yugopapir : Rock opera `` Isus Hristos Superstar '' u Ateljeu 212 : Zlatko Pejaković - Isus, Branko Milićević - Pilat ! ``. Jump up ^ Janjatović, Petar ( 2007 ). EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960 - 2006. Belgrade : self - released. p. 191. Jump up ^ Janjatović, Petar ( 2007 ). EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960 - 2006. Belgrade : self - released. p. 142. Jump up ^ Singapore American School Alumni Community ( 2007 ). `` Featured Classes ''. Retrieved 1 December 2007. Jump up ^ http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=4030 Jump up ^ The Broadway League. `` Jesus Christ Superstar IBDB : The official source for Broadway Information ''. IBDB. Retrieved 21 November 2013. Jump up ^ `` Jesucristo Metal Star -- 10 Años ! ''. Jump up ^ `` It 's Official ! ' ' Jesus Christ Superstar ' ' to Open on Broadway March 2012 ! ''. Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 21 November 2013. Jump up ^ Zoglin, Richard ( 10 April 2012 ). `` Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita : One Sings, the Other Does n't ''. Time. Jump up ^ `` Jesus Christ Superstar ''. Curtain Critic. Retrieved 21 June 2012. Jump up ^ Gans, Andrew ; Jones, Kenneth ; Hetrick, Adam ( 1 May 2012 ). `` Tony Awards Nominations Announced ; Once Earns 11 Nominations ''. Playbill. Archived from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012. Jump up ^ Hetrick, Adam ( 1 July 2012 ). `` '' It Is Finished `` : Jesus Christ Superstar Revival Closes On Broadway July 1 ''. Playbill. Retrieved 1 July 2012. Jump up ^ `` Ben Forster crowned as Jesus in ITV 's ' Superstar ' ''. Digital Spy. 25 July 2012. Jump up ^ `` Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour ''. Archived from the original on 20 May 2012. Jump up ^ Caitlin Irving ( 27 February 2013 ). `` Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off in Perth ''. Faifax Media. Retrieved 1 June 2013. Jump up ^ `` Jesus Christ Superstar -- Australian tour ''. the blurb magazine. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013. Jump up ^ Deborah Jones ( 1 June 2013 ). `` Jesus Christ Superstar songs shine with Tim Minchin, Melanie C ''. The Australian. Retrieved 1 June 2013. Jump up ^ `` Devadesátá léta překreslila divadelní mapu ''. 13 December 2000. Jump up ^ `` Com Negra Li, musical rock `` Jesus Cristo Superstar '' tem ingressos à venda ``. Jump up ^ Bracken, Matt ( 16 April 2014 ). `` Prison inmates in Peru perform ' Jesus Christ Superstar ' ''. The Baltimore Sun ( The Dark Room ). Baltimore, Maryland. Reuters. Retrieved 17 April 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` In pictures : Peru inmates stage Jesus Christ Superstar musical ''. BBC News. Reuters. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014. Jump up ^ `` Jesus Christ Superstar 2015 '', Musical Vienna, accessed 19 September 2015 Jump up ^ `` The winners for the 62nd London Evening Standard Theatre Awards Announced ''. Evening Standard. Jump up ^ `` Olivier Awards 2017 : the full list of winners and nominees ''. Telegraph. Jump up ^ whatsonstage.com Jump up ^ `` Allmusic : Jesus Christ Superstar : Charts & Awards : Billboard Albums ''. allmusic.com. Retrieved 1 May 2013. Jump up ^ `` ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 50 Albums 1992 ''. Jump up ^ `` Lloyd Webber & Rice - Jesus Christ Superstar - BBC Radio 4 Extra ''. Jump up ^ `` Jesus Christ Superstar : Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story ''. songfacts.com. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015. ^ Jump up to : Jesus Christ Superstar -- Production History. TimRice.co.uk. Retrieved 27 October 2016. Jump up ^ `` Sir Tim Rice : Musical man ''. BBC News. 27 October 2000. Jump up ^ Ehren, Christine. `` Recent Revival of Jesus Christ Superstar Rises April 11 on PBS ''. Playbill. April 11, 2001. Jump up ^ Guider, Elizabeth. `` Brits a big hit at Int'l Emmys ''. Variety. 27 November 2001. Jump up ^ `` Tim Minchin International Screenings and DVD Releases of Jesus Christ Superstar ! ''. Timminchin.com. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2013. External links Wikiquote has quotations related to : Jesus Christ Superstar Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jesus Christ Superstar. Jesus Christ Superstar, official website Jesus Christ Superstar at the Internet Broadway Database Review on `` Cool Album of the Day '' of original London cast recording Original album cover artwork by Ernie Cefalu Largest online community for Jesus Christ Superstar JesusChristSuperstarZone.com Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew Lloyd Webber site Jesus Christ Superstar, timrice.co.uk Lyrics Jesus Christ Superstar at Playbill Vault : 1971 -- Original production 1977 -- First revival 2000 -- Second revival 2012 -- Third revival `` Jesus Christ Superstar, orchestral score ''. Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 24 March 2011. Jesusmania ! The Bootleg Superstar of Gettysburg College Jesus Christ Superstar Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Book and Lyrics by Tim Rice Songs `` Everything 's Alright '' `` This Jesus Must Die '' `` I Do n't Know How to Love Him '' `` Superstar '' Versions Concept album Film Cast recordings 1972 & 1992 Australian cast 1972 Swedish cast 1996 London cast Related Superstar Musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice Musicals The Likes of Us Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Jesus Christ Superstar Evita Cricket The Wizard of Oz ( additional music and lyrics ) Films Jesus Christ Superstar Evita Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Albums Jesus Christ Superstar Evita ( 1976 concept album ) Evita ( 1996 film soundtrack ) Songs `` Any Dream Will Do '' `` Close Every Door '' `` Everything 's Alright '' `` This Jesus Must Die '' `` I Do n't Know How to Love Him '' `` Superstar '' `` Oh What a Circus '' `` Another Suitcase in Another Hall '' `` Do n't Cry for Me Argentina '' `` You Must Love Me '' Related television Any Dream Will Do Superstar When Joseph Met Maria Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals The Likes of Us Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Jesus Christ Superstar Evita Tell Me on a Sunday Cats Song and Dance Starlight Express Cricket The Phantom of the Opera Aspects of Love Sunset Boulevard By Jeeves aka Jeeves Whistle Down the Wind The Beautiful Game ( aka The Boys in the Photograph ) The Woman in White Love Never Dies The Wizard of Oz Stephen Ward School of Rock Songs `` Any Dream Will Do '' `` Close Every Door '' `` Everything 's Alright '' `` This Jesus Must Die '' `` I Do n't Know How to Love Him '' `` Superstar '' `` Oh What a Circus '' `` Another Suitcase in Another Hall '' `` Do n't Cry for Me Argentina '' `` You Must Love Me '' `` Take That Look Off Your Face '' `` Unexpected Song '' `` Memory '' `` Pie Jesu '' `` The Phantom of the Opera '' `` The Music of the Night '' `` All I Ask of You '' `` Anything But Lonely '' `` As If We Never Said Goodbye '' `` No Matter What '' `` ' Til I Hear You Sing '' Other compositions Variations Requiem Watership Down Film adaptations Jesus Christ Superstar Evita Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Phantom of the Opera Family William Lloyd Webber ( father ) Julian Lloyd Webber ( brother ) Imogen Lloyd Webber ( daughter ) Sarah Brightman ( second wife ) Madeleine Gurdon ( third wife ) Jiaxin Cheng ( sister - in - law ) Company Really Useful Group Tim Rice Theatre The Likes of Us ( 1965 / 2005 ) Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ( 1968 ) Jesus Christ Superstar ( 1971 ) Evita ( 1976 ) Blondel / Lute ! ( 1983 ) Chess ( 1984 ) Cricket ( 1986 ) Tycoon ( 1992 ) Beauty and the Beast ( 1994 ) Heathcliff ( 1995 ) The Lion King ( 1997 ) King David ( 1997 ) Aida ( 1998 ) Disney 's Aladdin : A Musical Spectacular ( 2003 ) Aladdin ( 2011 ) The Wizard of Oz ( 2011 ) From Here to Eternity ( 2013 ) Albums Jesus Christ Superstar ( 1970 ) 1984 ( 1981 ) Cost of Living ( 1983 ) Beauty and the Beast ( 2017 ) Films Jesus Christ Superstar ( 1973 ) Aladdin ( 1992 ) The Lion King ( 1994 ) Evita ( 1996 ) Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ( 1999 ) The Road to El Dorado ( 2000 ) The Nutcracker in 3D ( 2010 ) Jock the Hero Dog ( 2011 ) Beauty and the Beast ( 2017 ) Songs `` Any Dream Will Do '' `` Close Every Door '' `` Everything 's Alright '' `` This Jesus Must Die '' `` I Do n't Know How to Love Him '' `` Superstar '' `` Oh What a Circus '' `` Another Suitcase in Another Hall '' `` Do n't Cry for Me Argentina '' `` A Winter 's Tale '' `` All Time High '' `` The Golden Boy '' `` One Jump Ahead '' `` A Whole New World '' `` Prince Ali '' `` Circle of Life '' `` I Just Ca n't Wait to Be King '' `` Be Prepared '' `` Hakuna Matata '' `` Can You Feel the Love Tonight '' `` The Madness of King Scar '' `` You Must Love Me '' Other works The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles ( 1977 ) Friday Night, Saturday Morning ( 1979 ) Sixty - Six Books ( 2011 ) Related articles Andrew Lloyd Webber Elaine Paige Elton John Alan Menken Andrew Lloyd Webber musical revival search Series and contestants How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria ? ( 2006 ) Connie Fisher Helena Blackman Siobhan Dillon Aoife Mulholland Abi Finley Leanne Dobinson Simona Armstrong Any Dream Will Do ( 2007 ) Lee Mead Keith Jack Lewis Bradley Ben James - Ellis Daniel Boys Rob McVeigh I 'd Do Anything ( 2008 ) Jodie Prenger Jessie Buckley Samantha Barks Rachel Tucker Niamh Perry Sarah Lark Francesca Jackson Tara Bethan Over the Rainbow ( 2010 ) Danielle Hope Sophie Evans Lauren Samuels Stephanie Fearon Jessica Robinson Stephanie Davis Amy Diamond Superstar ( 2012 ) Ben Forster Special shows When Joseph Met Maria ( 2007 ) International versions United States Grease : You 're the One That I Want ! ( 2007 ) Canada How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria ? ( 2008 ) Over the Rainbow ( 2012 ) Belgium Op zoek naar Maria ( 2009 ) Netherlands Op zoek naar Evita ( 2007 ) Op zoek naar Joseph ( 2008 ) Op zoek naar Mary Poppins ( 2009 ) Op zoek naar Zorro ( 2011 ) Musicals The Sound of Music Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Oliver ! The Wizard of Oz Jesus Christ Superstar Grease Evita Mary Poppins Zorro GND : 300263813 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jesus_Christ_Superstar&oldid=801544148 '' Categories : Jesus Christ Superstar 1971 musicals Broadway musicals Compositions by Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals by Tim Rice Musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice Cultural depictions of Jesus West End musicals Rock musicals Rock operas Sung - through musicals Passion settings Judas Iscariot British musicals Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links CS1 Hungarian - language sources ( hu ) EngvarB from July 2016 Use dmy dates from July 2016 Articles needing additional references from February 2015 All articles needing additional references All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from December 2009 Articles with unsourced statements from September 2015 Articles with unsourced statements from February 2015 Articles with unsourced statements from November 2016 Articles with unsourced statements from May 2008 Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Беларуская ( тарашкевіца ) ‎ Български Català Čeština Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch Eesti Español Esperanto Français 한국어 Հայերեն Hrvatski Italiano עברית ქართული Lietuvių മലയാളം მარგალური Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Polski Português Română Русский Simple English Slovenčina Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Suomi Svenska ไทย Українська 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 20 September 2017, at 09 : 31. 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Question: who did the music for jesus christ superstar
Answer: Andrew Lloyd Webber