  jesus christ superstar is a 1970 rock opera, whose music was composed by andrew lloyd webber and whose book and lyrics were written by tim rice. the musical started as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on broadway in 1971. the musical is loosely based on the gospels's 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 highlights political and interpersonal struggles between judas of carioth and jesus, struggles that are not in the bible narratives. the resurrection is not included. it therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play. 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 feature many intentional anachronisms. == plot == ===act i=== after a foreboding instrumental opening number (the "overture"), the apostle judas iscariot expresses in a musical monologue his concern over jesus's rising popularity as a "king" and the negative repercussions that will have. he strongly criticizes jesus for accepting his followers's unrealistic views, and for not heeding his concerns ("heaven on their minds"). while judas still loves jesus, he belie
1971_musicals Broadway_musicals Compositions_by_Andrew_Lloyd_Webber Jesus_Christ_Superstar Jesus_in_popular_culture Musicals_based_on_the_Bible Musicals_based_on_the_Gospels Musicals_by_Tim_Rice Passion_settings Rock_musicals Rock_operas Sung-through_musicals West_End_musicals