Jesus Christ Superstar (1973/2000)

This wacky, but ultimately loveable musical is considered one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most controversial productions and understandably so. When JCSS first hit record stands in 1970 and then in less than 3 years became a full scale stage show, which led to a feature film in 1973, audiences really didn't know how to respond. For a time, in film and media, it was considered disrespectful to even show Jesus' face on film (Ben-Hur for example). How could you turn the life of the most honored and beloved of all historical figures into a musical and still maintain a sense of respect and decorum? 

In a nutshell, Jesus Christ Superstar tells a condensed version of Jesus' last week with his disciples, his arrest, trials and crucifixion all from the POV of Judas Iscariot. Judas is our storyteller and everything is viewed from his rather skewed interpretation that is clouded by anger, guilt and fear. A brilliant concept all around.

For the longest time I had no desire to see the show, but this year I've been on a musical high. There's a production of Jesus Christ Superstar coming to Norfolk next year and so I figured I would give it a try. There are several versions of the musical that have been released over the years. The 1973 location film and the 2000 filmed stage Broadway revival are considered the most popular. Both are very different in terms of style, storytelling and overall production. 

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Earthy//rocks//monochromatic//dirty clothes//grey//brown//red//hippies//ancient ruins//sunlight//youthful//energetic//deserts//tents//caves//sunsets//natural sounds//

• Filmed on location in Israel. A brilliant if not risky move, but they pulled it off. Seeing the story told where Jesus lived and walked brought authenticity and a feel of reality.

• While the life of Christ is thousands of years old, his story in general can cross generations and can be told in any setting. In the film there's a mix of historical and modern. This is the 70s and so everything is natural and monochromatic which fits well with location setting in Israel. Everyone (with the exception of Jesus) is dressed in the regular styles of the 1970s. 

• Naturally I was little nervous at how they would portray Jesus and his relationship with Mary Magdalene. In some regards they remained respectful, but there were times they could have toned down the obvious physical affection as well. Mary too often came off as a groupie desperate for the love of the only man who has ever been good to her. 

• If the actors look like they're sunburnt, they probably are. 

• Carl Anderson (Judas) was breathtaking. His vocals were incredible and you could see the internal struggle of betraying Jesus so much more personal.

• Ted Neely (Jesus) did the role of Christ total justice. It's difficult to find a balance between the human and the divine especially when you're preparing for the worst death imaginable. Ted Neely did an excellent job portraying Jesus as kind and compassionate, but also humanized him by unashamedly showing him as frustrated, scared and entirely alone. 

• All of the music was beautiful with just a buzz of the funky late 60s/early 70s sound that dates the musical in all its stoner energy glory. The number Simon Zealotes was such a fun and highly charged song. The dancing was energetic and youthful and I loved it! Hosanna is a catchy song and I Don't Know How to Love Him is a classic, filled with so much depth and emotion. I also loved the disciples song at the beginning and end of The Last Supper. Even though it's few lyrics, they give a strong message.

• Every story has its element of cringe and unfortunately for this one it's the Pharisees and King Herod. 

• The Pharisees run around with their robes undone, bare-chested with these ridiculous, oversized hats. You couldn't take their accusations of Jesus' and his supposed madness seriously when it's coming from the mouths of half naked men, proudly donning inflatable Burger King crowns.

• Herod and his court were just absolutely disgusting. This is probably accurate, but was done in a modern approach that can leave any viewer nauseous and grateful to get back to Pilate (who's the only functioning brain cell in the story). 

That smile! No wonder Ted Neely became such a legend!

Jesus Christ Superstar (2000)

Filmed Stage Broadway Revival

Inner city//dystopian//stage//vibrant colors//early millennia//blue//yellow//red//enclosed//futuristic//revolutionaries//media//graffiti//dictatorship//soft light//underground resistance// single set//

• This is done in filmed stage, one of my favorite film formats! You get the feel of a stage production, but the artistry of a screen film.

• The 1973 film took place in historic Israel and the colors reflect the culture of that time earthy and neutral. The 2000 film stage version has an inner city, dystopian plot and setting, and as it's the early millennia's (where everything was over the top), the culture is bright, bold and almost garish. My ten year self called more than once wanting to know where to get Mary's purse and remembering my sad attempts to get those wacky hairstyles right.

• If the boy bands of the 90s/2000s were the inspiration for the disciples than they were on point. The frosted hair, ugly sunglasses, obnoxious colored shirts and baggy pants. Yes, Simon Zealotes I will totally go into battle with you, if only to protect your marvelous hair. 

• One thing I picked up early on in the film stage was the serious amount of attitude and snark from Glenn Carter's Jesus. You could do a drinking game based on how many times this guy rolls his eyes or is clearly judging you in silence. I was totally there for all of it too! Jesus is surrounded by idiots who are going to betray him, deny him, beat and terrorize him, malign his character,  and ultimately kill him, so you can extend some grace for his annoyance when he's about to die for all of these people. 

• I enjoyed Renee Castle's interpretation of Mary Magdalene much more in this one, she was very raw and real, but definitely had more of a backbone when it came Judas' mistreatment of her. Her voice is amazing as well!

•  However, as with the 73' film, the production could have toned down Jesus and Mary's physical affection towards each other. Jesus seemed to be enjoying it too much at times. Yet, the story is being told from Judas' perspective and so Judas' hatred for Mary could be taking the relationship out of context; making it appear more inappropriate than what's actually there. Also, the director said that they had no intention of portraying Jesus and Mary as a love story, so I was happy about that. (All that being stated, Glenn Carter is hot...so I can understand Mary's struggle)

• The real MVP in this version was Pilate. He just struck a different chord here. In the 73' film Pilate was styled in the traditional look and bearing of a Roman nobleman. In this one they went the opposite direction of a dystopian inspired high ranking officer (someone you would find at the Capitol or Gilead). Fred Johanson really created a Pilate who was both severe and sympathetic. He's scared and angry and confused and genuinely wants to save Jesus, while also thinking about his career. He was a true film highlight. 

• The 39 lashes was artistically styled to be both physical and physiological. As the people who put Jesus to death are the ones that beat him and make him bleed.

• More time was spent on the Crucifixion and really impressed on the viewers the true importance of this story. This really showed such reverence and respect to the life and death and Christ.

• Thankfully Herod and the Pharisees had no cringe at all. The Pharisees were truly, severe, cold and menacing and their elegant suits brought a sense of absolute and corrupt power. They went a little less crazy with Herod and his court as well, however, you get the full force silent Jesus snark during Herod's number.

Could We Start Again, Please?

A scene from the Broadway production

I love that they did away with Jesus' traditional robes for the whole show
and he's introduced in cargo pants, sneakers and a tank top.

While it's definitely not The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Passion of the Christ or The Chosen, Jesus Christ Superstar has had some definitive staying power. Primarily for the great music, but also for Judas' internal struggle and layered mind as well as a more humanized version of Jesus. Also, you can do the story in a variety of ways, from historical to futuristic, because the story of Christ truly does transcend all cultures, generations and centuries. His story is more than who he was as man, but what he did for mankind. If that story can be told from any media format, even a rock opera, then by all means tell it.