I saw JCS for the first time yesterday in Boston for the anniversary tour. I was very confused the whole time. I couldn't understand what any of the actors were saying. And this is coming from someone who is very familiar with the story as I have my life in catholic school under my belt. I only understood what was going on a bit before the last supper and to the end but that was only because of the visuals. The actual voices were inaudible and I was confused the whole time.
Hot take
Simply put, it's a weird album, even for its time. It was the best-selling album of the year, and Billboard's #1 album; among other hit albums, it's fairly unique. The Contemporary Christian Music scene hadn't really taken off yet at that time. Progressive rock bands such as King Crimson, Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Genesis would release albums around this time that didn't reach gold until years later; Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, and Deep Purple would have releases with similar sales numbers, that didn't chart nearly as high.
Meanwhile, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' was considered a long-shot when it was recorded. Weber and Rice released the album because they were unsuccessful in producing it into a stage show. However, the album became a huge success, even before it earned the name-recognition of the popular show. All-in-all, it seems like a real underdog. Why did this particular album see more success than other stylistically similar albums, and how did it become a pop hit from out of the stylistic left-field?
ETA: I am going. I’m just curious on what members think :)
My (non-LDS) Grandpa got the entire family tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar for Christmas. Obviously, I'm not going to be incredibly rude and decline just because of the Church but I wondering what your thoughts on it as members were and/or the Church's stance. I know they were against it in 1970, but I'm curious if that just was they thought it was inappropriate to tell a sacred story using rock music or a more serious reason. Thanks!
My biggest critique of JCS is the weird pacing. I tried to make that better by changing and cutting some songs. I can explain why I put certain songs where they are if you want me to
- Overture
- Heaven On Their Minds
- What's The Buzz
- Then We Are Decided
- Everything's Alright
- Pilate's Dream
- This Jesus Must Die
- Simon Zealots
- The Temple
- Everything's Alright (reprise)
- I Don't Know How To Love Him
- Damned For All Time
- The Last Supper
- Gethsemane
- The Arrest
- Pilate And Christ
- Could We Start Again Please
- King Herod's Song (But Have Herod Attack And Bruise/Cut Jesus)
- Judas's Death
- Trial Before Pilate
- Superstar
I’m curious which muppet people would cast in which role.
For example, when Jesus is flogged, the Count as Pontius Pilate would count off the lashes with the right deranged relish.
Per BIB IG. What gives? Never seen this before and I’m a subscriber. Any chance Sunday’s shows go on? Are they covering about COVID?
And a Q to the mods, can we get a Touring flair?
Jesus Christ Superstar - Broadway in Boston - January 4-16
https://boston.broadway.com/shows/jesus-christ-superstar/
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), 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.
(As of 1/4, it looks like it's still opening on schedule; plus I have tickets for Friday and haven't heard otherwise.)
