It was more on the Broadway side rather than "we're catering to everybody." Having Broadway actors, in a Broadway theatre, with A SINGLE Broadway set, that's why it was super successful. They asked Broadway people to put on the show.
whimseywoman they're always gonna cast a celebrity in the lead for the non-broadway people. There are those of us that watch because we love musical theatre and there are those that will watch because they love Carrie Underwood (just an example, I love her too). They're a company, they gotta make money. Casting directors have been putting celebrities in shows for a check for a while now! Can't win them all.
It doesn’t really matter how good John legends can act. It’s a musical so all that matters is that he could sing. I mean just look how awful the movie was. That was some of the worst singing I’ve ever heard my life. Maybe they learned that they couldn’t put out something like that again. John legend wasn’t as good as Ian Gillan but he was still good.
SD5 yes singing is important in a musical, but people are there to see a story told with music. So the acting cannot be subpar but with those live shows it usually is. I actually disagree, I think the film showcased some great singing with Carl and Ted, the secondary characters could've used some work but can't win them all. As far as John Legend, he was the star quality they needed for ratings but he couldn't act and his singing was mostly good but he does not have a rock voice for the show, neither does he have the notes required for a lot of the music. His name was used to put eyes on the screen.
"i just have, like, a lot of feelings and i'm very passionate about it and i think i breathed, like, twice ever during the whole thing" i have never related to the first 11 seconds of a video more
The cast was amazing, I really liked the set production, I loved the costumes. The only problem I’ve ever had with JCS is that you need to know the Bible to understand it and I’m not religious so I don’t understand what’s going on half the time, but it’s still got bops!
Girl I’m a devout Christian and I didn’t know what was happening because if it did not say each characters’ name very clearly and loudly, there were no clues as to who was who 😅
Jade Thirlwall is my WIFE! It's funny you say that because I disagree. I felt the oppsite. My niece who is 8 doesn't know the Boble that well and she told me exactly what was going on. How interesting how we all intrupit things. :)
I feel like they marketed the show as a concert rather than a musical for the mass appeal. If it was stated as “JCS: The Musical” people who aren’t avid musical theatre fans probably wouldn’t have tuned in due to whatever negative connotations they have attached to musical theatre and Broadway. It’s more common for the everyday person to have been to a concert than a musical.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who I've heard helped with the 2018 production, said in an interview years ago that he felt JCS would work better as a rock concert rather than a musical. That's probably why it was made to be like one, because that was the intention.
John Legend can not only write love songs for his wife with lyrics like "all of me/loves all of you", but can write lyrics like "what's the macaroni without the cheese/or peas in a pod without the peas?" for Spongebob Squarepants. I just had a bit of an issue with the live audience screaming their heads off every time anyone did anything, which made it harder to hear certain lines. And yeah, the "concert" thing made me think it was gonna be like the Les Miz anniversary concerts (no choreography, singing at stationary mics) but it totally wasn't.
While I thought it was cool that John Legend was interacting with them--shaking hands, acting very much like Jesus--the moderators needed better crowd control; as a hearing-impaired person hearing this score in its entirety for the first time, it was very frustrating.
As someone who was in the standing crowd, I totally get this. But I will say, a lot of our reacting was to things that weren't seen on camera. Like the ensemble was doing INSANE amazing things that didn't get captured on camera but stirred reactions from the crowd.
And, as an addendum to that, they REALLY encouraged the concert vibe of it, so the audience was vocally reacting to individual notes and stuff in a way you wouldn't necessarily in a theater. I couldn't hear some stuff in the space which I was hoping would be mixed better on camera but watching it back I see those same sound issues, and I think they didn't necessary account for it properly? If that makes sense?
Interestingly, I wasn't bothered by the loud audience response. The audience became another character in the show which seemed to be a directorial choice and for me it worked very well. In general, I was impressed with the staging and performances although I am not a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber or JCS. OK, go ahead and hurl fruit!
The one who stole the show for me was Simon! He had so much energy and he seemed to connect well with every member he had little moments with. I definitely think having the one set was a great choice, not only because it was a dope set but it forces them to take more creative liberty with lights and costumes to indicate the changes in setting. It was SO good, I haven't stopped listening to it!!
When I met Norm Lewis in 2014 his assistant came out first and put us all in line and said “I don’t care how long the line is, he’ll meet all of you, he’s the nicest guy ever.” I never forget how his assistant described him, and as soon as I met him he just radiated this positive energy. I later discovered he DID meet the dozens of us standing outside the theatre that night and went above and beyond with each of us. He’s an amazing person!
On the modernization note, I think most shows do a sort of modern take nowadays. I'm currently in a production of JCS (which made it 10x's better to watch on tv) and I'm almost positive it's a mix of like modern and biblical (Then again I don't know cause everything hasn't been finished yet is but I'm pretty sure ours is) ALSO, ours is an all female cast so that should be exciting .
Wesley Adams If you rewatch the 1973 movie version, you'll realise that this is common to how King Herod is portrayed. Its supposed to be more of a "oh look at me moment" for Herod no matter who plays the part.
Idk I LOVED Alice Cooper, and I was breathless when he came out and sang. Also that’s one of my favorite songs from JCS, I do agreee that John Legend didn’t belt enough for like a live musical? He was kinda the only person who really put me off from the musical. Also you know they did well when people star rooting for Judas?
Jon Legend was not the right choice for this score. His style made it difficult to understand him. Sara Bareilles couldn't have been better. She conveyed such emotion with her angelic voice it actually made me bawl my eyes out! Brandon Victor Dixon knocked it out of the park with his powerhouse performance. What skill! Thanks for the video!!
I love these types of videos!! These reviews are really insightful and can really help with us show analysis skills overall. Thanks, Kath!! ❣️❣️Keep it up!!
When I was in the show in high school, we had the disciples dressed like hippies a la the movie. But my favorite interpretation has to be the UK arena tour with Jesus and his followers as Occupy Wall Street-type anticapitalists and the priests as Jordan Belford-esque businessmen.
Kelseigh Ingram I love the 2012 Arena Tour!!!! That verision and JCS Live have been the only productions have been the only ones to make me emotional. I saw a community theatre production years ago that didn't have that affect on me.
That was absolute genius. I wish they could've brought that concept over to the US, but I don't think that would've been very warmly received over here, unfortunately.
I had never heard of Jesus Christ Superstar and just decided to turn it on because I wanted to support love musicals. I. LOVED. IT!! The energy, the new way to tell the story, and John Legends vocals were amazing! I loved the one stage concept. The only issue I had was with the crowd acting more like they were at a rock concert than a show (making some lines difficult to hear) but it was still amazing!
I think the "people questioning Christ as The Media" is how it was written. Think about the 70s and TV coverage, think about the title...it's a decision that makes sense.
I loved Sara's interpretation of Mary Magdalene, where she portrayed her more as compassionate and lost, whereas sometimes other productions portray her as seductive and edgy. She really nailed it and probably nailed how the actual person, Mary Magdalene was, after all the musical is based on real events.
totally agree with all of your points. it was the best live musical so far, IMO. I think the fact that it is a sing-through musical helped very much. a lot of the other musicals are broken-up with spoken dialogue which causes some pacing issues and sometimes boring transitions. when the show is rocking and singing all the way through, much better pacing is achieved. I thought it was fantastic
When I was in California a couple years ago, I saw JCS at the Welk Theater (such an amazing company with so many talented kids wow) they did it COMPLETELY biblical, and I saw it four months later in Springfield, Missouri at Lander’s Theater where they were fully modern with the temple being a club scene and Caiaphas and the gang being a group of businessmen who find Jesus on social media. It was so strange to see these two completely different interpretations so close together and love both of them.
I ADORED Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene!! she makes it seem like this role was written specifically for her. it felt like I was seeing a Sara Bareilles concert, you know? it was so in her style and so suiting to her voice!! however I really don’t like John Legend in the first place, his music and his voice just aren’t my favorite. I was very very skeptical about him just because I know he sounds wayyy better as a baritone/bass singer. and his performance of Gethsemane was super disappointing to me. I did enjoy some of his other performances, like What’s the Buzz and his other duets. but I think the selling point for a “good” Jesus is Gethsemane, it’s his signature song in the show, you know? Brandon Victor Dixon was fantastic!! I’m so glad they brought in Broadway talent for judas because he is so complex and so challenging, vocally, emotionally, and physically. I was ultra impressed with him! the performance of Judas’ Death was so heart wrenching and passionate, I was so engaged in it and I loved what they did with it. Overall, I totally agree, it was one of the better live shows. and yes!!! I loved the set and I choreography and costumes, everything that makes a great musical was included in this one and I really enjoyed watching it and feeling so nostalgic, like I grew up on this show and it’s my family’s favorite and I think they really did a great job with it!
Hi Katherine! Today was opening night for my schools production of Beauty and The Beast. I started to doubt acting before the auditions, and I even threw away my original audition paper. Then I started to watch you and your videos. Oh how I've changed. Now my director says im the energy of the villagers. Thank you so so sososososososossoosossoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! You're honestly the reason for everything.
JCS has been my FAVORITE show since the late 80’s. I sing the songs in the shower... so I started crying during the first camera pan and stopped at the end. It was amazing! Also, I needed a hug after Judas’s death. Man, that was well done!!
Where do we sign to have you do a "What I thought" of everything you see? Because you do your video reviews so well, you make me wanna see everything again just with your observations in mind this time.
I still have to see it Katherine! I've just been so busy and worried about things coming up like my teeth are being removed this Saturday. I'll still watch it!!! I'M SO EXCITED! ☺🙁
Great video, as usual! Couple of thoughts; first, I think even if most people don't know the whole show of Jesus Christ Superstar, I'd venture to say that the title song and "I Don't Know How To Love Him" have kinda become popular enough standards that most people are familiar with them. I think they presented it as an IN CONCERT event not only for what you mentioned about the minimal set but because JS Superstar is more rock opera than the other live musicals have been. I really hope they keep this setup for future live musicals; imagine a live version of Hair like this!!!
Jonah Platt!!!! I got the pleasure to meet him during his run as Fiyero! I got a full backstage tour because my mom knew someone that knew a guy in the band for the show! I touched the spellbook and several costumes and wigs. It was the coolest thing ever! I got to hug Jonah and his MOM is actually from where I live and went to the school one of my best friends goes to! It was the best experience ever!
YES! JCS is my favorite live musical that I've seen. The casting and set were so great! I couldn't explain why I loved it so much but you put it into words, thank you!
I played Jesus in 1975. I still remember every word & every note to every part. I probably annoyed neighbors, because I cranked my sound system up to 50 so I could hear the music over my voice. [One thing people may not know: You CAN hit the high notes, IF YOU HIT THEM HARD ENOUGH. Full volume = full range.] The show was one of the most powerful television experiences I've ever had - and definitely the most powerful POSITIVE one. Have you ever smiled, cried & sung at the same time? THAT is catharsis! I hope this becomes an annual event, because I quit watching "The Wizard of Oz" so long ago - I can't even remember. And "It's a Wonderful life" is great too, but you can get burned out after a decade or so. But Jesus Christ Superstar is something I've listened to nearly every Easter, by myself, in my home. I think it would be great if that could be shared that with the entire country. [I'd also like a chance to ask John Legend if HIS hands turned blue when HE was crucified. [Shout out to Alice Cooper - saw him in concert in 73. He's still a great showman.]
I was licked by the spirit. Mesmerized and stupefied it was fantastical...the crucifixion cross fading backwards in the mist...Gethsemane and high notes a gargantuan scope to sing. I'm a pro organist and done this show many times but o my days Legend...Dixon as Iscariot...Mary...Herod...Pilate orchestration...Oh Lord I can't cope...Superstar....choreography...I'm foaming at the mouth with satisfaction from the spectacle that was and is and shall be to come JESUS CHRIST...my SUPERSTAR
JC Superstar GAVE ME LIFEEE!! Seeing Sara as Mary Magdalene was so amazing and literally the whole cast was just perfect. Seeing the whole musical on tv with the one set setup made me feel like I was there watching it live and I really hope they continue with the whole one set thing in the future.
Brandon. Victor. Dixon. I never heard of him before this but I am in love. He was the one of three leads, in my opinion, to really embody the role. His admiration, anger, sorrow, frustration, everything choice he made was so palatable, and because he's used to performing 8 shows per week, he had the lungs to sustain his role throughout, and his (SPOILER) death was chilling. The other two leads didn't do a whole lot for me (I like John Legend and Sara Bareilles as musicians, but I thought they were miscast), but Dixon was fantastic.
I've seen a few different versions and I was a bit disappointed... John legend could not support the part of Jesus. He's clearly not a rock singer, but he only changed the parts that were uncomfortable to him (aka the super high notes) and they sounded really "off" compared to the rest of his singing, which he sang with more power at most parts. (Gesthemane's high notes were especially cringy...) if they wanted to have a different approach they should have changed it completely, because the score does require a specific style of singing, rock singing. And although Norm Lewis ROCKS, i felt he struggled a little to get those super low notes. I liked the production a lot and the chorus, but it could have been so much better. And yes, since 2000 the productions have been transferred to the modern age.
Yes, I agree with you. He didn’t sing the high parts, to admit I was a little annoyed at that. I watched it love one day, and thought it was no good. He missed it out completely! Yes, it was different and unique. Totally respect that. But yeah, I agree. John isn’t a rock singer. He couldn’t even act. My opinion.
I agree, that part is better suited for someone with a different range. It’s also important to know why you’re performing a particular part. Ted Neely set a high bar.
i loved JC Superstar so much! the casting really shocked me (because of how spot-on it was)! i totally agree with your thoughts on john as jesus! also the sets, costumes, the orchestra being incorporated into the show, everything just gave me such a great comet vibe? i might be alone on that but ya’know! happy theatre thursday!!
I loved JC Superstar LIVE! I thought all of the symbolism was absolutely brilliant! Also I think that John Legend was brilliant as Jesus! I just loved it in total!
I had the honor of seeing it in person at the dress rehearsal because my best friends father was the set designer and it was insane. I don't think there was a moment I wasn't crying! It was astonished! The set designer is our close family friend and my mom has known him since he was like 17! Its been months but I still cannot believe I was there. I ALSO SAW ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER WITH MY OWN TWO EYES??? And Ben Platt and of course everyone in the cast, but it was insanely amazing.
I watched the show on UA-cam yesterday (before it was taken down) because I couldn't watch it on TV since I live in Germany. I really really really loved it, especially Sara and the calm and mature side she brought to her character
I think JC Superstar is officially tied with Grease Live for my favorite live movie musical. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved looking for all my favorite broadway stars in the show!
Your review nailed it - absolutely right on target! Definitely an A+ production in my book. (I'm subscribing to your channel too, even though you don't seem to need many more subscribers. Keep up the good work)!
The live broadcast was by first experience of Jesus Christ Superstar ever, songs and all, and I'm really glad it was! I thought it was so exciting, def my favorite of all the live musicals to date. Makes me excited to check out all of the prior recordings. Nothing like the thrill of a new musical to geek over 🙃
also, side-note! what's your next makeup tutorial going to be?? i'm lowkey bummed we haven't seen one lately since Glinda (or Christine if you count the Ali Ewoldt tutorial)
Jesus Christ Superstar was an absolutely exceptional event, hands down the best one NBC has done, and I think they've really started to get the formula down. They insisted on calling it a "concert" event, rather than a musical, which I believe is the aspect of it most people really enjoyed. It was more intimate in the relationship with the audience, both in-studio and watching on television, the set was bare bones, the costumes were bare bones, everything was stripped down except the music, which really was made the priority (which I think is because that's kind of how most productions interpret it, as you were saying). I've seen one professional production go full biblical, and I had a colleague back when I worked in live theatre who did two tours as Judas in a stripped down modernized version, as we're seeing here, even utilizing the industrial style set like NBC. It felt like a real show, which was incredible, and artistically the best choice they could have made for this production. Even down to Jesus' mic not coming in straight away, those little things made me feel more connected to the piece as a whole. I will say that my only problem was with Mary, maybe it's because I filled in for a few shows in that aforementioned touring production so I feel personally connected to the role having donned it myself, but I do not like the stylistic choices she made vocally to her songs. Her stylizing really took away from Mary's numbers for me, though I do agree her acting choices were wonderful. All in all I hope NBC chooses to follow this layout for shows to come, especially if they continue to venture into more contemporary sounding or gritty shows (which I think may very well happen pending the reception of their new drama RISE), because as an art form I do believe modern Broadway is being supported by choices and shows just like this. They're darker, modernized, the music is changing in composition, and in order to keep the "live musical event" alive they will need to adapt to the same thing.
I really, really enjoyed watching it and thought it was fantastic! I'm surprised you didn't say anything about the amazing effect at the very end with the cross ascending into the air because I was obsessed with that! Also obsessed with Sarah Bariellies. Who I think can act better than any famous singer in a musical I've ever seen. Also, sidenote, in the only production I've ever seen live, Judas was played by a woman and she was badass so don't count yourself out!
I think you're absolutely right. All the other musicals were like movie musicals live movie musicals, this one felt more like a theater production. This one was by far my favorite as well. And that's the way you have to do it if you want to introduce people to live Theatre!!
Hi Katherine ❤️❤️❤️ I haven't watched it yet I don't think you can get it in England yet 😭 but I did literally just get home from one of Eva noblezadas concerts here in the UK and I'm still crying because I got to meet her. lysm ❤️
I loved it! There were a few things that needed a bit of help, specifically casting choices but definitely best NBC live musical yet by far! I was pleasantly surprised by Sara Bareilles, Brandon Victor Dixon was perfection, Norm Lewis was flawless as always and Jason Tam was a HUGE standout for me! He was everything I picture as Peter and I wish I could've seen more of him
I loved everything about JCS live! I think the reasoning behind the "live in concert" marketing, was because several parts of, if not the entire show, really does in a way mimic the feel of a rock concert. Also, I was waiting for you to reference or mention The Wiz Live! Up until now, it was (at least in my opinion) the best live musical NBC had done! The casting was amazing and the ratings and reviews were through the roof!
I have still not watched Jesus Christ Superstar (please don’t kill me I will watch it as soon as I can) but I did watch Sara Berellies sing “I don’t know how to love him”. It was outstanding, there isn’t a word to describe how amazing Of was. I love Sara Berellies and Waitress (side note: I am singing “She used to be mine” at our schools Spring Concert) she has so much passion and emotion in all of her songs. I just thought she was the perfect Mary 💕
Not kidding: This was the best TV entertainment that I have ever seen. When I was a post-kid, I wore out the double L.P. when Ian Gillan sang Jesus, so I had my standards. I was SHOCKED at how good this was! Thank you for your video here. This moved me to tears.
It’s been 5 years since I was a part of a school production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and we based it around the 70’s, mostly because of the movie. As for my thoughts on the concert, I thoroughly enjoyed it. What really got me was the emotions conveyed in each performance. I thought Sara was perfect for the role of Mary Magdalene! All in all a wonderful experience
So I absolutely loved this when I saw it on NBC! One thing I will say is: If you are able to see it in person, do it. As amazing at is was to see on TV, my breath was taken away when I had the opportunity to see it live in person. Truly, I was stunned by how amazing it was!
Totally agree with you - this was by far my favorite live musical event. I hope they realize having live audiences is really important. They lend a certain energy to the performance that so many of the live broadcasts have lacked. ALSO the crucifixion scene was done BEAUTIFULLY. As for other productions of JCS, I've only ever seen them done as either modern or kind of modern/biblical fusion (kind of like the movie where they were in a desert but the clothing was often really anachronistic).
I actually really liked it! I've seen it on stage with Ted Neeley so I'm biased and won't watch any other production. I wasn't sure if John could hit those high notes and he didn't, but I still smiled and clapped at the end for everyone involved.
My viewing was all over the place, because you had me, who loves musicals and is a Christian, my dad, who is neither(he was really only there to see Alice Cooper), my auntie who is a musical fan but not a Christian, and my bf, who doesn’t like theatre but is a Christian. It was an interesting time 😂 I have memories of this show from my auntie playing the movie soundtrack a bunch as a kid, but now that I’m a Christian it added another layer of understanding and appreciation for the show and what it aims to do. If watching this event makes people make a next step towards God, then I say it was a success ❤️ Show wise, I loved the cast!! They were amazing! Perfectly cast across the board. I think the live audience worked well with it being marketed as “in concert” because what’s a concert without an audience? Also the parts where John Legend went and touched/high fives the audience added to the hype that had been surrounding Jesus at that point where people we frantic for Him to so much as touch them. The one set was great. As were the costumes. It was along the lines of Hamilton in that you don’t necessarily need all kinds of elaborate sets or costumes to tell a great story- especially THIS story. It was amazing!
We did Jesus Christ Superstar 2 weeks before the show and it felt as if we were cursed because all odds were against us lol. But since we had a different director we set it in biblical times, but I felt as though we were in modern day Israel because we weren’t dressed like you would see a lot of the people in paintings of biblical times. The only people in our performance who I saw looked like they belonged in that period were Jesus, Herod, and the apostles. We managed to pull through and not put on the best performance, but one where people had fun and enjoyed watching. I have a lot of different opinions on NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, but all I’m saying is that the vocals were good but a lot of them were lacking in the acting aspect of it, like John Legend didn’t put any emotion when singing Gethsemane which was a let down.
The thing about this live one is it was so different than the rest of the live musicals we’ve seen broadcasted. My friend (who is thinking about joining the drama program at our school) extremely enjoyed it and wasn’t a huge fan of the musical but loved the live adaption. Loved it myself casting was beautiful.❤️❤️❤️LOVED SARA AS MARY
I was just wondering what you thought of this. I am about 30 minutes into it so far, but I am loving it. I definitely agree that using a single set makes a big difference over previous live events.
I loved this production! I was fortunate to play Jesus in a high school production of this 35 years ago and really appreciated how John Legend made the role of Jesus his own, rather than trying to emulate Ted Neely's (also amazing) rendition from the film. There are so many things I'd like to add... but to your comments about the "one set" production I heartily agree. All those years ago we took a similar approach (using clever lighting and even using the cast as rocks and boulders) so in a live context this is very effective. It does make me wonder if "sing through" shows are a better option for live television than traditional musicals...if that is the case what would you like to see as the next live event?
Love your review, but I thought John Legend was pretty weak. He had a beautiful voice, but I thought his acting was very lacking. My grandparents (who have loved JSC since it came out) thought the same. His under acting, seemed no acting to me. His voice was beautiful though, but I thought they should have gone with a Broadway actor (AKA Chris Jackson)! Love you Kath
It was more on the Broadway side rather than "we're catering to everybody." Having Broadway actors, in a Broadway theatre, with A SINGLE Broadway set, that's why it was super successful. They asked Broadway people to put on the show.
Enjoli Desiree
...but they cast John Legend in the lead. He was unqualified. He cannot act.
whimseywoman they're always gonna cast a celebrity in the lead for the non-broadway people. There are those of us that watch because we love musical theatre and there are those that will watch because they love Carrie Underwood (just an example, I love her too). They're a company, they gotta make money. Casting directors have been putting celebrities in shows for a check for a while now! Can't win them all.
It doesn’t really matter how good John legends can act. It’s a musical so all that matters is that he could sing. I mean just look how awful the movie was. That was some of the worst singing I’ve ever heard my life. Maybe they learned that they couldn’t put out something like that again. John legend wasn’t as good as Ian Gillan but he was still good.
SD5 yes singing is important in a musical, but people are there to see a story told with music. So the acting cannot be subpar but with those live shows it usually is. I actually disagree, I think the film showcased some great singing with Carl and Ted, the secondary characters could've used some work but can't win them all. As far as John Legend, he was the star quality they needed for ratings but he couldn't act and his singing was mostly good but he does not have a rock voice for the show, neither does he have the notes required for a lot of the music. His name was used to put eyes on the screen.
More people were there for Alice Cooper then John legend.
I feel like this is Kats daily mindset: “ I should listen to more pop” *proceeds to put in earbuds and listen to Phantom*
Me too!
"I think I breathed like twice, ever, during the whole thing"
Me doing my monologue at auditions tbh
OKAY TOO RELATABLE
So true 😂
I hope for a Rent Live they use one set like JCS. It just transitions way smoother
I think they will!
Marc Platt - producing both....thinking (hoping) they will do that again
Tianna Chorney I’m from the future, sorry not the case buddy
SARA BAREILLES WAS PERFECTION
"i just have, like, a lot of feelings and i'm very passionate about it and i think i breathed, like, twice ever during the whole thing"
i have never related to the first 11 seconds of a video more
“brandon victor dixon is my king” ok same
👑👏
The cast was amazing, I really liked the set production, I loved the costumes. The only problem I’ve ever had with JCS is that you need to know the Bible to understand it and I’m not religious so I don’t understand what’s going on half the time, but it’s still got bops!
Very fair--- I was raised super Catholic & I still didn't know what was going on until I did the show a few years ago haha
Jade Thirlwall is my WIFE! SO TRUE! I'm jewish and I tried to watch the show but I just could get what was going on
Girl I’m a devout Christian and I didn’t know what was happening because if it did not say each characters’ name very clearly and loudly, there were no clues as to who was who 😅
Jade Thirlwall is my WIFE! It's funny you say that because I disagree. I felt the oppsite. My niece who is 8 doesn't know the Boble that well and she told me exactly what was going on. How interesting how we all intrupit things. :)
J. J. I same but i still had to google the songs so i could understand what was happening 🤣
I call it Jenna Hunterson Phantom And Aaron Burr met John Legend
ahah
Grayce Pittman Also HamilJin (Annas in this JCS was an A. Ham standby in Chicago)
Brandon Victor Dixon (Judas) played Aaron Burr on Broadway!
“During the entire show I was playing a really fun game called Where’s Jonah Platt?” honestly weren’t we all?👀
Becca_xx I actually did a game of “Spot Christine Dwyer!”
I feel like they marketed the show as a concert rather than a musical for the mass appeal. If it was stated as “JCS: The Musical” people who aren’t avid musical theatre fans probably wouldn’t have tuned in due to whatever negative connotations they have attached to musical theatre and Broadway. It’s more common for the everyday person to have been to a concert than a musical.
Interesting!!
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who I've heard helped with the 2018 production, said in an interview years ago that he felt JCS would work better as a rock concert rather than a musical. That's probably why it was made to be like one, because that was the intention.
Last time I was this early, Judas was still alive...
OKAY OUCH
Katherine Steele SORRY KAT, IT HAD TO BE DONE
John Legend can not only write love songs for his wife with lyrics like "all of me/loves all of you", but can write lyrics like "what's the macaroni without the cheese/or peas in a pod without the peas?" for Spongebob Squarepants. I just had a bit of an issue with the live audience screaming their heads off every time anyone did anything, which made it harder to hear certain lines. And yeah, the "concert" thing made me think it was gonna be like the Les Miz anniversary concerts (no choreography, singing at stationary mics) but it totally wasn't.
Yeah, the audience during Heaven on their Minds was esp. loud!!
While I thought it was cool that John Legend was interacting with them--shaking hands, acting very much like Jesus--the moderators needed better crowd control; as a hearing-impaired person hearing this score in its entirety for the first time, it was very frustrating.
As someone who was in the standing crowd, I totally get this. But I will say, a lot of our reacting was to things that weren't seen on camera. Like the ensemble was doing INSANE amazing things that didn't get captured on camera but stirred reactions from the crowd.
And, as an addendum to that, they REALLY encouraged the concert vibe of it, so the audience was vocally reacting to individual notes and stuff in a way you wouldn't necessarily in a theater. I couldn't hear some stuff in the space which I was hoping would be mixed better on camera but watching it back I see those same sound issues, and I think they didn't necessary account for it properly? If that makes sense?
Interestingly, I wasn't bothered by the loud audience response. The audience became another character in the show which seemed to be a directorial choice and for me it worked very well. In general, I was impressed with the staging and performances although I am not a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber or JCS. OK, go ahead and hurl fruit!
"The whole entire time I was playing a game called where Jonah Platt?" Same! Bare fans unite
aaaaaaaaand I'm crying thinking about jason & peter now
Katherine Steele I just relistened to the entire soundtrack and almost started crying in class!
I’m in tears thinking about it too!!
I did a workshop with Jonah because I shared a professor with him, and UGH he's just the best guy ever.
I DIDN'T REALISE HE WAS IN IT WHAT?!
The one who stole the show for me was Simon! He had so much energy and he seemed to connect well with every member he had little moments with. I definitely think having the one set was a great choice, not only because it was a dope set but it forces them to take more creative liberty with lights and costumes to indicate the changes in setting. It was SO good, I haven't stopped listening to it!!
He's the singer in a band called H.E.A.T listened to a few songs and he's sitll jsut as good.
You know when you hear the opening of heaven on their minds n you just wanna lose your sh*t cos same
such a good bass line
When I met Norm Lewis in 2014 his assistant came out first and put us all in line and said “I don’t care how long the line is, he’ll meet all of you, he’s the nicest guy ever.” I never forget how his assistant described him, and as soon as I met him he just radiated this positive energy. I later discovered he DID meet the dozens of us standing outside the theatre that night and went above and beyond with each of us. He’s an amazing person!
Awwwww! If his assistant is saying that about him, it’s probably true.
My favorite way people do JCS is in the 70s era the movie had it in folk/hippie/early hard rock. era
That's literally the only way to do this as it is factually a Rock Opera.
Totally agreed.
Not one reproduction of jcs can compete to the 1970 album or the 73 movie
Did anyone else find it hard to hear the first song over the crowd and instruments? That was my one complaint about the show :)
Totally!! When John went up to the audience during Heaven on their Minds--I could barely hear :/
Yes! The music was too loud!
Emma Kohlenberg AGREEEE
This is my favorite live show so far. And can we just take a moment to talk about Jin Ha? Him and norm Lewis just blew me away
YAS 😭👏♥️
YES he was absolutely incredible!!! Him and Norm Lewis were perfect
Emma Davis thank you!
Playing the “where’s Jonah Platt?” Game was popular in my house too! BTW he responded to my comment on IG about being in RENT live I was shook
On the modernization note, I think most shows do a sort of modern take nowadays. I'm currently in a production of JCS (which made it 10x's better to watch on tv) and I'm almost positive it's a mix of like modern and biblical (Then again I don't know cause everything hasn't been finished yet is but I'm pretty sure ours is) ALSO, ours is an all female cast so that should be exciting .
That's epic
Katherine Steele I’m so excited for it and tech week is in two weeks!
Gosh I love your videos it’s just a culmination of all my musical theatre geekiness and I really appreciate it
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I mean norm Lewis was in it so I thought it was good 👌❤️
He's the best
Katherine Steele at first I didn’t think it was him. It took me a moment to process it 😂
I still can’t believe that your dream cast had Sara as Mary, and that’s what ended up happening!
Ah yes Jonah Platt is my bae!! Loved him as Fiyero we can crush on him together Katherine!! I was waiting for his entrance and it was amazing!
I liked it but wish John Legend would have belted a little bit more. Also Alice Cooper didn’t sing. He talked his song😕
Wesley Adams If you rewatch the 1973 movie version, you'll realise that this is common to how King Herod is portrayed. Its supposed to be more of a "oh look at me moment" for Herod no matter who plays the part.
Idk I LOVED Alice Cooper, and I was breathless when he came out and sang. Also that’s one of my favorite songs from JCS, I do agreee that John Legend didn’t belt enough for like a live musical? He was kinda the only person who really put me off from the musical. Also you know they did well when people star rooting for Judas?
lilly ford I was obsessed with Judas!!!
Don't think Legend can belt, like really belt.
I actually really liked it! I really love Sara as Mary and thought that she was PERFECT!
ALSO JASON TAM!!! LOVE HIM SO MUCH! I wish Peter so I could hear him more!!!
Jon Legend was not the right choice for this score. His style made it difficult to understand him. Sara Bareilles couldn't have been better. She conveyed such emotion with her angelic voice it actually made me bawl my eyes out! Brandon Victor Dixon knocked it out of the park with his powerhouse performance. What skill! Thanks for the video!!
I love these types of videos!! These reviews are really insightful and can really help with us show analysis skills overall. Thanks, Kath!! ❣️❣️Keep it up!!
When I was in the show in high school, we had the disciples dressed like hippies a la the movie. But my favorite interpretation has to be the UK arena tour with Jesus and his followers as Occupy Wall Street-type anticapitalists and the priests as Jordan Belford-esque businessmen.
Kelseigh Ingram I love the 2012 Arena Tour!!!! That verision and JCS Live have been the only productions have been the only ones to make me emotional. I saw a community theatre production years ago that didn't have that affect on me.
That was absolute genius. I wish they could've brought that concept over to the US, but I don't think that would've been very warmly received over here, unfortunately.
I would just like to say I love the new changes in the video! (Like the intro and stuff!)💟
Thank you!! 💘🌟
New to the theatre Thursday fam and LOVING IT! You make great and helpful videos! Also, I was definitely playing where is Jonah Platt THE WHOLE TIME!
Yay!! Welcome to the #TheatreThursdayFam 🎉💕🎭
You will love this family
I almost forgot it was Thursday and this made me SO HAPPY
I had never heard of Jesus Christ Superstar and just decided to turn it on because I wanted to support love musicals. I. LOVED. IT!! The energy, the new way to tell the story, and John Legends vocals were amazing! I loved the one stage concept. The only issue I had was with the crowd acting more like they were at a rock concert than a show (making some lines difficult to hear) but it was still amazing!
I think the "people questioning Christ as The Media" is how it was written. Think about the 70s and TV coverage, think about the title...it's a decision that makes sense.
I loved Sara's interpretation of Mary Magdalene, where she portrayed her more as compassionate and lost, whereas sometimes other productions portray her as seductive and edgy. She really nailed it and probably nailed how the actual person, Mary Magdalene was, after all the musical is based on real events.
totally forgot it was Thursday and was very pleased to see this in my subscription box !!
💖💖
I was literally watching it on the nbc website when I got the notification for the video
😂😂
Yeah I might of forgot about it on April 1st
now i’m wondering what they are gonna do with bye bye birdie and RENT live...
totally agree with all of your points. it was the best live musical so far, IMO. I think the fact that it is a sing-through musical helped very much. a lot of the other musicals are broken-up with spoken dialogue which causes some pacing issues and sometimes boring transitions. when the show is rocking and singing all the way through, much better pacing is achieved. I thought it was fantastic
When I was in California a couple years ago, I saw JCS at the Welk Theater (such an amazing company with so many talented kids wow) they did it COMPLETELY biblical, and I saw it four months later in Springfield, Missouri at Lander’s Theater where they were fully modern with the temple being a club scene and Caiaphas and the gang being a group of businessmen who find Jesus on social media. It was so strange to see these two completely different interpretations so close together and love both of them.
I ADORED Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene!! she makes it seem like this role was written specifically for her. it felt like I was seeing a Sara Bareilles concert, you know? it was so in her style and so suiting to her voice!!
however I really don’t like John Legend in the first place, his music and his voice just aren’t my favorite. I was very very skeptical about him just because I know he sounds wayyy better as a baritone/bass singer. and his performance of Gethsemane was super disappointing to me. I did enjoy some of his other performances, like What’s the Buzz and his other duets. but I think the selling point for a “good” Jesus is Gethsemane, it’s his signature song in the show, you know?
Brandon Victor Dixon was fantastic!! I’m so glad they brought in Broadway talent for judas because he is so complex and so challenging, vocally, emotionally, and physically. I was ultra impressed with him! the performance of Judas’ Death was so heart wrenching and passionate, I was so engaged in it and I loved what they did with it.
Overall, I totally agree, it was one of the better live shows. and yes!!! I loved the set and I choreography and costumes, everything that makes a great musical was included in this one and I really enjoyed watching it and feeling so nostalgic, like I grew up on this show and it’s my family’s favorite and I think they really did a great job with it!
I literally agree with everything you said x
Hi Katherine! Today was opening night for my schools production of Beauty and The Beast. I started to doubt acting before the auditions, and I even threw away my original audition paper. Then I started to watch you and your videos. Oh how I've changed. Now my director says im the energy of the villagers. Thank you so so sososososososossoosossoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! You're honestly the reason for everything.
JCS has been my FAVORITE show since the late 80’s. I sing the songs in the shower... so I started crying during the first camera pan and stopped at the end. It was amazing! Also, I needed a hug after Judas’s death. Man, that was well done!!
Where do we sign to have you do a "What I thought" of everything you see? Because you do your video reviews so well, you make me wanna see everything again just with your observations in mind this time.
♥️♥️♥️
Yes yes yes! Totally agreed with everything you said! ❤️
I still have to see it Katherine! I've just been so busy and worried about things coming up like my teeth are being removed this Saturday. I'll still watch it!!! I'M SO EXCITED! ☺🙁
I loved the show!!! This was the best live musical yet and felt completely different from the other productions.
I loved it so much and it made me so excited to start my show of it toward the end of this month!
I loved it.....Norm Lewis was AWESOME!
I luv u. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for putting videos out there for us, and for teching us about theater
Great video, as usual! Couple of thoughts; first, I think even if most people don't know the whole show of Jesus Christ Superstar, I'd venture to say that the title song and "I Don't Know How To Love Him" have kinda become popular enough standards that most people are familiar with them. I think they presented it as an IN CONCERT event not only for what you mentioned about the minimal set but because JS Superstar is more rock opera than the other live musicals have been. I really hope they keep this setup for future live musicals; imagine a live version of Hair like this!!!
Jonah Platt!!!! I got the pleasure to meet him during his run as Fiyero! I got a full backstage tour because my mom knew someone that knew a guy in the band for the show! I touched the spellbook and several costumes and wigs. It was the coolest thing ever! I got to hug Jonah and his MOM is actually from where I live and went to the school one of my best friends goes to! It was the best experience ever!
SARA WAS GREAT
YES! JCS is my favorite live musical that I've seen. The casting and set were so great! I couldn't explain why I loved it so much but you put it into words, thank you!
I played Jesus in 1975. I still remember every word & every note to every part. I probably annoyed neighbors, because I cranked my sound system up to 50 so I could hear the music over my voice. [One thing people may not know: You CAN hit the high notes, IF YOU HIT THEM HARD ENOUGH. Full volume = full range.] The show was one of the most powerful television experiences I've ever had - and definitely the most powerful POSITIVE one. Have you ever smiled, cried & sung at the same time? THAT is catharsis! I hope this becomes an annual event, because I quit watching "The Wizard of Oz" so long ago - I can't even remember. And "It's a Wonderful life" is great too, but you can get burned out after a decade or so. But Jesus Christ Superstar is something I've listened to nearly every Easter, by myself, in my home. I think it would be great if that could be shared that with the entire country. [I'd also like a chance to ask John Legend if HIS hands turned blue when HE was crucified. [Shout out to Alice Cooper - saw him in concert in 73. He's still a great showman.]
I was licked by the spirit. Mesmerized and stupefied it was fantastical...the crucifixion cross fading backwards in the mist...Gethsemane and high notes a gargantuan scope to sing. I'm a pro organist and done this show many times but o my days Legend...Dixon as Iscariot...Mary...Herod...Pilate orchestration...Oh Lord I can't cope...Superstar....choreography...I'm foaming at the mouth with satisfaction from the spectacle that was and is and shall be to come JESUS CHRIST...my SUPERSTAR
I was really looking forward to this video about you commenting JCS Live :) loved it
Sara was great 😍
JC Superstar GAVE ME LIFEEE!! Seeing Sara as Mary Magdalene was so amazing and literally the whole cast was just perfect. Seeing the whole musical on tv with the one set setup made me feel like I was there watching it live and I really hope they continue with the whole one set thing in the future.
Brandon. Victor. Dixon. I never heard of him before this but I am in love. He was the one of three leads, in my opinion, to really embody the role. His admiration, anger, sorrow, frustration, everything choice he made was so palatable, and because he's used to performing 8 shows per week, he had the lungs to sustain his role throughout, and his (SPOILER) death was chilling. The other two leads didn't do a whole lot for me (I like John Legend and Sara Bareilles as musicians, but I thought they were miscast), but Dixon was fantastic.
I've seen a few different versions and I was a bit disappointed... John legend could not support the part of Jesus. He's clearly not a rock singer, but he only changed the parts that were uncomfortable to him (aka the super high notes) and they sounded really "off" compared to the rest of his singing, which he sang with more power at most parts. (Gesthemane's high notes were especially cringy...) if they wanted to have a different approach they should have changed it completely, because the score does require a specific style of singing, rock singing. And although Norm Lewis ROCKS, i felt he struggled a little to get those super low notes. I liked the production a lot and the chorus, but it could have been so much better. And yes, since 2000 the productions have been transferred to the modern age.
Yes, I agree with you. He didn’t sing the high parts, to admit I was a little annoyed at that. I watched it love one day, and thought it was no good. He missed it out completely! Yes, it was different and unique. Totally respect that. But yeah, I agree. John isn’t a rock singer. He couldn’t even act. My opinion.
I agree, that part is better suited for someone with a different range. It’s also important to know why you’re performing a particular part. Ted Neely set a high bar.
i loved JC Superstar so much! the casting really shocked me (because of how spot-on it was)! i totally agree with your thoughts on john as jesus! also the sets, costumes, the orchestra being incorporated into the show, everything just gave me such a great comet vibe? i might be alone on that but ya’know! happy theatre thursday!!
Can we just talk about how good Jason Tam was???
Literally obsessed with your channel ❤️❤️
I loved it! It was the first time I actually heard some of the songs! Btw love you and your videos!❤️
I loved JC Superstar LIVE! I thought all of the symbolism was absolutely brilliant! Also I think that John Legend was brilliant as Jesus! I just loved it in total!
I had the honor of seeing it in person at the dress rehearsal because my best friends father was the set designer and it was insane. I don't think there was a moment I wasn't crying! It was astonished! The set designer is our close family friend and my mom has known him since he was like 17! Its been months but I still cannot believe I was there. I ALSO SAW ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER WITH MY OWN TWO EYES??? And Ben Platt and of course everyone in the cast, but it was insanely amazing.
I watched the show on UA-cam yesterday (before it was taken down) because I couldn't watch it on TV since I live in Germany. I really really really loved it, especially Sara and the calm and mature side she brought to her character
I think JC Superstar is officially tied with Grease Live for my favorite live movie musical. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved looking for all my favorite broadway stars in the show!
Your review nailed it - absolutely right on target! Definitely an A+ production in my book. (I'm subscribing to your channel too, even though you don't seem to need many more subscribers. Keep up the good work)!
The live broadcast was by first experience of Jesus Christ Superstar ever, songs and all, and I'm really glad it was! I thought it was so exciting, def my favorite of all the live musicals to date. Makes me excited to check out all of the prior recordings. Nothing like the thrill of a new musical to geek over 🙃
also, side-note! what's your next makeup tutorial going to be?? i'm lowkey bummed we haven't seen one lately since Glinda (or Christine if you count the Ali Ewoldt tutorial)
I think I breathed twice during the whole thing 😂
^ but also me during most rants irl
Jesus Christ Superstar was an absolutely exceptional event, hands down the best one NBC has done, and I think they've really started to get the formula down. They insisted on calling it a "concert" event, rather than a musical, which I believe is the aspect of it most people really enjoyed. It was more intimate in the relationship with the audience, both in-studio and watching on television, the set was bare bones, the costumes were bare bones, everything was stripped down except the music, which really was made the priority (which I think is because that's kind of how most productions interpret it, as you were saying). I've seen one professional production go full biblical, and I had a colleague back when I worked in live theatre who did two tours as Judas in a stripped down modernized version, as we're seeing here, even utilizing the industrial style set like NBC. It felt like a real show, which was incredible, and artistically the best choice they could have made for this production. Even down to Jesus' mic not coming in straight away, those little things made me feel more connected to the piece as a whole. I will say that my only problem was with Mary, maybe it's because I filled in for a few shows in that aforementioned touring production so I feel personally connected to the role having donned it myself, but I do not like the stylistic choices she made vocally to her songs. Her stylizing really took away from Mary's numbers for me, though I do agree her acting choices were wonderful. All in all I hope NBC chooses to follow this layout for shows to come, especially if they continue to venture into more contemporary sounding or gritty shows (which I think may very well happen pending the reception of their new drama RISE), because as an art form I do believe modern Broadway is being supported by choices and shows just like this. They're darker, modernized, the music is changing in composition, and in order to keep the "live musical event" alive they will need to adapt to the same thing.
I really, really enjoyed watching it and thought it was fantastic! I'm surprised you didn't say anything about the amazing effect at the very end with the cross ascending into the air because I was obsessed with that! Also obsessed with Sarah Bariellies. Who I think can act better than any famous singer in a musical I've ever seen.
Also, sidenote, in the only production I've ever seen live, Judas was played by a woman and she was badass so don't count yourself out!
I think you're absolutely right. All the other musicals were like movie musicals live movie musicals, this one felt more like a theater production. This one was by far my favorite as well. And that's the way you have to do it if you want to introduce people to live Theatre!!
Love you!! So happy for a new upload! Also I loved JC
you played where’s Jonah Platt, I played where’s Jason Tam, very fun games😂❤️
Hi Katherine ❤️❤️❤️ I haven't watched it yet I don't think you can get it in England yet 😭 but I did literally just get home from one of Eva noblezadas concerts here in the UK and I'm still crying because I got to meet her. lysm ❤️
I loved it! There were a few things that needed a bit of help, specifically casting choices but definitely best NBC live musical yet by far! I was pleasantly surprised by Sara Bareilles, Brandon Victor Dixon was perfection, Norm Lewis was flawless as always and Jason Tam was a HUGE standout for me! He was everything I picture as Peter and I wish I could've seen more of him
I loved everything about JCS live! I think the reasoning behind the "live in concert" marketing, was because several parts of, if not the entire show, really does in a way mimic the feel of a rock concert. Also, I was waiting for you to reference or mention The Wiz Live! Up until now, it was (at least in my opinion) the best live musical NBC had done! The casting was amazing and the ratings and reviews were through the roof!
I have still not watched Jesus Christ Superstar (please don’t kill me I will watch it as soon as I can) but I did watch Sara Berellies sing “I don’t know how to love him”. It was outstanding, there isn’t a word to describe how amazing Of was. I love Sara Berellies and Waitress (side note: I am singing “She used to be mine” at our schools Spring Concert) she has so much passion and emotion in all of her songs. I just thought she was the perfect Mary 💕
I really enjoyed JC Superstar Live. It was definitely the best live musical event so far. Brandon Victor Dixon performance in it gives me LIFE!!! 😍
Not kidding: This was the best TV entertainment that I have ever seen. When I was a post-kid, I wore out the double L.P. when Ian Gillan sang Jesus, so I had my standards. I was SHOCKED at how good this was! Thank you for your video here. This moved me to tears.
It’s been 5 years since I was a part of a school production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and we based it around the 70’s, mostly because of the movie. As for my thoughts on the concert, I thoroughly enjoyed it. What really got me was the emotions conveyed in each performance. I thought Sara was perfect for the role of Mary Magdalene! All in all a wonderful experience
So I absolutely loved this when I saw it on NBC! One thing I will say is: If you are able to see it in person, do it. As amazing at is was to see on TV, my breath was taken away when I had the opportunity to see it live in person. Truly, I was stunned by how amazing it was!
Totally agree with you - this was by far my favorite live musical event. I hope they realize having live audiences is really important. They lend a certain energy to the performance that so many of the live broadcasts have lacked. ALSO the crucifixion scene was done BEAUTIFULLY.
As for other productions of JCS, I've only ever seen them done as either modern or kind of modern/biblical fusion (kind of like the movie where they were in a desert but the clothing was often really anachronistic).
I actually really liked it! I've seen it on stage with Ted Neeley so I'm biased and won't watch any other production. I wasn't sure if John could hit those high notes and he didn't, but I still smiled and clapped at the end for everyone involved.
My viewing was all over the place, because you had me, who loves musicals and is a Christian, my dad, who is neither(he was really only there to see Alice Cooper), my auntie who is a musical fan but not a Christian, and my bf, who doesn’t like theatre but is a Christian. It was an interesting time 😂
I have memories of this show from my auntie playing the movie soundtrack a bunch as a kid, but now that I’m a Christian it added another layer of understanding and appreciation for the show and what it aims to do. If watching this event makes people make a next step towards God, then I say it was a success ❤️
Show wise, I loved the cast!! They were amazing! Perfectly cast across the board. I think the live audience worked well with it being marketed as “in concert” because what’s a concert without an audience? Also the parts where John Legend went and touched/high fives the audience added to the hype that had been surrounding Jesus at that point where people we frantic for Him to so much as touch them.
The one set was great. As were the costumes. It was along the lines of Hamilton in that you don’t necessarily need all kinds of elaborate sets or costumes to tell a great story- especially THIS story. It was amazing!
We did Jesus Christ Superstar 2 weeks before the show and it felt as if we were cursed because all odds were against us lol. But since we had a different director we set it in biblical times, but I felt as though we were in modern day Israel because we weren’t dressed like you would see a lot of the people in paintings of biblical times. The only people in our performance who I saw looked like they belonged in that period were Jesus, Herod, and the apostles. We managed to pull through and not put on the best performance, but one where people had fun and enjoyed watching. I have a lot of different opinions on NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, but all I’m saying is that the vocals were good but a lot of them were lacking in the acting aspect of it, like John Legend didn’t put any emotion when singing Gethsemane which was a let down.
The thing about this live one is it was so different than the rest of the live musicals we’ve seen broadcasted. My friend (who is thinking about joining the drama program at our school) extremely enjoyed it and wasn’t a huge fan of the musical but loved the live adaption. Loved it myself casting was beautiful.❤️❤️❤️LOVED SARA AS MARY
I could not agree more! All my friends said that the set was too minimal, but I thought it was perfect! :)
I was just wondering what you thought of this. I am about 30 minutes into it so far, but I am loving it. I definitely agree that using a single set makes a big difference over previous live events.
I loved this production! I was fortunate to play Jesus in a high school production of this 35 years ago and really appreciated how John Legend made the role of Jesus his own, rather than trying to emulate Ted Neely's (also amazing) rendition from the film.
There are so many things I'd like to add... but to your comments about the "one set" production I heartily agree. All those years ago we took a similar approach (using clever lighting and even using the cast as rocks and boulders) so in a live context this is very effective.
It does make me wonder if "sing through" shows are a better option for live television than traditional musicals...if that is the case what would you like to see as the next live event?
Hey Katherine, just wondering if you could do a video on audition monologue.
I’m a new subscriber and have been binging your videos. Love u xx
SARAH SLAYS ME EVERY TIME!! thank you Kat! Xx
In Concert just means before a live audience. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. Perfect job.
Love your review, but I thought John Legend was pretty weak. He had a beautiful voice, but I thought his acting was very lacking. My grandparents (who have loved JSC since it came out) thought the same. His under acting, seemed no acting to me. His voice was beautiful though, but I thought they should have gone with a Broadway actor (AKA Chris Jackson)! Love you Kath
totally agree x
Chris Jackson would've absolutely slayed it!