'Gethsemane' Ben Forster | Jesus Christ Superstar

Watch the full show here: www.uphe.com/movies/jesus-chr...
Ben Forster gives a powerful vocal performances as Jesus Christ in Gethsemane.
From Jesus Christ Superstar (2012): Director Laurence Connor presents this contemporary re-imagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's legendary rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar. The world renowned phenomenon portrays the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Filmed as an arena rock opera, the performance features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian, Tim Minchin as the role of Judas Iscariot; pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as Mary Magdalene; radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as King Herod; and Ben Forster, to take on the title role of Jesus. This award-winning creative team is sure to captivate audiences and transform the hugely popular stage production into a unique, modern, state-of-the-art spectacular.
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[@TheShowsMustGoOn]

Ben Forster absolutely knocks it out of the park here - but whose is your favourite rendition of Gethsemane? Let us know below!

[@tomarnold3564]

Drew Sarich - Vienna in 2012

[@delfin7461]

I am old school, it will always be Ian Gillan

[@reginavergara5817]

Ted Neeley, Michael Ball and Ben Forster

[@gatonegropeludon]

Michael Ball is my favorite. I like his voice and subtle performance...

[@Taterzz]

i gotta go with Neely. him and Anderson were 100% on point that movie.

[@aimeekessell5022]

Me defending my dissertation in from of my PhD committee: “Then, I was inspired. Now, I’m sad and tired. Listen, surely, I’ve exceeded expectations. I tried for 3 years. Seems like 30. Could you ask as much from any other man?”

[@vroomfondel42]

Hahaha, so good! And me, trying to write up my dissertation: "why am I scared to finish what I started?"

[@aimeekessell5022]

@@vroomfondel42 I love when he says “What YOU started! I didn’t start it!” Because the realness as a PhD student. We’re legit working on our PI’s projects.

[@vroomfondel42]

@@aimeekessell5022 Haha exactly! It's so true. Who knew Jesus Christ Superstar was secretly the story of a tired PhD student...

[@kacky_snorgle]

This is by far the best comment thread I have ever seen!🤣

[@JK-mx3go]

Hahaha😭

[@adammurdoch4530]

Jesus is coming out of his cave and he's doing just fine

[@yourlocalanklebiter]

lol.

[@JonesyJulien]

Pfft lol

[@discodave8412]

It started off with a kiss (from Judas) how did it end up like this?

[@yourlocalanklebiter]

@@discodave8412 it's all in his head.

[@carolinepate8160]

He sure is.

[@bennyrobertson]

Watched this again a couple of times. One of the things that I love about Forster's performance is that he looks genuinely terrified, knowing the awful fate that he faces. And that moment when he goes from "Why then am I scared to finish what I started?" to the defiant "What YOU started - I didn't start it!" is simply stunning.

[@kdeggraham895]

Oh it’s amazing at that moment. “What YOU started!” The emphasis is perfect! This is one of my fav versions. I see a lot of people saying it’s too whiney and there’s not enough emotion. Personally I have no idea what they mean by ‘no emotion’, I feel everything Jesus is feeling!!

[@timneedham8267]

as an atheist, yes. I see the absolute rage and revulsion in his face; then resignation to a parental whim. Artistically beautiful and tragic.

[@richdesare4362]

I'm here after watching Lindsay Ellis' "Why should I die" supercut for the 500th time.

[@eta2670]

Just watched it for the first time x)

[@beatrixvanvar2457]

same here

[@mcsmaria28]

Yeppers

[@almendras4830]

flashbacks in lin manuel miranda’s version lmao 💀

[@alexa_marie8685]

Agree! I love HIM!!! Ben does it the best! And Tim is the best as Judas!

[@emxy7328]

The falsetto in this _never_ ceases to amaze me

[@ameliawhite4796]

Same here 🤯

[@masarusenpai1952]

Goosebumps every time

[@ameliawhite4796]

masarusenpai ❤️

[@carpinchipedia7009]

To improve your falsetto, you have to speak in falsetto a *lot*. Just think about how much work Ben has put in to achieve this - scarily a lot Also, raising your eyebrows can help, and stretching your throat. There are a few place in your throat where you can sing, so figure out which one of them gives you a purer tone

[@mathewhutchins2539]

Little too clean for me. I’m more on the Ted Neeley/Steve Balsamo train

[@darceygrace634]

This man was my first crush. Like when people asked little baby me who my crush was, I said Jesus..like, UMMMM

[@kdeggraham895]

Lol I like him too!

[@harleyjohnman8885]

It's even better because he's gay.

[@darceygrace634]

Harley Johnman it is isn’t it 🤣

[@ionaparkin8904]

Omg same

[@sparrow8534]

@@harleyjohnman8885 uhh no Jesus was not gay, he had no romantic attraction to anyone

[@lilymariah2009]

Listen, I know this is a very serious and heart-wrenching song, but when he whispered to wake his disciples up at the beginning, all I could picture was Jesus calling for James, waiting a second, then removing a sandal and beaning James in the head with it to wake his lazy ass up

[@avasanbas1966]

that is quite apt really because Peter James and John were supposed to be keeping watch

[@keziabowen]

this is hilarious ive been laughing for 10 minutes straight

[@lindathetford3776]

LOL 🤣🤣🤣

[@gabriels.carvalho4852]

This commentary helped go through a day of deep depression. Thank you.

[@kdeggraham895]

I can't stop laughing now. Oh god. hahah... help! 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@cillianrohan2585]

I love how he's not just singing he's acting and portaying emotion so well here

[@kipwhite6532]

Um...isn't Broadway supposed to be singing and acting?

[@museumgirl9]

Elizabeth Aso part of the problem is the pacing of the song itself. MHO the big break comes too late. It should come before he changes his mind and agrees. That timing is so quick it’s hard to make it work.3:30 he turns on a dime and then the big break follows. It’s just written with odd pacing.

[@susankingston8437]

That's what this song is-- portrays the turning point in Jesus' life .. This song starts with JC tired, sad, pleading/ bargaining, Angry, Angier; then, finally, acceptance. He does an excellent job! Wow

[@pollypockets508]

Yeah he's good

[@pollypockets508]

@@kipwhite6532 um...actually...lol

[@katydid-9996]

I don't know if this makes sense, but I like how ordinary he looks. All of the other Jesuses I've seen in some way look like the traditional Catholic depiction of Jesus, or at the very least have that air of divinity about them. Aside from the longish hair, I don't see that in Ben Forster. Instead of seeing Jesus as he is remembered in the modern imagination, we're forced to see him as he was: a person. A normal, nice young man with the weight of the world on his shoulders and expected to do far more than anyone should have to- and that makes this all the more heartbreaking.

[@gabygambassi7062]

I had never thought about that, but you are absolutely right! He's the most mundane Jesus I've seen, and that brings another layer to the story. Really cool observation.

[@pansepot1490]

I hate the wig: it’s distracting. I’d have enjoyed much more his natural short hair.

[@procomxt]

@@pansepot1490 it's a wig ?!? I hadn't realised till you pointed it out !

[@prisile]

@@procomxt Yes! It is a wig, I fr didnt think it was until i found out that Ben had short hair the whole time. i only thought it was his real hair since Tim has his real hair for the play. also Mel C i dont think thats her real hair either

[@jessicaturner8825]

He looks closer to what Jesus would have looked like

[@emilycamacho8759]

He was probably my personal favorite bc of the way he humanizes him so much. He conveyed every emotion you would feel in that moment while also giving a phenomenal vocal performance.

[@kingdomofcapybaras6850]

"Feels like ninety..." 😢

[@davidschmidt5893]

Maybe watch Ted Neely and see how u feel after that

[@franktranks9445]

@@davidschmidt5893 We've all seen Ted. Not my favorite portrayal personally.

[@KyleKatarn145]

@@franktranks9445 Yeah, I gotta say, Ted's "WHYYYYYYYY" is better than Ben's in my opinion, there's... I dunno how to describe it, but it has a lot more grit to it than Ben's, but good lord does Ben actually portray the character's inner anguish and turmoil perfectly through his song, while Ted just comes across as just... singing the song.

[@jaedaviess7802]

@@KyleKatarn145 To be fair there’s a lot of vocal cleansing put in afterwards on all of these JCS recordings so there’s not much grit in anyone’s voices because it’s been removed. My personal favourite is Steve Balsamo he’s just incredible and a super lovely man but anyone that can play Jesus deserves praise because oh my gosh is it a tough role!

[@PADARM]

Jesus Christ Superstar is a Masterpiece

[@EntrancedG]

Agreed! I actually hate how underappreciated it is in so many circles.

[@csanadhegedus4090]

Yes! From 1973!

[@reginavergara5817]

wow Ben not only sings, but he really manages to convey that feeling of anger, sadness, frustration and concern, for me he and Ted Neleey are the best

[@supersebac320]

Ted Neeley and Camilo Sesto play the angry and even desperate Jesus, like they will do it, but they can be very violent and demanding, like they are doing it God's job against their will and they are angey and cant do anything beyind screaming. But Ben goes for like a depressed and sad jesus, like he already knows he is going to die and in a way, he wants to just enjoy himself, kinda like a real rockstar after a long time, they just wanna have a more normal life

[@Eva-cy6kc]

Yeah but he also has that look of frustration the entire time and that to me just takes away from the whole Jesus feel. It makes me wonder, "why would anyone want to follow someone this grumpy" But for this song and the temple scene, it works.

[@chaodck]

@@Eva-cy6kc Because he had already lost himself. Judas had him perfectly spotted at the start, and this production manages to convey that feeling exactly. I don't know if it's because this was the first time seeing it after leaving catholicism, or maturity, or because this tone sets the story that way, but I empathized a ton more with Judas while watching it (well, maybe a bit of the three reasons...).

[@57andstillkicking]

This is an amazing musical, but the actual stories of Jesus and Judas are extremely twisted.

[@jacksonw6742]

I agree. This and Ted Neeley's are the only ones with amazing vocals and spirit.

[@coleyblossoms1051]

I'm loving the small bursts of anger in his performance, especially the part leading up to "die". Ben defines what a modern Jesus would be like to me, and I think this song really shows off his vocal potential in contrast to the others he sing.

[@moonlightcake]

I'm just completely obsessed with the way he sings this, like Jesus is brimming with anger and resentment all the way to the end, because he doesn't WANT to die, but he doesn't get a say in that at all.. also Ben sounds incredible!!

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

And also because He knows its His duty to be the savior of humanity.

[@EnglishRose_]

Totally agree, I'm also obsessed! Addictive stuff here.

[@Zevrael]

To be fair, that would probably have been how Jesus would have felt, were he not God, knowing perfectly well that his death (as a perfect sacrifice, paying the price for all sin), resurrection (defeating death itself), and anscension (reuniting with his father in heaven) were the only way to provide mankind with a way back into God's presence after we were seperated from him by eating of the forbidden fruit. I'm actually fairly certain that he felt those feelings, because he was human. But he was also God, and knew the bigger picture. Jesus did have a say, and he decided to go through with this out of love for you and me, and because he wants to spend eternity with us.

[@ap0krypha]

I mean he does have a say in it, but it is HIS decision to go through with it

[@barbarabartocci896]

Agree. Have watched many times

[@pauloabrantes383]

For me, this is the epitome of the Gethsemane redentions, he is the one who touches me like any other did and he sings it perfectly

[@EddoFoxy]

The sob/cry at 4:12 is REALLY doing it for me. I ADORE this whole performance with every fiber of my being

[@lindathetford3776]

Plus the low crying it hurts

[@lenahaymonds6210]

Same

[@carmenkaren5980]

Same here

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

No for me both Ted as Jesus and Carl as Judas in the 1973. Maybe because that was the one I grew up with (didnot have a record player and vids were not in vented yet) it was on every easter so I love seeing now on the netflix channel. I do love the passion Ben puts in... Be nice if he can still hit those notes like Ted did in 2021 at age 78. To me Judas in this Tims version is good but for me too hateful unlike carl in 1973 and the guy in the 2000 dvd, his name slips me.... They are both acting upset and anguish talking and touching Jesus. If you have not seen the 1973 movie I suggest a look. Words have been changed over the years, I suppose to keep up to date.

[@dotritz8315]

Love the way Ben sings ‘All right, I’ll die, Just watch me die’ exactly like a naughty boy might say it to his father!

[@adamw1944]

He's performance is in my opinion the BEST. Period. Better than Ted Neeley in the movie.

[@colleensnodgrass9052]

Right? It sounded almost petulant.

[@dotritz8315]

@@colleensnodgrass9052 exactly

[@heuballen1751]

i get goosebumbs when he says "Hit me, hurt me, NAIL me to their tree" His voice is so powerful

[@katesgame1]

I was sat front row, dead centre for this in Cardiff Arena and I have to say it was THE most amazing, goose-pimply moment of my life!!!

[@edgardoalix4862]

the changes to the lyrics " God thy will be done, take your only son...." is very very powerful....Ben Forster and Steve Balsamo are my favorites....they always afford to give me tears almost feeling the pains our Jesus are feeling!

[@bradhuskers]

Both are inferior to Ian Gillan

[@mpersico]

Yeah - I never liked "You hold every card". That's a horrible lyric.

[@bradhuskers]

@@mpersico Why? It shows that God is always in control. Great lyric.

[@andrewknickerbocker314]

@@bradhuskers Cause it doesnt fit the rhyming scheme, and is a terrible line. It is a sign of forfetiure of his human half. The line "Take your only son" instead allows Jesus to express his human side of resentment for the stupid plan "God" made, and how dumb it is that he has to follow through with it

[@bradhuskers]

@@andrewknickerbocker314 The problem is that it's not a "stupid" plan as you so stupidly stated. It's a plan of pure perfection. If you had an ounce of intelligence, you'd understand that fact.

[@carolynwilliams1725]

Not only was Ben amazing, but TIm Minchen was the best Judas I have seen. His acting was utterly incredible

[@chuckellis3683]

Carl Anderson was my favorite Judas…

[@Elena-de3qn]

I can't imagine anyone ever singing "Gethsemane" better...Ben Forster is incredible!

[@burningisis]

Ben Forster's falsetto is absolutely heart wrenchingly good. His rendition of Jesus is just heartbreaking. And that really gives the feeling rather than the "rock god" Jesus, you feel this young man feeling betrayed, confused, scared, and then that surrendered to his fate. Gethsemane I always felt was about the high notes it hit, but Ben changed my mind, the falsetto in this is like this sobbing wail of fear and frustration and just so spot on

[@Chespiritogamer]

Bro literalmente está adaptando la versión de Camilo sesto

[@sarahmarkette7395]

My absolute favorite version of this song. Ben Forster doesn't just sing it, he makes me feel Jesus' anguish. Makes me cry every time.

[@paulmason6474]

Listen to Dan Vasc’s version super

[@taylorbaylor-26]

Is it unhealthy that I can't stop watching this? It's so powerful and gives me chills every time!

[@jessicaturner8825]

No

[@kayleelesmeister3477]

A bit late here, but I'm the same. Every time I come across this performance I have to replay this song several times before I feel I can move onto the next, haha. Always completely blown away by it

[@kathylindh324]

If it’s unhealthy, I’m near death. 🤩

[@OrionCorsari]

Taylor I’m with you. If this is a sickness, I don’t want the cure.

[@gabby20]

No I watch it constantly. Ben is so Powefully Awsome. I often come back here when I'm sad and tired then I'm uplifted

[@stanisawakrezel1909]

2:29 I have never heard anyone else sing the "would I be more noticed" line like that, one of my favourite moments of Ben Forster's performance

[@MrPARKERSBIRD]

I love this version along with Ted Neeley. Although here, Ben puts so much emotion into it, it reallly feels as though you’re witnessing a man arguing and questioning stuff with his Father.

[@erintilley6552]

It asks you questions this story like why would a man have his son be killed and for what purpose?What good would it do for him ?

[@helenszone]

Simply the best version of Gethsemane I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning. So evocative. The British public definitely chose the right Jesus.

[@erintilley6552]

Google John Farham Gethsemane it will blow your mind

[@OrionCorsari]

The falsetto is so elegant and controlled - never contrived or forced. Beautifully passionate performance.

[@Lyendith]

You know, I might actually prefer the "God thy will be done, take your only son" version. There’s so much subtextual bitterness in these nine words.

[@Suska18]

The look on his face at 3:40-3:50 and 5:53... I love it. There is some defiance in his eyes that I haven't seen in any other performer. I absolutely love his portrayal of Jesus. So human, so emotional and raw. And the singing is just *chef's* *kiss*

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

Agreed. I love love love Steve Balsamo's version, it's incredibly powerful too, but it's a different kind of Jesus than Ben's, which is so much more angry and resentful. Different aspects, different performances, and all have a place. Have you seen Drew Sarich's performance? Between the three of them, they all blow me away. Of course, Drew has also played Judas too, as well as Jesus, a number of times, and he's great in both roles, IMO.

[@mincow393]

He has amazing breath control! Like wow I could never

[@carlomarx7412]

now that's a 10/10 Jesus right there

[@williamfairchild7439]

yeah I agree

[@jeremyhoward9163]

It was really good, but he's no Ted Neeley. The GOAT.

[@mr.kubena]

Just like normal Jesus

[@mr.kubena]

Jeremy Howard nah, Steve balsamo is the GOAT

[@mortensteen]

@@jeremyhoward9163 Come on, man - Gillan is THE ultimate. The first and the best.

[@1Henrink]

I really like the change they made to the original lyrics from "God your will is hard/But you hold every card" to "God thy will be done/Take your only son". It just seems even harder to hear, kinda cruel, but so very beautiful.

[@Ru136]

Henrique Fontenelle Teixeira Henrink not to mention those words are take straight from the Bible

[@ccosta1996]

Forster is both an incredible singer and actor. Everytime I watch this performance I feel sorry for Christ and I'm not even religious

[@owenjarvis9696]

He is by far the beat Jesus in my opinion, his voice is on point especially with the high notes. His way of portraying Jesus is incredible. He’s so convincing with his acting and shows true struggle and anger, especially in this song. Absolutely brilliant performance from Ben Forster in this show. No one better

[@kondibetz8082]

Listen zu Drew sarich

[@avasanbas1966]

you are so right, he is the best for me too

[@xanderguldie]

I think steve balsamo is far superior

[@LouiseIssy]

@@xanderguldie I totally agree Xander but Ben Forster is pretty darn good too; just a little too much anger in his performance for me x

[@owenjarvis9696]

Louise Reynolds I get you but the song is about Jesus talking to god saying why do I have to die so it’s natural to be angry. I personally think Ben has better vocals and acts it better but it’s personal preference

[@vanessacodeco6282]

We need all the song with this actors in Spotfy. make me cry all time!

[@dotritz8315]

You can get the whole thing on Soundcloud

[@vanessacodeco6282]

@@dotritz8315 thanks!!! I'm listening now!!! 😍😍😍😍

[@kdeggraham895]

@@The_Riss me too I really want to the soundtrack on Spotify, it’s my music app

[@harleydavidcrave4195]

Check out Michael Crawford's version in spotify

We should do a petition to pit this on Spotify 🤭😭🤭😭🤭😭

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

And THIS MAN OF ROCK became The Phantom.. Wow🖤

[@steelbase7803]

He also played brad in a production of rocky horror. Such range

[@ameliawhite4796]

Buddy , Magaldi too haha x

[@pumpkin_guineapig]

Imagine Steve Balsamo playing the Phantom... Been waiting too long for Steve to portray the Phantom!

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

@Jeremiah Anthony Salvador Feria umm.. Like about two years ago..? I think there's some footage on YT about every Phantom. Check it out :)

[@rosiemcgosie7376]

He did a great job as the Phantom but I still feel this role suited him a lot better.

[@IPlayPianoInMyPjs]

I just want to give him a big hug. :(

[@shellybelly5981]

Just found this clip yesterday. I’m embarrassed to say how many times I’ve watched in the past 24 hours. Just wow! I’ve always loved this song but I have never seen the show. I had only heard the Michael Crawford version. I had no idea most of these guys added a falsetto to it. It completely changed the song for me! I felt the emotion and angst. I like how some describe the falsetto as Jesus wailing. I feel that. Ok! Can’t type and listen at the same time. Here goes another round haha. Then I’ll watch the entire show if I can find it.

[@clickonmikey01]

The last “before I change my mind”…… all without a breath!

[@carlhita2602]

The best version of Gethsemane ever. He’s voice is so powerful.

[@lenahaymonds6210]

Exactly how I feel! He’s phenomenal

[@carlhita2602]

@@lenahaymonds6210 sure is

[@stormthor4991]

You clearly got no taste in life

[@dawnsplaceyt]

Ben foster is a man of many hats. The characters he portrays he fits so well within them and yet unless you know who he is it’s hard to put the fact he is the same person together. Such as him playing Brad from Rocky Horror. His voice, look, and mannerisms are very different. An amazing actor

[@BelindaNeal66]

Just incredible, how Ben reaches those endless high notes is just shear joy to watch. I wish I'd been in that audience to witness him. I loved it when he won Joseph. I adore this song.

[@MrSeancozy]

My sentiments exactly!!! I believe the other line is "God thy will is hard, but you hold every card" I listen to this almost exclusively because of that one change. I believe the original story gravitates away from this sort of thing in order to secularize the play. After all, there is nothing overtly religious about the original "Jesus Christ Superstar". Nothing supernatural, nothing to indicate that Jesus is divine. Case in point: look at the words chosen for the last supper. "For all you know, this "could be" my body, as opposed to "this is my body." The first line is merely a metaphor, wheras the second indicates that his body is sacred, divine and will lead to salvation.

[@vinlandviking]

I saw Ted Neeley perform this both live and in the film version. I thought no one could top his performance...until now. Bravo Ben Forster.

[@pikeybot]

Steve Balsamo hold my beer.. check out his clips..

[@willowravenwright5518]

I gotta say... I also saw Neely live and is the film. Forster is really channeling him here. Love it.

[@leandre8086]

Seeing Ben Forster in this after discovering him as Brad in the Rocky Horror Show is an experience

[@dawnsplaceyt]

Right! My brain can’t comprehend how he’s the same

[@avasmith9349]

Exactly!! I can’t understand how they are the same person 😭 but I love them both

[@tracysmith6115]

This is without a doubt my all time fave version of this entire thing. Ben does an amazing job in general but this song is so powerfully done is breathtaking!! The emotion he’s portraying to is amazing he knows exactly where and how to have the emotion to get maximum affect 100% achieved!! Totally mind blowing

[@juancarlosvaldezrodriguez122]

Have you seen to Camilo Sesto singing the song?

[@user-gj1im3le5j]

I can listen to this over and over.

[@F4FireAndSecurity]

I watched this for the first time yesterday, and immediately fell in love with Ben's portrayal of Jesus in the film. He portrays the character so well, with the high notes, the emphasis and dedication. Absolutely marvellous

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

HERE WE GO AGAIN I just settled on Michael Ball's version being my favorite and now I'm reminded of how amazing Ben is in this song.. Like.. Why do they all have to be so different yet fantastic each in his own way?!

[@mhand00]

My favorite is still Michael Crawford - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqS2ZmZ4dreiqZo.

[@carpinchipedia7009]

My problem with Michael Ball’s version isn’t that it doesn’t contain high notes (although it loses brownie points) but that the vocal line is so repetitive. I recently bought a piano and vocal book for JCS and the melody for Gethsemane is similar to Michael Ball’s and it’s nowhere near as satisfying to play and sing as other versions. However Michael Ball does have an amazing voice and it works amazingly.

[@kashiichan]

@@mhand00 It's very good technically and nice to listen to - that note he holds, wow - but the version above with Ben Forster is my favourite because not only does he hit that massively high note (twice!) but he infuses so much emotion into every second of the performance. I BELIEVE the anguish in a way that I don't with Michael Crawford's version.

[@bennyking1988]

I really like Glenn Jacob's version from the early 00's version.

[@BucketheadStudios]

Geronimo Rauch's version is still my favourite

[@EngCenturion]

A few years ago I saw Phantom of the Opera for the first time, Ben Forster was playing the part of The Phantom. I heard that in a lot of people's opinions his performance in Jesus Christ Superstar is proof as to why he was a fantastic choice for that part. And I can honestly say that after seeing him perform this song alone, I wholeheartedly agree. And to think Simon Cowell said no to him.

[@avasanbas1966]

ALW saw him play Migaldi in Evita and invited Ben to go and sing phantom at his home, he got the part. Have you watched the phantomgreece clips on youtube, he is phantastic

[@mariapearson5879]

Danni Minogue said she couldn't see the superstar in him!!!!

[@caro_reynolds2005]

I just love this version. I can feel Jesus's sadness and anger through his expressions and moves

[@tijay8507]

Ben Forster... what an actor and that voice ......WOW! he is incredible! xxx

[@Rhewin]

Very subtle change in lyrics. Instead of "God, thy will is hard, but you hold every card..." they have "God, thy will be done, take your only son..." I think this is much more heartbreaking.

[@emmebuckel8035]

he’s incredible but also the orchestrations in this!! damn

[@mashein2625]

This is by far the best performance fo this song. I've watched so many other performances and there isn't even a close second. Ben is absolutely amazing here!

[@kdeggraham895]

I know! A lot of people say that he is bad. I disagree completely!

[@jc-fo2fc]

Oh My Gosh............wonderful.........I saw Superstar when I was a teenager on Broadway in NYC this is my favorite musical of all time. I love this rendition and Tim Minchen is great also as Judas

[@kdeggraham895]

It’s my fav musical of all time too!

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

5:13 Before: God, thy will is hard You hold every card Now: God, thy will be done Take your only son How, HOW can they BOTH be so striking..

[@alexr137]

I much prefer the original version. In the Bible, Jesus never actually says he's the son of God so the new version doesn't fully make sense. I wonder why they changed it.

[@masarusenpai1952]

@@alexr137 Probably because it's risky if the actor pronounces it wrong as "God, thy willy's hard" But I agree with you, I prefer the original lyrics too

[@my2randomcents]

@@masarusenpai1952 hahahaha wtf 😂😂😂😂

[@puwave]

“Thy will be done..” is a line from the Lord’s Prayer. Maybe they wanted a more “clever” lyric? I dunno.

[@Hawkmoon1981]

I INSTANTLY hit pause when I heard the line change. I think it's much weaker in this new version - "God, thy will is hard..." was always one of my favourite lines as I felt it captured perfectly the conflict of Jesus in what is essentially a negotiation he knows he can't "win". The singing in this is pretty good but the acting for me is just okay - comes off a little more whiny teenager than I like. I prefer a slightly more maturely agonized and desperate take on Jesus than most performers do. Ted Neeley still #1 for me.

[@ceebeecee56]

I fell in love with this song the first time I heard the song on the original LP brown album and have seen many live productions of the show since. However, I haven't ever cried until I watched this production and Ben Forster's performance of this song. He made it his own. Well done.

[@gabby20]

I've not seen this until now. What a powerful performance. Ted was brilliant but Ben really has it. Seriously I was so captivated. Towards the end I was crying because Ben projects it in such a moving performance. Loved it

[@a_little_flame589]

ok we always rave about tim minchin as judas but ben was not messing around with the best piece in the whole musical and you can fight me on this

[@connortait9756]

I've seen three clips of this show and already think it's a fascinating version. The chemistry, the actors, the vocals. Yeah I grew up on the og Ted Neeley version and saw the anniversary tour this year lol but the way they and the actors are so different. I can't even explain it. Just... chills watching this one.

[@kayleelesmeister3477]

It doesn't matter how many times I listen to this, I am always COMPLETELY blown away. What a performance!

[@williamfairchild7439]

I really like Ben Forster's rendition of Gethsemane in Jesus Christ Superstar Live Arena Tour

[@IndigoPhoenix21]

This is...unbelievable. This is my exposure to Jesus Christ Superstar and the feelings the performance conveyed and evoked from me. Absolutely phenomenal.

[@bradenmills624]

I love the opting up on "cup OF poison." Just a lovely rendition.

[@clickonmikey01]

Amazing observation..: yes I love it !!! It sounds like a plea!

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

I know Steve Balsamo, Drew Sarich (sometimes), Luke Kennedy and Ted Neely all did it too, while Ian Gillan (and many others) didn't. I love it. It's like the flip-up in On My Own on "I've only been PRETENDing" - it just adds that little extra frisson of feeling for me. Steve and Drew are two of my favourite Jesus' aside from this cast.

[@fiona9535]

I LOVE that he does that - it gets his combined fear and resignation to his death across in an extremely emotional way

[@eleanorgolding9103]

I KEEP COMING BACK TO THIS VIDEO. Ben is just so incredibly talented and the emotion he portrays gives me goosebumps every time!!

[@sazfretz1945]

This brought me to tears. I've seen a few videos from this performance, and it's the best cast I've ever seen.

[@uliczka]

Ben Forster and Tim Minchin really understood the assignment and made so many little, interesting, fantastic acting choices. there's something mesmerizing in how in the very beginning Ben absent-mindedly yet frantically rubs the stair with his hand, the beginning of his absolute nervous breakdown that is this song.

[@ogaoms8985]

I love how subtitles are "quiet sobbing" and I'm just starting to cry as well. Ben Forster nailed it. One of my two top of "Gethsemane" together with Marcin Franc❤

[@sparrow8534]

I agree!

[@barbaraaugustyniak592]

Mine too! I just love the way both of them sang this song!

[@raincloud6904]

*Totally not me, listening to those two on repeat...*

[@teresacollins7763]

"Gethsemane "makes me cry every time I hear it ...He died for US!

[@TheVaughnillaIce]

IMO Ben’s performance is the one where I felt the most that Jesus *really* didn’t want to die

[@avasanbas1966]

Thank you Universal for making this film, I never got the chance to see it live, so the dvd was my only chance. It is a totally awesome production and most of the comments here are positive. Ben Forster is absolutely awesome, love this performance. Thank you again

[@lienerodeguero]

This is so beautiful and it makes me sad to think of all the shows that were never recorded and are lost forever… 😢

[@maryannemcneil8243]

Sublime. I believe this is the most powerful musical rendition of any song I have ever heard.

[@el-ug8zx]

Not only does he sound great, but his expressions really bring you in, he shows his fear, despiration, faith, conflicting emotions, all the feels... It reminds you that Jesus knew what was coming, he could of avoided it, and it would of been so very hard for him, that he wasn't fearless, he was brave and accepted what was about to happen inspite of the fear. Ben forster is the best I've seen playing this role.

[@user-ui4yr7rt8k]

I've never really noticed this song before 2012 and Ben Forster, best performance for me

[@keelydavies5627]

This is my favourite version of gethsemane ever, the way Ben sings is just magical

[@emrys5391]

Love this production of JCS! My Easter tradition is playing this DVD! The awesomeness of Ben, Tim & MelC. How it so brilliantly brought it into current times! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@cerenelbay5742]

this is one of the best performances of any song ever that i've seen in musical theater, the performance and the vocals are just otherworldly

[@b.d6642]

In the end jesus is basically like "fine, if I'm going to die then I'm going to be the BEST dead person you've ever seen god!". Probably one of the best songs of any musicals and ben forster killed it in the role

[@nickfletcher9667]

I honestly believe there will never be a better performance of that song. Superbly executed by Ben Forster!

[@thehorridtruth5203]

Having seen this God of a man as both Jesus and Brad Majors (with Oliver Thornton as Frank 🤤), I can confirm he could perform the phone book and still make you cry

[@lindathetford3776]

WAIT THAT WAS HIM AS BRAD?! WOAH

[@veganseattlegal]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! Wow, THAT VOICE!!

[@otterzrkuhl]

I had no idea Ben got the part by participating in a singing contest tv show. Watching this after seeing the contest is so satisfying.

[@mariahevans6940]

Also I get the tiniest tinge of homicidal rage whenever I hear Ben’s ABSOLUTELY perfect singing voice get tweaked by auto tune. I honestly think whoever was in charge of that was the wrong person for that job. Sorry I’ll calm down 😆😆😆

[@Eva-cy6kc]

Thank goodness I'm not the only person who noticed the autotune

[@MrPARKERSBIRD]

How can you tell?

[@Eva-cy6kc]

@@MrPARKERSBIRD the singing sort of has an electronic sound to it. (It's more obvious on Heaven On Their Minds) Also, it kind of sounds too good to be true

[@mariahevans6940]

@@MrPARKERSBIRD at 2:25 when he's singing the last "wanna see, I wanna see my God" on the word "God" you can definitely hear it a bit, and 4:34 when he sings "then, I was inspired" the "was" is definitely tweaked a bit with autotune. Also in "Everything's All Right (Reprise)" when Ben sings "let the world turn without me tonight" there's auto tune on the word "world". I'm frustrated that they couldn't leave Tim alone with the auto tune, because he can DEFINITELY sing but they also couldn't leave Ben alone either, cause both of them were doing fine when it came to vocals and didn't need any tune-ups in the edit at all.

[@MrPARKERSBIRD]

@@mariahevans6940 I got the ‘was’ at 4.34, I’ll have to keep listening to the rest together it. I can hear a missed or a slipped note with any professional singer but I’m not so good with auto-tune. I’ve got strange hearing levels. Thanks.

[@podcasthastings9501]

It's absolutely mind-blowing !! What a talent ! What emotional power !

[@kevindonaldson1367]

This is for me better that balls rendition. The range Ben is showing here is breathtaking. The control and emotions in his voice alone amaze me. What a voice

[@ameliawhite4796]

Oh my god yayyyyyy so proud of Ben 🥺❤️

[@janakucerova92]

This is just... unbelievable😭❤️ I literally love Ben his acting and voice

[@TaraColquitt]

He is amazing! I just found this clip a few days ago; I have watched it at least 30 times. It truly speaks to me after the year we have gone through. I am tired, but I realize how blessed I am too. Peace to Everyone in the new year ahead of us.

[@austinkuklinski6354]

I was astounded the first time I saw this

[@Zzevsworld]

2:58 the high note is absolutely amazing I remember first hearing it and being blown away!

[@dianepinkerton6733]

Loved Ben Forster as Jesus. I wish they would come to America.

[@howverydeadly23]

He’s my favorite Jesus because of the emotion he puts into his performance!

[@fizzygoldenbutterfly]

By far the best performance of this song ever, every time I see Ben perform it I cry

[@spaceseijo]

Really love the anger he puts into this performance, the indignation, the defiance. A lot of the actors play Jesus as this calm stoic character, when there's so much potential for the humanity of him in this play. And Ben really taps into that.

[@christineclarke5486]

I could never tire of hearing this. Phenomenal.

[@yvettewheatley5039]

Breaks my heart this song I literally sob all through it, hes gorgeous 💕💔