The Creation of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

[@StagedRight]

*** QUICK (SUPER EMBARRASSING) NOTE *** It has come to my attention that in the episode, I refer to Tom O'Horgan as "John" O'Horgan. This, obviously, is incorrect. Somehow I reviewed my audio without ever noticing the error. Apologies and onward!

[@nigelyoung2929]

Your two mentions of Quartermass at around 16:50 should have been to Quatermass.

[@Muswell]

You said St Paul's Cathedral instead of St Patrick's Cathedral.

[@Muswell]

And you said Paul Nichols played Jesus in London. It was Paul Nicholas.

[@StagedRight]

@@MuswellSt. Paul's (featured) is in London. St. Patrick's (at least the one I think you mean) is in NY.

[@mortensteen]

@@StagedRight What a great and well-researched piece! Lots of new information, even for a lifelong die-hard fan of JCS! Excellent stuff, thanks! (Muswell is referring to 31:50, where you're reading the letter from Steve Loventhall - the text on screen reads "St. Patrick's Cathedral", but your voice over says "St. Paul's Cathedral".)

[@tmamone83]

That opening guitar riff still sends shivers down my spine.

[@higgaroc]

It’s so damn good

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

As a whole piece of work, after all these years, Andrew Lloyd Webber has never topped his work on J.C.S

[@Ryotsu2112]

The twin acoustic guitar score for Pilate’s Dream is amazing as well.

[@pommelhorsepommelhorse8731]

my mind is clearer now

[@aquamarine99911]

Hah, I (playing {Peter) was in a local community production of JCS. During the last dress rehearsal, the guitar player messed up that riff. So for every one of the the 10-12 performances during our run, my heart was in my mouth during the intro. But he never messed up again, thank God. The riff is so evocative - it sets the table for what comes after. It would have taken the air out that evening's show if it wasn't played right.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

I am one of those Gen Xers with Boomer/hippie parents who weren’t religious but had interest in myths and spiritual stories, and my parents played JCS on repeat for…like…years. My mother would cry almost every single time she heard “Everything’s Alright” and “I don’t know how to love him” - and I still love this musical and it still to me represents the Jesus story in one of the most powerful ways I’ve ever encountered it. My faves - JCS and Cabaret - what a combo!

[@madyjules]

you could be my long lost sibling 😂

[@deb7518]

Mine, too! Loved them both!

[@ailinires]

Mine too, but Im a millenial 😊

[@kurtbrighton2675]

Same same! The brown album is and always will be the only version for me, due to similar Gen X upbringing w/open-minded, non-religious parents. The OG recording is locked in my mind from soup to nuts. Murray Head and Ian Gillan make all the other versions seem thin, weak and watery to me. (IMHO only--all due respect to other opinions.) But me and my sibs would sit and play Monopoly and shit on holidays with this album on for hours. The power and emotion and human torment of these characters as presented this way in these songs? Made me pursue singing, playing music, writing and performing. Absolute magic.

[@pamdemonia]

Oh yeah. The lovely brown box. The booklet with ALL THE WORDS. My sister and I sing bits and pieces to each other still. ("Always hoped that I'd be an apostle. Knew that I could make it if I tried") And yeah, very genx. Also went to church every Sunday, but Unitarian, so hippies, basically.

[@angeloiodice9304]

I was a child in a Catholic grammar school when the record came out. The nuns embraced it. The students embraced it. Suddenly, this scary guy who died a gory death, hammered to a cross, became a real person, a common, relatable “Joe,” that we all admired. And, the other characters brought the entire saga of the boring-to-a-kid Bible, into vibrant focus. We suddenly “got it” by listening to the record, a sort of “Cliffsnotes” to the Bible. And, it then inspired us to actually pull out the Bible to verify the record, and later movie. It was a great inspiration and learning tool.

[@raydavison4288]

JCS was in "heavy rotation" on my stereo system back in the early '70s. 😊 I am not even remotely religious, but I LOVED that album. 😊

[@allthingsmusic-]

I agree. I am a lifelong Atheist, but still to this day, I love JCS. I have the original album, and the movie. It's a great Fantasy story, put to good music.

[@briantjepkema7758]

I think JCS is quite anti Christian or, at least, anti religion. Judas is the hero of the piece after all.

[@flyingo]

Yep, my story is about the same as bobbysguitar.. atheist, etc. but that music was brilliant. I was 10 in 1970 when the album first came on the scene.

[@aclark903]

@@briantjepkema7758 Protagonist. Judas is treated sympathetically, but he's not the hero.

[@briantjepkema7758]

I can agree with that.@@aclark903

[@grene1955]

I'm an atheist that was raised catholic. I'm also a rock singer. I did and still do consider Superstar to be fantastic. On the strength of the music, and the vocal performances, it is simply amazing!

[@Mrs.Magix58]

it's a fantastic work of fiction, just like the bible

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Ditto. Also an atheist. Also love the hell out of JCSS. I wish I could sing like that. I think Judas is probably the best singer but I love that high C that Jesus does. The original 1970 recording of course.

[@maguffintop2596]

I would think with evil rising all around us, a looming world war, the loss of reason and logic in the mainstream, the full out destruction of science (esp. medical sciences), one would start re-evaluating their spiritual belief system. Especially as it becomes clearer every day that some type of 'spirit' is running rough shod through society today.

[@gozimusable1]

An atheist? They still exist? I'm sorry

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

@@gozimusable1Yep and we love JCS😂😂😂

[@gretareinarsson7461]

Great film and a fantastic music. For me there never has been a better singer for Jesus then Ian Gillan

[@beenaplumber8379]

After hearing that album daily for years growing up (played by my atheist mom), I was shocked maybe 15 years ago to learn that was Ian! But props to Ted. He came out of nowhere and defined the part, for most people I think.

[@peterpaul231]

Ted never had the voice.@@beenaplumber8379

[@theresabashford1726]

​@@beenaplumber8379 the reason Ted got the film part was Ian was on tour with Deep Purple and was unavailable, To refund ticket sales, compensate venues, compensate the other 4 members of the band plus the road crew would have cost more than the film production company was prepared to pay ( a few hundred thousand pounds even then ) Ian laid down his tracks in a morning and never got paid ( ended up with Royalties ) as they did not have any money, though singers have been cursing Gillan ever since he took the notes so high which every other singer that has followed has had to hit.

[@lindalou6105]

Amen

[@cidburton5183]

I wore the album out! I memorized every detail. I will be 67 next month & it remains in my top 10. Ian's "primal scream" took the words right out of my mouth oh so many years ago

[@michaelvachon1334]

Me too! (Age & appreciation of this work!)

[@Voicedude]

This show is in our family DNA. First album I bought with my own money. I did Caiaphas in 1976 at 17, but I was the only one who could hit the notes. I did King Herod a la Al Capone in 1978 and Pilate in 2014. My daughter Broadway Bitty was in the 50th Anniversary tour, with covid shut down consuming over 2 1/2 years of her life. Met Ted Neeley recently: one of the sweetest and most humble men you'll ever meet and he STILL has the vocal chops! #Superstar

[@deb7518]

King Herod a la AL Capone?! Wish I'd seen THAT, lol!😅

[@deb7518]

I also wish I'd seen Ben Vereen's Judas. That sounds interesting.

[@murphyterry]

The concept album was, and remains, completely and absolutely magnificent. Nothing will ever equal it, and yet every new production brings its perspective. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts (but the original will always be the best!)

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I agree. There's a low budget, subversive, underground vibe that I really appreciate.

[@beenaplumber8379]

@carolinewoodward1016 I love the movie, and to me that's the definitive JCS, but I agree they made a shambles with the music mix. The performances were all extraordinary, but the mix is atrocious. Did they run out of money and couldn't hire a professional?

[@beenaplumber8379]

@carolinewoodward1016 I love the movie, first and last, but you asked, and here'[s what I think is wrong with it (which Andrew also complained of during the video). The main problem with the mix is that the voices are all way, way too loud compared to the instruments. I don't like how dry they are either. I think those were directorial decisions made in a misguided attempt to make sure people could hear and understand the lyrics (no matter how bad their hearing was) and to keep focus on the characters, the story, and the lyrics rather than the music, but I think it failed horribly. It's a musical - a rock opera. It IS about the music as well as the characters. The music tells the story too. It's not an ordinary movie where you want the music supporting the drama and dialog while not pulling focus. They treated the singing as if it were mere dialog rather than part of something greater. They didn't mix it like that in the album or in the West End video production I bought a decade or so ago, only the movie version. If I'm right about their intent, by trying to keep the focus on the characters and treating the lyrics as dialog, they presented such a distracting mix that it pulls focus from the entire production, at least until the listener adjusts to it. People who are not fans of rock or other popular music styles might not notice anything more than maybe something unusual about how loud and clear the voices are, but for me it continues to be an annoyance every time I watch the movie, but again my bottom line is that I still watch the movie frequently because I absolutely love it. It's just an annoyance that sounds like someone didn't know what they were doing. It's a shame too because the instruments are all fantastic! The rock musicians are raw, imperfect, and powerful in their playing, and the symphonic stuff is huge and mind-blowing... until someone sings and you can hardly hear it anymore.

[@beenaplumber8379]

@carolinewoodward1016 The Tommy movie had a great sound mix, and it was no more or less important that the audience understand the words. But then the producers of Tommy had JCS to learn from. I think the vocal mix was clearly experimental in JCS. It was a risk, and my guess, like yours, is that they did it with a purpose. I just think the result of that experiment was awful. But it would take a lot more than a bad mix to ruin a movie that good! Going a little off-topic with you, I love the Tommy musical, everything except that stupid sappy duet they added because they thought it needed one big Broadway hit song... I Believe My Own Eyes I think. I saw it live when it came to Minnesota. I was disappointed at first because I wanted it to be more rock and less Broadway, but I found myself becoming quite emotionally involved. I don't know if this interests you, but there is a school production of the musical here on YT that features a rock band (guitar, bass, and drums only) emulating "Live at Leeds" era Who concerts, high on a stage above the play (where they belong, not in a hidden pit), and the band rocks!!! Here's a link to the show (as a playlist): kzbin.info/aero/PL4F513D81B18DC74F It's a special high school production with current, former, and future students and teachers in the cast. The kid playing the adult Tommy is... a high school play kinda actor, a good one, but nothing like a Broadway pro. (Some of the cast are pros now.) What's really worth watching is the band. The musical can rock! I have been a semi-pro bassist since I was 15 (56 now), and if I ever became involved in a production of Tommy, that's how I'd want it done. It's the music from the Broadway show, but it's played like The Who would have played it in 1970.

[@pjangels609]

Agreed. Jesus and Chess are my favs.

[@polaanna4071]

My aunt, Bernice McNaughton MBE, was the director of the Trinidad Singers (aka the Trinidad Folk singers) - rear left. She passed 11 years ago, but I still chat to a couple of the original members of the group, who are now in their 70s and 80s. I was too young to sing with the group, but used to listen to my aunt's copy of the album all the time. I now have her original copy in my vinyl collection. Wonderful memories of the Trinidad Singers regular shows at the Commonwealth Institute and my other aunt's similar group in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The original group started in Trinidad by Beryl McBurnie went on to perform at the Yorkshire Eisteddfod and in Germany. Beautiful voices, musicians and talented dancers.

[@springsogourne]

As a young teen in the 70s I memorized the album and can still remember the album word or word. Loved it then and still do today.

[@zaedizolkafli7832]

I am non-Christian but JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is my all-time favorite music album. Truly Rocking with Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) doing the vocals for Jesus main character. Both this album and the motion picture that followed are to me mind blowing.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I think for many non-Christians and atheists, the fact that the lyrics are never the slightest bit preachy allows everyone in for the experience. The lyrics ask many of the same questions agnostics and critics ask, and it gives decent and inspiring answers to those who are looking for that experience. But for the atheist, without the preachiness, what remains is an amazing story, which could be fiction, though even if taken as historical fact it doesn't contradict atheism. It's about a subversive social movement, its leader, its detractors, and the key players. Jesus doesn't even know if he's divine or just freaking out.

[@ramsey6681]

My personal favourite is the movie soundtrack. Gillan is amazing, but for me Ted Neely brings an emotional edge, anger and anguish to the vocals that I've never heard in any version before or since (plus the fact that he's still doing it 147 years later!) - and the late Carl Anderson just knocks it out of the park! For fun my friend & bandmate (also sadly no longer with us) Matt and I used to try and draw up a wish list of who we'd like to have in a recast version. We never got any further than this very short list because, as far as we were concerned, if you could get these 3 for the main parts you could draft in regional karaoke champions to fill out the rest of the cast! Like I said, it was just a bit of fun that we used to occasionally 'argue' about before and after gigs. So don't take it as (pardon the shit pun) gospel! Jesus: Chris Cornell (obviously!) Judas: Corey Glover (who did actually play the role for a while! I can't tell you how childishly excited and satisfied we were to hear his version of 'Heaven On Their Minds'!) Mary Magdalene: Skin from Skunk Anansie (ooh! A black shaven-headed lesbicle? How controversial! Balls to that - what a versatile, expressive voice!) I'd set up a website for anyone to put their own ideas forward, but I know that some numpty would suggest Sam Smith as Mary, at which point - being unable to actually punch the internet - I'd have to shut it down! 😉

[@lindalou6105]

Ian was awesome! Best version is with him.

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@ramsey6681 Chris Cornell... OMG you just rocked my world! I've got real goose bumps playing that in my head! Just think - in the very near future we'll be able to hear that through AI. The technology is there to do it right now. I would definitely pay for that download. (If the ghost of Chris Cornell isn't available, maybe Freddie Mercury?) Since this is a fantasy cast, I'd want to hear the Woodstock-era Joe Cocker as Judas. (Could you imagine his Heaven on their Minds?) Or for some cross-gender casting fun, how about Janis Joplin? Mary Magdalene has to go to another Woodstock-era legend, Grace Slick. I love Yvonne Elliman's Mary, but like you I think a stronger character would spice things up a bit. I think Mary M had to be a strong woman to make it in such a boys' club. I like the idea of a more intimidating Mary, and I think Grace Slick had the most amazing range with her voice, from jazz to rock to the Sesame Street number song. I think there are two other characters that need careful casting though. I would love to see Matt Lucas as Herod. He's an edgy, creepy British comedy actor - the short bald guy in Little Britain. If you haven't seen him in anything, you should. He can sing, though the part doesn't require a lot of vocal prowess, just a big, weird personality, and he's got it. The other is Simon Zealotes. I keep thinking Prince, but I don't think he could portray a follower. He's a bit too dom, but he's got the moves and the voice. Larry Marshall was just too good in that role. This is fun! Thanks for planting Chris Cornell in my mind. I'll be listening to that in my head now!

[@mozart9991]

The original album is the BEST version. No question.

[@lindalou6105]

How could it not be with Ian Gillan?

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

​@@lindalou6105It's hard to conceive his performance on the album only took a couple of hours to record. Brilliance.

[@SpiritsOfAnotherDay]

💯✨

[@johnnymarinarasauce]

Disagree. The movie version is much better.

[@JohnLRice]

Agreed! Although I think I somewhat prefer Carl Anderson's singing of Judas over Murray Head's.

[@jantakac7706]

This will FOREVER be my favorite musical and movie!

[@jantakac7706]

Yes!!!@

[@paristhalheimer]

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, this was my favorite album ever. I spent hours listening to it over and over again, until my 8 track player ate the tape. I had every line memorized.

[@dace938]

I watch the movie every year on Palm Sunday, then I play the original album via CD throughout the Tridum .

[@deb7518]

I think I might re-watch it this weekend, for Easter.

[@vishwasudpikar5981]

“Far too keen on when and how and not so much on why”, absolutely creative and universal about most things done! “Jaded Mandarin”, another gem!

[@paultynan8705]

Hot on why

[@lindacondray7918]

I grew up on this musical opera and subsequently played almost every Easter as an adult. My parents took us to see it multiple times in the movie theater. We were raised active Roman Catholic and they considered this movie important enough to pay for tickets multiple times for a family of 6. I loved that it featured actors of different ethnicities and portrayed the Passion from different perspectives and in a context of modern actors looking back on the past. The ending credits with the “actors” looking back on what they’d just produced and reflecting on the historical event was incredibly moving. Thank You for adding depth to development of the production.

[@alanwerner8563]

I’d Love to see some sort of poll of that generation for which JCS was central, (I dunno, maybe DOB between 1950-1965 or so) and find out what % of us MEMORIZED this Epic. There’s Dozens of us just here in the comments. And I’m another. I have Numerous Good Tales surrounding the group recitation of JCS. Ask me some other time…

[@deb7518]

This IS one of the more interesting comment sections I've run across in a while.

[@jklscrochetthisthat905]

I absolutely love this movie. I saw it seven times in the theater. I cry on and off through the entire show. The music is fantastic, and the love between Jesus and Judas is so intense. I watch this show often, and many priests and nuns love it as well. I saw many of them in the theater each time I went.. May God bless you all. 🙏 ❤Jan

[@maryangelinegurion1345]

I just screamed "YES!!" when I saw you uploaded a video today!!! Currently watching right now! Love your content!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@vargatomicomics]

So many fun facts I didn't know! I thought the movie was unversally beloved, surprised to hear it bombed. It is my absolute favorite musical ever.

[@lindacondray7918]

YES I was shocked to hear it was considered to have “bombed”. My parents took us to see it multiple times in the movie theater. We were raised active Roman Catholic and they considered this movie important enough to pay for tickets multiple times for a family of 6. We also listened to the Soundtrack every year. And, Yes, watched it every year when the VHS version came out.

[@Portugal2025]

“Enrage the devout but ought to intrigue and perhaps inspire the agnostic young”::Exactly! That is the essence of JCS

[@mebrunson]

This is THE BEST movie I ever saw. I still watch it periodically. 😊

[@idahomike4254]

I grew up listening to the original album (yes, I'm old). I didn't understand the lyrics so much, but the music totally rocked! Thank you for sharing this.

[@roaring.girl.]

0:12 I KNEW you were gonna say catholic childhood! Takes one catholic-raised musical theater fan to know one 😂

[@JustLearning]

IN the 1970s, I was in Catholic school attending 8th grade. I had heard the catchy "Jesus Christ Superstar" song and liked it very much. One day we learned that one of our scheduled classes would entail listening to and exploring the JCSS original album. We love the idea because we loved the song that sprang from it and knowing that that class would be about listening to an album and not so other boring subject. No one missed that class that went on for several weeks. Through the JCSS album we learned some history and the players involved during the times of Jesus. It was the first time we learned about the high priest Caiaphas and the Pharisees and Sadducees. The class helped us (students) to learn about New Testament history. We were all sad when the class came to a completion some time later. Later i saw the play and loved Ted Neely's portrayal of Jesus. JCSS reflected the angst of the times and the questioning of the 1970s. That questioning was projected into the musical. Jesus was portrayed as not knowing why He had to die. In the scriptures, Jesus knows why He had to die but asked the Father if He could not go through the travail. Not sure why Rice and Webber did not know the reason Jesus had to die as it is stated in the Bible. But being unbelievers and secular they wrote it as they saw it. Still I am grateful for their musical as it was an instrument used by the Catholic nuns to teach us some history and get us involved and invigorated about something to do with Jesus. It was one of the best classes I ever had in grammar school. I later became a believer and saw the scriptural flaws in the musical but still have an appreciation for this secular work. The music and lyrics are well done and catchy. I still listen to and watch the various albums of JCSS including the movie. I cringe at certain songs and lyrics but appreciate the work as a whole. It was nice to see how JCSS was created.

[@dionmcgee5610]

As a devout agnostic who grew up only experiencing the hatred and intolerance of true believers, JCSS was the first time I realized that Jesus may not have been as cruel and tribalistic as many/possibly most of his followers had shown themselves to be. I stopped associating Jesus with the reprehensible behavior of his "flock" through the ages and still have a positive opinion of the man. I imagine the play has converted many nonbelievers to Christianity- for whatever that's worth.

[@fullmetalfreedom]

My parents raised me on this although they prob didn't know it. I just fell in love with it. Every word every sentiment every emotion. I listen to it just as much 40 years later. It is incredible and brilliant. Thanks Mom and Dad

[@theonemodifier]

I love hearing Yvonne's voice out front in the movie mix of the audio. Goosebumps!❤❤

[@sashacharnin]

LYRICS&LYRICISTS AND LEGENDARY DIRECTORS: I worked for Tom O'Horgan who I regarded as a legend for his work on Dude, Hair, Lenny and JCS. I was an actor in his Jungle Book musical, "Mowgli" which was a great experience whether or not it came to Broadway-which it did not. I begged to the screen...throughout this video... you had gone back in and corrected your audio to TOM from John. Oy. But what I will say...this musical (which I saw at 4) changed/shaped my views on what can be seen and heard on stage. I had seen (by this point) more than 10 musicals...so the staging was magical. The performances were electrifying and the performers were stunningly beautiful. Which added to the full picture of this piece. The beauty. I don't know if anyone ever recognized that. And Tom's vision in my mind...even with all the criticism...has maintained through the eras. His look, his vision of the staging. WHAT I ALSO FOUND STIMULATING was the notion that it was Tim Rice...the lyricist...who brought the project to life. My father, Martin Charnin, was a lyricist/director and was highly instrumental in bringing the musical "Two By Two" to Richard Rodgers attention, "Annie" to anyone who'd have it (Charles Strouse did the music honors after a long, drawn out , hard sell ), "Annie Warbucks" again Charles Strouse... and the ill fated, "I Remember Mama" which would be Mr. Rodgers final musical-which contains a beautiful score regardless of who plays Mama. Lyricists never receive as much credit as they should...for that fact...I thank you for pointing that out.

[@jimwilson5148]

I was lucky enough to have seen the original concert tour in Cleveland, Ohio. It used no sets or props, minimal costumes (although Herod's costume was pretty memorable, especially the very short shorts and rainbow knee socks), and had all the musicians on stage. The singers used handheld mics (not disguised as flowers). During Damned For All Time, the soloist (trombone, not tenor sax, due to an accident of some sort, if I remember correctly) came out to the front of the stage and played, while Judas stood there staring him down. An amazing show!

[@jageroc]

@jimwilson5148 How cool! Was that at Public Hall? Do have any other memories of the show you can share, such as who performed ? Thanks!

[@jimwilson5148]

@@jageroc Somewhere in my big trunk of stuff, I believe I still have my souvenir program from the show. I will try to dig it out this weekend. Since I watched this video, I've been curious myself. And yes, I believe it was at Public Hall.

[@jimwilson5148]

​@@jagerocSorry it took me a little longer than I thought to post this, but here it is, as printed in the program. The first page is about the Broadway Stage Production at the Mark Hellinger Theater. This is the info starting on page two about the production I saw: Robert Stigwood in association with MCA Inc. by arrangement with David Land Presents JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Tim Rice Original Concert Production From the Cast Album With Soloists, Chorus, Rock Band, and Full Orchestra Orchestrations by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lighting Designed by Jules Fisher Entire Production under the Supervision of Robert Stigwood, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice .......... CAST THE SINGERS, IN THE ORDER OF THEIR APPEARANCE: Judas Iscariot - James Sbano Jesus Christ - Tom Westerman Mary Magdalene - Holly Lipton Priests - Frankie Madrid, Roger Cruz Caiaphas, High Priest - Stephen Klein Annas - Philip Toubus Simon Zealotes - Frankie Madrid Pontius Pilate - Lyle Countryman Maid by the Fire - Renee Morris Peter - Roger Cruz King Herod - Kris Johnson Other singers (Apostles, Priests, Roman soldiers, Merchants, crowds, etc.): Roger Cruz, Realinda Farrell, Lorraine Feather, Renee Morris, Kathryn Mary Selvester, Philip Toubus, Coletha Woodson. Understudies (Judas) Frankie Madrid; (Mary) Renee Morris; (Jesus) Philip Toubus. Featured Musicians Robert Huston - Guitars (Electric and Acoustic) David Hopkins - Clarinet, Sax, and Flute (Note: As I mentioned earlier, he was injured in an accident and was unable to perform at the show I saw) Skip Reed - Drums, Percussion Ronald Blanco - Bass Guitar James deSalvo - Piano, Organ, Electric Piano Gary Tabita - Rhythm Guitar The Superstar Orchestra Conductor: Irving Joseph The rest of the souvenir program (which cost $2) is pictures of the touring cast, pictures from the Broadway production, the libretto, and a story about the original recording

[@Muswell]

That instrumental "John 19:41" is one of the most beautiful orchestral pieces of all time.

[@SongbirdAlom]

hard agree. It's stunning.

[@lymangreen5020]

I agree also!!!

[@eporter70]

My uncle gifted the album to my mom after playing it for her. We were little kids at the time (in a catholic household). We played it so often we even have the record skips memorized, 50 years later. Not sure with which sibling the album ended up but the love of it continues with my great niece. That’s a classic.

[@davidw5993]

the original album was the first alum i bought when i was 13 and got my new stereo hehe. Saw it on broadway on xmas eve 1971. Saw that version again later that year before its run ended. Classic

[@EGSimon-ds1vf]

My first album, too, played on my first stereo!

[@Leah-xu2fd]

This movie was a Easter tradition in my house growing up. Glad I wasn't the only one who had it growing up. There were a few years in my teens I could not stand it but I have grown to love it again. This was a lovely video.

[@ianhamilton2035]

Been listening to this since I was 15, (1975), all-time favorite!!! 😃

[@van1976]

Good video on the "behind the scenes". Last week I met Yvonne Elliman and Ted Neeley. I was at both rehearsal and show at The Regent Theater Arlington, MA. March 28, 2024. I had my guitar in hand, sang "You are my Sunshine" to Yvonne, she joined in--lol. Ted and Yvonne are very personable people, signed my guitar, glad to have met them. Ted even remembered my name from the night before, "Van" (I'm impressed, maybe it's the Guitar). 5 STARS! --Van

[@kc-lp6wg]

The Donny Osmond coat sound effect was *chef's kiss*. This video is outstanding. JCS has been one of my favourite musicals of all time.

[@LynnHermione]

31:28 That letter is spot on. JC Superstar is not about Jesus, it is about idols, and how people will love them then turn on them on a dime

[@sheridan140]

I went to Catholic elementary school in the 80s, and had a nun music teacher who played this for us and i've liked it since. Well done vid, thanks for making it!!

[@calypsoflowers]

My favorite movie. Very well done video. Thank you.

[@Vesnicie]

I'm mourning the death of my JCS cassette after many hundreds of playings. I knew every measure of it, could play it through in my head and often did during distance swims. JCS also planted a lot of ideas in my mind. It evangelized me when no one else would.

[@SecretAgentPaul]

Time to upgrade to an 8-track cartridge.

[@Vesnicie]

@@SecretAgentPaul I got really radical and purchased a top-secret tech called CD, which I'm pretty sure stands for "covert dossier".

[@GailGallaghermusic]

I was raised UU and Catholic at the same time and this musical was a game changer for me when I first heard it as a teenager. Thanks for this deep dive

[@jonathanlafrance8643]

What a great job you did in producing this very important documentary. I can’t tell how POSITIVE the soundtrack and movie was on my DEEP LOVE OF JESUS! It was BRILLIANT and I would like to believe that JESUS would approve. Important note: NOBODY before or after has created anything CLOSE to this!

[@MondoMiami]

This was so well done!!! 5 stars. Can’t wait to see your Evita episode. Thank you!!

[@patrickrussell3727]

I saw a travelling performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta back around 1980 or so. Basically, was just the singers in frocks. Still to this day, it was the best performance I have seen. The music/singing speaks for itself.

[@gerardoramoncesarreynaldo9469]

Ian Gillan as Jesus. Just perfect for all time.

[@ballhawk387]

To me, JCS is an awesome piece of musical work, and revolutionary in that it fully succeeded in portraying Jesus and his followers in a relatable way, a half century before The Chosen.

[@lindalou6105]

Totally agree

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Great presentation. Thanks. I've seen Superstar on stage about 5 times: New York, London, Barre Vermont-but the far away best production was the 2011 Superstar at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario Canada. Almost a block box production with chrome, steel, and leather. Word in the auditorium was that Weber said it was the best production of Superstar-at least as of 2011.

[@VinnieRM]

I grew up obsessed with this album, I still count it as my ultimate favourite. What I did not know was my father's family member, the Scouser, Johnny Gustafson was involved. So shocked and in awe.

[@a.d.peterson1981]

This is remarkable work. Thank you so much. Instant fan!

[@jongiometti6595]

The original JCS came out when I was quite young, and along with the Beatles, was my first exposure to music outside of church. I still listen to it regularly and learned the bass line to most of the songs. My favorite live performance of it was in Prague in 1998 in a round theater built specifically for the performance.

[@lonellfletcher]

Can't wait for your Follies/Two Gentlemen of Verona video

[@garrygrasinski]

This was a great look at a phenomenal musical work that has "survived" many iterations. I will always go back to the original album, as that lives in my head and my heart. Thank you for creating this wonderful exploration of a treasured work.

[@sjduges67]

I'm not much into musical theater, but from a historical perspective, JCS, Hair, and Godspell played into the Jesus Movement of the early 70s. There were many pop songs that were religious in nature; Put Your Hand in the Hand, I'll Take You There, and the Lord's Prayer, just to name a few. Even though I was very young, the album and movie are in my personal collection.

[@frederickstaleyjr6318]

Excellent detail shared . Well.dome and enjoyed!

[@BuckyNugget]

I wish I had first heard JCS in its vinyl form. I'm so used to the visual interpretations, I never got to have that incredibly personal experience that only a lucky few had.

[@PatrickKCompton]

My favorite rock opera! Well done Sir.

[@redbulb3481]

JCS made me fall in love with musicals too :D

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

The "WHHHYYYY" memes brought me here. I know nothing else hahaha

[@Plisko1]

When I was 4 years old my brother starred in a high school shadow play of this opera using the original concept album as the music with the actors lip synching behind the screen. It was magic to me. It started my whole path in music and performing arts. By the time I was in 4th grade I had worn out 3 different "brown albums" and I could sing every song. I convinced my father, a retired theater director, to direct the show in our living room as an event for our small town. We were "The Living Room Theater Company" and we did 2 shows with me playing Jesus and members of my cub scout pack playing all the other roles (plus a female friend). We did the same thing with the concept album that the shadow play did. We used it's music and we sang along to it. Looking back... I can't believe I pulled that off. It is still burned into my psyche as a core memory of my life. I was never the same after this opera. The original album will always be the definitive work to me. Ian Gillian will always be the definitive Jesus.

[@JordanVanRyn]

I really appreciate you doing this video on my favorite rock opera. JCS was actually a favorite since I was 8 and I would always play it around Passover along with “The Prince of Egypt”. What made this musical revolutionary is that it showed characters like Jesus, Judas and Mary as real relatable people. I did participate in the ensemble at a community theater production of JCS two years ago and we set it during modern times when Covid was happening and it was an incredible experience.

[@deb7518]

Ooooh...THAT sounds interesting.

[@kevinmaillet4712]

At 17, I played guitar in my towns theater production of JCS. I had never seen it, nor had I heard the music. I had to take home the album to learn the songs and fell in love with the score. Every time I hear it, it brings back great memories ❤

[@boobird2]

This is so wonderful. I love your channel and have shared it on my FB page. Great research, thank you so much. B xx

[@gegare]

Desde Manizales, Colombia, ¡FELICITACIONES! (¡CONGRATULATIONS!) La obra que más he escuchado durante 50 años y representada en el 2023 por artistas de mi tierra en mi ciudad.

[@mattskustomkreations]

Love that album. Best musical score ever.

[@peterniedmann9592]

Excellent documentary. Thank you!

[@dorothydotson7154]

JCS, Hair and Godspell for me are a unit and they describe that wonderful time period perfectly.

[@LoisLane22]

I agree but for me, I would add Pippin also.

[@MatteoMi]

@@LoisLane22 Heard pippin thanks to this comment. I can't see how that can compete with the holy monsters above honestly

[@bartosz_staszkiewicz]

Thanks for this vid, very interesting and helpful to better understand this evergreen piece of art.

[@BritInvLvr]

Ah. I saw JC Superstar in the theater way back when. I loved it. I didn’t have any money, so I used to borrow the LP from the library.

[@StagedRight]

Love this. My dad said he borrowed the LP from a high school friend and recorded it to tape. Only later did he have his own LP. When we got the CD years ago with that cleanness and restoration, it was truly like hearing it anew.

[@Muswell]

Not a single bum song in the show. Every song is a winner.

[@mostfamousman]

This is remarkable. I performed in this show three times, and nearly all of this material is new to me. Thank you for taking the time to put this all together! ♥ For the record, I'm a super-fan of the 1973 motion picture recording. Carl Anderson is the definitive voice of Judas.

[@NUBF]

Such a fun, great and interesting video!! It’s so well done and researched, thank you so much 😍 let out a tiny scream with the Evita reveal, the countdown starts now!

[@litlblkhouse]

One of the GOATs of musicals. I love that you told the full story of the show's origins 😊

[@Licenciadopedro]

"Every time I look at you I don't understand..." It is one of my favourite starting lines for a song. About 20 years ago I had a painter painting my house on Easter and ever since I have the video of Jesus Christ Superstar, I always put it on on Easter. Immediately he said "Jesus anti Christ Superstar" the guy was an Evangelist close minded follower. I told him that of all the films I have seen of Jesus Christ this one was the most accurate, everybody was in Holy Land, dressed in period correct clothes and wearing sandals, now the Roman soldiers and Herod's court was another thing. His narrow mind would not let him to see the beauty of the film.

[@deb7518]

Those Heavy Spirits weigh us ALL down, don't they!

[@MarkMiller-gt5tu]

​@@deb7518I saw "Jesus Christ Superstar" when I was 7, and loved it!! Coming from a broken home, I often 🤔 wondered how cool it would be to have one of the Roman soldiers as my dad.😊.

[@Arnot517]

I first saw this production in April of 1973 and was amazed by the music, lyrics as well as the actors. Ted Neeley was incredible and perfect for the part of Jesus. I saw the show 12 timesm bought the album, CD and when available the DVD, 50 years later, still Very Impressed !

[@emilyp3713]

Thanks for the video. I love this musical! it makes me feel so many things like its so catchy and good but also reminds me how interesting Bible stuff can be despite me being slightly estranged from Catholicism !

[@simonlawrencesings]

Superb and thorough video. Thank you!

[@manifestgtr]

There’s definitely a third contingent of people who are megafans of JCS. I’ve been playing guitar in Ted and Yvonne’s band off and on for several years and there would legitimately be some of the same people outside the theaters two nights in a row, lining up to meet them afterward, telling stories about the different shows they’d seen, sitting front and center for the show. JCS definitely has this curiously devoted set of superfans.

[@henrikl1394]

JCS got me into musicals, as 5 year old. English isn't my native language so I didn't know what they where singing. But I was so taken by Yvonne Elliman and I don't know how to love him. Later when I understood what they sang, then I was hooked on Ian Gillan and Gethsemane ....And a little fotnot...My aunt was in the original Swedish version with Agnetha.

[@1957DLT]

This episode was a wealth of info that I did not know or had never heard before. I was young in 1969/70 but there was no escaping the music in North America when it began to get air time. JCS was never a favorite of mine, but I have appreciated how it has continually changed and refreshed with each production over the decades. Thanks for the awesome vid!

[@cathyhorn963]

Very well-done video. I originally heard the album in late 1970. Attended the Broadway show in 1972. Saw the movie around 1975. So… I have “been there” since the beginning… But discovered so much more about the piece due to your excellent presentation. Kudos!

[@marthalilly3689]

I was a child when this first came out and it made Jesus real for me then… and I listened to the album every Good Friday and later watched the movie

[@ViaAngeles-ve5uj]

Thanks for this! IMHO, JSCC is one of the few mass media franchises of true artistic merit, nay, genius.

[@marissaburgess6023]

Totally amazing historical documentary Thanks so much for this is my only and favorite musical

[@klondt]

Congrats for this amazing video. Can't wait to see the next one.

[@washburn8049]

I love everything about this show. In 1975 we did a very bad version at school, but I fell in love with the music and lyrics, and to this day it still remains one of my favourites.

[@KentuckyLiz]

My sister and I grew up singing and acting this album out together when we were kids, with our friends. I listen to it every Easter. We text each other lyrics during the Triduum church services. I just saw the London 50th anniversary production Saturday. Fresh stage interpretation, modern urban grunge, some interesting details. Vocally--Neeley and Anderson own these roles, just because that is what is ingrained in our brains.

[@markhaley4773]

As a life-long fan of musicals (and of Jesus Christ Superstar) I devoured this video several times in a row, just as I did with Ellis Nassour's book Rock Opera, when I discovered it in the stacks of my junior high school library. I may or may not have "stolen" that book. Even after having read Rock Opera, my mind was blown when you made connections to A Chorus Line!! The Rocky Horror and Hair connections I was aware of. But A Chorus Line?? Wow. And Baayork Lee has been right there in the middle of the screen this whole time!! Great job on this video. I have subscribed because I can't wait for the Evita video.

[@emergingmuses]

That was excellent. Thank you!

[@Musicore08]

This was so much more interesting than I thought it would be. Awesome!

[@stingfan16ify]

Your recounting of the history and background of the project was nothing short of brilliant!!! I must confess that I have never seen a stage production of "Superstar" and have only listened to the original Rock Opera and watched the film during its original theatrical run. Having said all that, I must further admit that the original soundtrack is my favorite album of all time. The quality of the lyrics and the music cover the gamut of countless emotions and are truly astonishing. The casting is letter perfect also, with Ian Gillan, Murray Head, and Yvonne Elliman nailing every facet of their respective roles in spectacular fashion! I am quite the fan of "Classic Rock" and for my money, Gillan's vocal performance in "Gethsemane" is the finest in Rock history! Good show, my friend! Well done! I will look for your other videos as well.

[@jedabenel2117]

And I had the honor of working in a film in the early 1970s in Israel, Two months of photos, music, drugs and rock and roll. 50 years and like yesterday. Carl Anderson was a wonderful singer and a wonderful guy. And unfortunately he died a few years ago.

[@annettefarrell2093]

My dad was in the Air Force and we were stationed in Ankara Turkey when my mom bought original album release which we listened to a million times. I still have it! 1973 had us stationed in MS. and we went to see movie and instantly fell in love with Ted. So happy to say I was able to see Ted and Carl perform together several times before Carl passed. I was lucky enough to get pictures/autographs with them. My kids also fell in love with JCS and have met Ted as well! ❤

[@cherylcamilleri1989]

I love your Staged Right series!

[@OBPmusical1430]

As a new playwright myself… I saw this at just the right time. Thank you.

[@Swimdeep]

I was a little kid in Catholic school when it came out. Loved it and it made me a secret rebel. Thank you for you thoroughness in detailing the genesis of the project.

[@hiridavidfeign]

I learned so much from this. Tightly written and full of info. Thanks!

[@KellyLouiseBrown]

I have a London cast CD with Steve Balsamo as JC. It's wonderful :)

[@jchow5966]

I will never forget that great album.

[@CageySea]

I saw the original Australian production at the Capitol in Sydney twice as a schoolboy in the 1970s. Its successful run likely helped save that wonderful old theatre (a mock Greek amphitheatre with statues around the sides and a "sky" ceiling) from demolition. Absolutely fabulous cast including the late Jon English (rock musician and legendary Pirate King in modern Pirates of Penzance productions), Michelle Fawdon (one of the few involved with a theatrical rather than rock background), Marcia Hines (the first black Mary Magdalene), Reg Livermore (Betty Blokk Buster, Rocky Horror), Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell (Air Supply), John Paul Young (Love is in the Air), Stevie Wright (the Easybeats) and Rory O'Donohue (Aunty Jack). The staging was simple, centered around a cubic pentagon with sides that hydraulically opened and shut to form walkways and platforms.