Login
Login

Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert#Soundtrack

{{Short description|NBC television live broadcast Easter 2018, rebroadcast 2020}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox television

| image = Jesus Christ Superstar Live.jpg

| genre = {{Plainlist|

}}

| creator =

| based_on = {{based on|Jesus Christ Superstar|Andrew Lloyd Webber|Tim Rice}}

| developer =

| writer =

| director = {{Plainlist|

}}

| presenter =

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| composer = Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice

| country = United States

| language = English

| location = Marcy Avenue Armory, Williamsburg, Brooklyn,
New York City, New York

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

}}

| producer =

| cinematography =

| editor =

| camera =

| runtime = 2 hours, 23 minutes (included commercials)

| company = {{Plainlist|

}}

| network = NBC

| released = {{Start date|2018|04|01}}

| related = {{Plainlist|

}}

}}

Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert is an American musical television special that was broadcast live on NBC on April 1, 2018 (Easter Sunday) and rebroadcast (from tape) on Easter Sunday 2020, April 12, 2020. Executively produced by Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, and Marc Platt, it was a staged concert performance of the 1970 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. It received positive reviews from critics but had a smaller viewership than earlier musical specials.

Description and plot

{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2024}}{{main|Jesus Christ Superstar#Plot}}

The musical is almost entirely sung-through, with minimal spoken dialogue. The plot is loosely based on the Canonical Gospels' accounts of the last week of the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion.

Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles, worries that the followers of Jesus are getting out of control and may be seen as a threat by the Roman Empire, who might harshly suppress them ("Heaven on Their Minds").

The other apostles anticipate entering Jerusalem alongside Jesus and ask him about his plans, but Jesus tells them not to worry about the future. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene tries to help Jesus relax. Judas warns Jesus to avoid Mary, because a relationship with a prostitute could be seen as inconsistent with his teachings and be used against him. Jesus scolds Judas, saying he should not judge others unless he is free of sin. Jesus then reproaches the apostles and complains that none of them truly care for him ("What's the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying").

Mary reassures Jesus while anointing him. Judas fumes that the money spent on fine oil should have been used to help the poor. Jesus reasons they do not have the resources to end poverty, and that they should treasure what comforts they possess ("Everything's Alright").

Meanwhile, Caiaphas, the High Priest of Israel, assembles the Pharisees and priests. Like Judas, they fear that Jesus's followers will be seen as a threat by the Romans, and that many innocent Jews might suffer the consequences. Thus, Caiaphas concludes that for the greater good, Jesus must be executed ("This Jesus Must Die"). As Jesus and his followers arrive exultantly in Jerusalem, they are confronted by Caiaphas, who demands that Jesus disperse the crowd. Jesus instead greets them ("Hosanna"). Simon the Zealot suggests that Jesus lead his mob in a war against Rome and gain absolute power ("Simon Zealotes"). Jesus rejects this, stating that none of his followers understand what true power is ("Poor Jerusalem").

Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, has a dream in which he meets a Galilean and then receives the blame for the man's violent death at the hands of a mob ("Pilate's Dream"). Jesus arrives at the Temple and finds that it is being used as a marketplace; angered by this, he drives everyone out. A group of lepers ask Jesus to heal them. Their number increases, and overwhelmed, Jesus rejects them ("The Temple"). Mary Magdalene sings Jesus to sleep ("Everything's Alright (Reprise)"). While he sleeps, Mary acknowledges that she is in love with him, and it frightens her ("I Don't Know How to Love Him").

Conflicted, Judas seeks out the Pharisees and proposes helping them arrest Jesus, believing that Jesus is out of control and that Jesus himself would approve of this action. In exchange for his help, Judas is offered thirty pieces of silver. Judas adamantly refuses, but then accepts upon Caiaphas's suggestion that he could use the money to help the poor ("Damned for All Time/Blood Money").

Jesus shares a Passover meal with his disciples, where they get drunk and pay little attention to him. He remarks that "for all you care" the wine they are drinking could be his blood and the bread his body. He asks them to remember him, and then, frustrated by their lack of understanding, he predicts that Peter will deny him three times that night, and that another one of them will betray him. Judas admits that he is the one who will betray Jesus and, saying that he does not understand why Jesus had no plan, leaves ("The Last Supper").

The remaining apostles fall asleep as Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He tells God his doubts about whether his mission has had any success and angrily demands to know why he should continue and suffer the horrible death that awaits him. Receiving no answer, he realizes that he cannot defy God's will, and surrenders to God. ("Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)"). Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on the cheek. When Jesus is brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas and the priests send him to Pilate ("The Arrest"). Meanwhile, Peter is confronted by three witnesses of Jesus's arrest, to each of whom he denies that he knows Jesus. Mary observes that Jesus had predicted this ("Peter's Denial").

Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus answers: "That's what you say." Since Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate says that he is not under his jurisdiction and sends him to King Herod ("Pilate and Christ"). The flamboyant King Herod pressures Jesus to prove his divinity by performing miracles, but Jesus ignores him. Herod angrily sends him back to Pilate ("King Herod's Song"). Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the apostles remember when they first began following Jesus, and wish that they could return to a time of hope and peace ("Could We Start Again, Please?").

Judas is horrified at Jesus's harsh treatment. He expresses regret to the Pharisees, correctly dreading that he will forever be remembered as a traitor. Caiaphas and Annas assure him that he has done the right thing. Judas throws the money he was given to the floor, and storms out. He curses God for manipulating him, and commits suicide ("Judas' Death").

At Jesus's trial, Pilate attempts to interrogate Jesus, but is cut off by a bloodthirsty mob which demands that Jesus be crucified.{{efn|In the Broadway production, a stanza is added where Pilate admonishes the crowd for their sudden respect for Caesar, as well as for how they "produce Messiahs by the sackful"; this was kept for the film and subsequent productions.}} Unnerved, he tells the mob that Jesus has committed no crime and does not deserve to die, but to satisfy the mob he will have Jesus flogged. Pilate pleads with Jesus to defend himself, but Jesus says weakly that everything has been determined by God. The crowd still calls for Jesus's death, and finally Pilate reluctantly agrees to crucify Jesus ("Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 Lashes)").

As Jesus awaits crucifixion, the spirit of Judas returns and questions why Jesus chose to arrive in the manner and time that he did, and if it was all part of a divine plan after all ("Superstar"). Jesus is crucified, recites his final words, and dies ("The Crucifixion"). Jesus' body is taken down from the cross and buried ("John 19:41").

Cast and characters

=Main=

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

{{Div col end}}

=Ensemble=

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

  • Melody Betts
  • Felicia Boswell
  • Abby Corrigan
  • Micaela Diamond
  • Rory Donovan
  • Christine Dwyer
  • Mike Evariste
  • Will Hammond
  • F. Michael Haynie
  • Charissa Hogeland
  • Bre Jackson
  • Mykal Kilgore
  • Billy Lewis Jr.
  • Justin Gregory Lopez
  • Angel Lozada
  • Vince Oddo
  • Kyle Taylor Parker
  • Joel Perez
  • Jonah Platt
  • Conor Ryan
  • Christina Sajous
  • Justin Matthew Sargent
  • Heath Saunders
  • Joey Taranto
  • Syndee Winters
  • Lauren Zakrin

{{Div col end}}

=Dancers=

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

  • Chloe Davis
  • Timothy Edwards
  • Shelby Finnie
  • Bahiyah Hibah
  • Juel D. Lane
  • Terk Lewis
  • Mayte Natalio
  • Sarah Parker
  • Willie Smith III
  • Maleek Washington

{{Div col end}}

Musical numbers

The musical numbers from the track list of the soundtrack.{{cite web|title=Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event) by Original Television Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert/1359176580|website=iTunes|access-date=March 31, 2018|date=April 6, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144311/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert/1359176580|url-status=live}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Act I

  • "Overture" – Orchestra
  • "Heaven on Their Minds" – Judas
  • "What's the Buzz / Strange Thing Mystifying" – Judas, Jesus, Mary, and Ensemble
  • "Everything's Alright" – Mary, Judas, Jesus, and Ensemble
  • "This Jesus Must Die" – Caiaphas, Annas, and Ensemble
  • "Hosanna" – Jesus, Caiaphas, and Ensemble
  • "Simon Zealotes / Poor Jerusalem" - Simon Zealotes and Ensemble
  • "Pilate's Dream" – Pontius Pilate
  • "The Temple" - Jesus and Ensemble
  • "Everything's Alright (Reprise)" – Jesus and Mary
  • "I Don't Know How to Love Him" – Mary
  • "Damned for All Time / Blood Money" – Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, and Ensemble

{{col-break}}

;Act II

  • "The Last Supper" – Jesus, Judas, and Ensemble
  • "Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)" – Jesus
  • "Transition" – Jesus and Judas
  • "The Arrest" – Jesus, Peter, Annas, Caiaphas, and Ensemble
  • "Peter's Denial" – Peter, Mary, and Ensemble
  • "Pilate and Christ" – Pilate, Annas, Jesus, Ensemble
  • "King Herod's Song" – Herod and Company
  • "Transition After Herod" – Orchestra
  • "Could We Start Again, Please?" – Mary and Peter
  • "Judas' Death" – Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, and Ensemble
  • "Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes)" – Pilate, Caiaphas, Jesus, and Ensemble
  • "Superstar" – Judas and Ensemble
  • "The Crucifixion" – Jesus and Ensemble
  • "John Nineteen: Forty One" – Orchestra

{{col-end}}

Production

=Development=

On May 10, 2017, it was announced that NBC had selected Jesus Christ Superstar to be their next live musical event. Executive producers were expected to include Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Marc Platt, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Tim Rice.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/jesus-christ-superstar-nbc-live-musical-1202422678/|title='Jesus Christ Superstar' Set as NBC's Next Live Musical|first=Elizabeth|last=Wagmeister|date=May 10, 2017|website=Variety.com|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114958/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/jesus-christ-superstar-nbc-live-musical-1202422678/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/nbc-will-broadcast-jesus-christ-superstar-live|title=NBC Will Broadcast Jesus Christ Superstar Live! - Playbill|website=Playbill.com|date=May 10, 2017|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110115055/http://www.playbill.com/article/nbc-will-broadcast-jesus-christ-superstar-live|url-status=live}}{{citation|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|title=Jesus Christ Superstar is NBC's next live musical|author=James Hibberd|date=May 10, 2017|url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/05/10/jesus-christ-superstar-nbc-musical/|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024052119/https://ew.com/tv/2017/05/10/jesus-christ-superstar-nbc-musical/|url-status=live}} In December 2017, it was reported that British theater director David Leveaux would direct{{cite web|last1=Pedersen|first1=Erik|title='Jesus Christ Superstar Live!': Alice Cooper to Play King Herod; David Leveaux Directs|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/jesus-christ-superstar-live-alice-cooper-king-herod-david-leveaux-director-1202222910/|website=Deadline|access-date=December 8, 2017|date=December 8, 2017|archive-date=December 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209203922/http://deadline.com/2017/12/jesus-christ-superstar-live-alice-cooper-king-herod-david-leveaux-director-1202222910/|url-status=live}} and that the show would be performed in front of a live audience at the Marcy Avenue Armory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.{{cite web|last1=White|first1=Peter|title=John Legend To Play Jesus In NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!'|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/john-legend-to-star-as-jesus-in-nbcs-jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-1202229660/|website=Deadline|access-date=December 20, 2017|date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051712/http://deadline.com/2017/12/john-legend-to-star-as-jesus-in-nbcs-jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-1202229660/|url-status=live}} Members of the creative crew included costume designer Paul Tazewell and choreographer Camille A. Brown.{{cite web|last1=Littleton|first1=Cynthia|title=Music and Audience Take Center Stage in NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert'|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-john-legend-nbc-easter-1202712779/|website=Variety|access-date=March 30, 2018|date=February 28, 2018|archive-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228202002/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-john-legend-nbc-easter-1202712779/|url-status=live}}

=Casting=

In December 2017, it was announced that Alice Cooper had been cast as King Herod, with John Legend in the title role. The following month, it was announced that Sara Bareilles would play Mary Magdalene.{{cite web|last1=Andreeva|first1=Nellie|title='Jesus Christ Superstar': Sara Bareilles To Play Mary Magdalene In NBC Live Staging|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/jesus-christ-superstar-sara-bareilles-cast-mary-magdalene-in-nbc-live-staging-1202237089/|website=Deadline|access-date=January 6, 2018|date=January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107061522/http://deadline.com/2018/01/jesus-christ-superstar-sara-bareilles-cast-mary-magdalene-in-nbc-live-staging-1202237089/|url-status=live}} In February 2018, it was announced that Brandon Victor Dixon, Norm Lewis, Ben Daniels, Jason Tam, Jin Ha, and Erik Grönwall had been cast as Judas, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Peter, Annas and Simon Zealotes, respectively.{{cite web|last1=Clement|first1=Olivia|title=Hamilton's Brandon Victor Dixon to Star as Judas In NBC's Live Jesus Christ Superstar {{!}} Playbill|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/hamiltons-brandon-victor-dixon-to-star-as-judas-in-nbcs-live-jesus-christ-superstar|website=Playbill|access-date=February 24, 2018|language=en|date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224173400/http://www.playbill.com/article/hamiltons-brandon-victor-dixon-to-star-as-judas-in-nbcs-live-jesus-christ-superstar|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/tv-guy/os-et-jesus-christ-superstar-norm-lewis-plays-caiaphas-20180222-story.html|title='Jesus Christ Superstar': Norm Lewis to play Caiaphas|last=Boedeker|first=Hal|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=February 2, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050854/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/tv-guy/os-et-jesus-christ-superstar-norm-lewis-plays-caiaphas-20180222-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Ramos|first1=Dino-Ray|title='Hamilton' Star Brandon Victor Dixon To Star As Judas In NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar'|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/hamilton-brandon-victor-dixon-jesus-christ-superstar-nbc-ben-daniels-norm-lewis-jason-tam-1202298865/|website=Deadline|access-date=February 22, 2018|date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050535/http://deadline.com/2018/02/hamilton-brandon-victor-dixon-jesus-christ-superstar-nbc-ben-daniels-norm-lewis-jason-tam-1202298865/|url-status=live}} The production included a cast of forty-four actors, including Joel Perez and Lauren Zakrin, and additional dancers.{{cite web|last1=Dawn|first1=Randee|title=NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live' Blends the Crafts|url=https://variety.com/2018/artisans/news/jesus-christ-superstar-live-nbc-crafts-1202736626/|website=Variety|access-date=April 1, 2018|date=March 28, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331095907/http://variety.com/2018/artisans/news/jesus-christ-superstar-live-nbc-crafts-1202736626/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Flip Through Our Exclusive Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert Playbill {{!}} Playbill|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/flip-through-our-exclusive-jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-playbill|website=Playbill|access-date=April 1, 2018|language=en|date=March 30, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401212653/http://www.playbill.com/article/flip-through-our-exclusive-jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-playbill|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Credits {{!}} NBCUniversal Media Village|url=https://www.nbcumv.com/studios-distribution/universal-television/jesus-christ-superstar-live-concert/credits?network=33126|website=NBCUniversal Media Village|access-date=April 1, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401212907/https://www.nbcumv.com/studios-distribution/universal-television/jesus-christ-superstar-live-concert/credits?network=33126|url-status=live}}

=Filming=

The live production included an on-camera audience of about 1,500 people. Some of these extras lined two sides of the stage and formed a mosh pit{{cite web|last1=Zuckerman|first1=Esther|title=Can Jesus Christ Superstar Live Capture the Holy Grail?|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/03/jesus-christ-superstar-live-nbc-musical-john-legend-sara-bareilles|website=Variety|access-date=April 1, 2018|language=en|date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023225537/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/03/jesus-christ-superstar-live-nbc-musical-john-legend-sara-bareilles|url-status=live}} effect. The production was expected to utilize as many as twelve cameras to film the special. In addition, a full dress rehearsal performance took place on Saturday, March 31, 2018, in front of an invited audience and was recorded. In the event of any difficulties during the live broadcast, the recording served as an emergency backup. It was ultimately not needed.{{cite web|last1=Brandt|first1=Robert|title=Drummer Jamey Tate Talks Jesus Christ Superstar Live|url=https://prologix.blog/2018/04/03/drummer-jamey-tate-talks-jesus-christ-superstar-live/|website=Prologix Percussion Blog|access-date=April 7, 2018|language=en|date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408141240/https://prologix.blog/2018/04/03/drummer-jamey-tate-talks-jesus-christ-superstar-live/|url-status=dead}}

=Marketing=

On January 7, 2018, NBC aired the first teaser trailer for the special during their broadcast of the 75th Golden Globe Awards.{{cite web|last1=Hayes|first1=Dade|title=NBC Promo For 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Primes Viewers For Easter Music Miracle|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/nbc-promo-for-jesus-christ-superstar-primes-viewers-for-easter-music-miracle-1202237933/|website=Deadline|access-date=April 1, 2018|date=January 8, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144619/http://deadline.com/2018/01/nbc-promo-for-jesus-christ-superstar-primes-viewers-for-easter-music-miracle-1202237933/|url-status=live}}

Reception

=Critical response=

Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from critics since it aired. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the production holds a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8.44/10 based on 26 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Shaking up traditional religious and musical iconography, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert is a sight to be heard, superbly infiltrating the classic source material with originality, rock legend star power, and soulful depth."{{cite web |title=Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jesus_christ_superstar_live_in_concert/ |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango Media |access-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801004145/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jesus_christ_superstar_live_in_concert |url-status=live }} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the production a score of 81 out of 100 based on 13 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".{{cite web |title=Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=December 30, 2018 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722073548/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert |url-status=live }}

In a positive review, The New York Times{{'}}s Noel Murray praised the special saying, "A conceptual and artistic triumph, NBC’s live telecast of Jesus Christ Superstar on Easter Sunday may have finally justified the recent live musical fad on network TV. Some technical flubs and one mixed-bag lead performance aside, the production was genuinely thrilling, taking chances with the staging of a classic but controversial Broadway show, much more daring than previous live musical broadcasts like The Sound of Music or Peter Pan."{{cite web|last1=Murray|first1=Noel|title=Review: In 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' an Old Story for (Yet Another) New Millennium|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/02/arts/television/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-nbc-review.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=April 2, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403012344/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/02/arts/television/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-nbc-review.html|url-status=live}} Offering similar acclaim, The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s David Rooney said, "But here's the thing: This was a phenomenally balanced production of Jesus Christ Superstar, in which star power was equaled by depth of feeling and characterization in all the principals. And the immediacy of television, with close-ups capable of bringing us in tight on the performers' faces, gave Jesus and Mary Magdalene a complexity that often is missing from conventional productions."{{cite web|last1=Rooney|first1=David|title='Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert': TV Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-1098854|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 3, 2018|language=en|date=April 1, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403082753/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-1098854|url-status=live}} Lorraine Ali of The Los Angeles Times also lauded the production saying, "The show was a collision of religion and theater and pop culture that could have been one holy mess. But by the grace of God, or maybe a great cast and lots and lots of expert staging, a great musical became a great TV production."{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Lorraine|title=NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live' shouldn't have worked. Here's why it did|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-la-et-st-jesus-christ-superstar-review-20180402-story.html|website=The Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=April 2, 2018|archive-date=April 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402193506/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-la-et-st-jesus-christ-superstar-review-20180402-story.html|url-status=live}} In a more mixed review, Maureen Ryan of Variety said, "This musical threw together glitter, sequins, leather, writhing hotties, a few big performances pitched to the last row, and camerawork that often felt as though it was hopped up on too many lattes. Actually, the ragged edges of a unifying concept did emerge over the course of the NBC musical’s two-hour-and-20-minute running time: If its philosophy could be summed up in one word, "excess" would just about cover it. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But this live show was a lot."{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Maureen|title=TV Review: 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert' on NBC|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/reviews/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-nbc-john-legend-brandon-victor-dixon-sara-bareilles-1202741222/|website=Variety|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=April 1, 2018|archive-date=April 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402192700/http://variety.com/2018/tv/reviews/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-nbc-john-legend-brandon-victor-dixon-sara-bareilles-1202741222/|url-status=live}}

=Ratings=

Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert was the most-viewed program of the night of both network and cable programming.{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-1-2018.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234645/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-1-2018.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 3, 2018|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.1.2018|work=Showbuzz Daily|author=Metcalf, Mitch|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=April 3, 2018}} The production earned a 1.7 rating in adults 18-49 in Live + Same Day.{{cite web|last1=Andreeva|first1=Nellie|title='Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert' Tops 'American Idol' & 'The Passion' To Lead Easter Sunday Ratings – Update|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-ratings-american-idol-the-passion-1202356749/|website=Deadline|access-date=April 2, 2018|date=April 2, 2018|archive-date=April 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402175028/http://deadline.com/2018/04/jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert-ratings-american-idol-the-passion-1202356749/|url-status=live}} Lee Seymour of Forbes said the telecast's ratings were a "step back for NBC's live musicals," explaining "while Superstar Live came out on top for the night's ratings, it still landed near the bottom of the pile, relative to almost every other live musical since NBC revamped the mini-genre in 2013." Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert was watched by 9.4 million people. Comparatively, NBC's The Sound of Music Live! was watched by 18.6 million and The Wiz Live! by 11.5 million, while Fox's Grease: Live was watched by 12.2 million. Seymour felt the special may have failed to capture a larger audience on Easter because of its blasphemous themes.{{cite web|last1=RSeymore|first1=Lee|title=Why 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Is Yet Another Step Back For NBC's Live Musicals|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/leeseymour/2018/04/03/why-jesus-christ-superstar-is-yet-another-step-back-for-nbcs-live-musicals/#1fcdfe0f29b5|website=Forbes|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=December 12, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403144604/https://www.forbes.com/sites/leeseymour/2018/04/03/why-jesus-christ-superstar-is-yet-another-step-back-for-nbcs-live-musicals/#1fcdfe0f29b5|url-status=live}}

An encore on April 12, 2020, was seen by 3.17 million viewers.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-idol-tv-ratings-the-rookie-easter-sunday-1202906880/|title='American Idol' Tops Ratings On Quiet Easter Sunday; 'The Rookie' Ticks Down|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=2020-04-13|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=2020-04-15|archive-date=2020-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413235708/https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-idol-tv-ratings-the-rookie-easter-sunday-1202906880/|url-status=live}}

=Awards and nominations=

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
scope="col" style="width:20%;"| Award

! scope="col" style="width:38%;"| Category

! scope="col" style="width:35%;"| Nominee(s)

! scope="col" style="width:6%;"| Result

! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:1%;"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}}

align="center" rowspan="4"| 70th Primetime Emmy Awards

| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

| John Legend

| {{nominated}}

| align="center" rowspan="4"|{{cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |title=Emmy Nominations: 'Game Of Thrones' Tops Noms, With Netflix & HBO Leading Way |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/2018-emmy-nominations-list-all-nominees-1202425072/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=July 12, 2018 |date=July 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826234431/https://deadline.com/2018/07/2018-emmy-nominations-list-all-nominees-1202425072/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Emmys: Complete Winners List |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-emmy-winners-complete-list-1138048 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=October 16, 2018 |language=en |date=September 17, 2018 |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003222544/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-emmy-winners-complete-list-1138048 |url-status=live }}

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

| Brandon Victor Dixon

| {{nominated}}

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

| Sara Bareilles

| {{nominated}}

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special

| David Leveaux & Alex Rudzinski

| {{nominated}}

align="center" rowspan="9"| 70th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

| Outstanding Variety Special (Live)

| Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert

| {{Won}}

| align="center" rowspan="9"|{{cite web |last1=Littleton |first1=Cynthia |title=Anthony Bourdain, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Saturday Night Live' Win Big on Night 2 of Creative Arts Emmy Awards |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/creative-arts-emmy-winners-anthony-bourdain-saturday-night-live-1202934301/ |website=Variety |access-date=September 13, 2018 |date=September 9, 2018 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616183952/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/creative-arts-emmy-winners-anthony-bourdain-saturday-night-live-1202934301/ |url-status=live }}

Outstanding Casting for a Limited Series, Movie or Special

| Bernard Telsey & Patrick Goodwin

| {{Nominated}}

Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming

| Paul Tazewell, Laaleh Mizani, Heather Lockard, & Rory Powers

| {{nominated}}

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special

| Charles LaPointe & Kevin Maybee

| {{nominated}}

Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Variety Special

| Al Gurdon, Travis Hagenbuch, Ben Green, Kirk J. Miller, & Eric Christian

| {{won}}

Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic)

| Joe Dulude II, Angela L. Johnson, Milagros Medina-Cerdeira, LaSoyna Gunter, Margie Durand, & Andrew Sotomayor

| {{nominated}}

Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special

| Jason Ardizzone-West & Melissa Shakun

| {{won}}

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special

| Thomas Holmes, Ellen Fitton, John Harris, Brian Flanzbaum, Mark Weglinski, David Crawford, Dan Gerhard, Mike Bove, Jason Sears, & Christian Schrader

| {{won}}

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Limited Series, Movie or Special

| Eric Becker, Emelie Scaminaci, Ka-Lai Wong, Shaun Harkins, Raymond Hoover, Jay Kulick, Ron Lehman, Tore Livia, Adam Margolis, Lyn Noland, Jimmy O'Donnell, Mark S. Renaudin, & Andrew Waruszewski

| {{won}}

align="center" rowspan="3"|9th Critics' Choice Television Awards

| Best Movie Made for Television

| Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert

| {{won}}

| align="center" rowspan="3"|{{cite web |last=Crist |first=Allison |title=Critics' Choice Awards: 'Roma,' 'Americans,' 'Mrs. Maisel' Top Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2019-critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-1172261 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=January 13, 2019 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153323/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2019-critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-1172261 |url-status=live }}

Best Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television

| John Legend

| {{nom}}

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television

| Brandon Victor Dixon

| {{nom}}

align="center"|34th Artios Awards

| Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Live Television Performance, Variety or Sketch Comedy

| Bernard Telsey & Patrick Goodwin

| {{won}}

| align="center"|{{cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |title=Casting Society of America's Artios Awards: 'Green Book,' 'Vice' Among Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2019-casting-society-artios-award-winners-full-list-1173402 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 1, 2019 |date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201121831/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2019-casting-society-artios-award-winners-full-list-1173402 |url-status=live }}

align="center" |23rd Art Directors Guild Awards

| Excellence in Production Design for a Variety, Reality or Event Special

| Jason Ardizzone-West

| {{nom}}

| align="center" |{{cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |title=Art Directors Guild Awards: 'Favourite,' 'Black Panther,' 'Crazy Rich Asians' Among Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/art-directors-guild-awards-winners-list-2019-1174313 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 3, 2019 |date=February 2, 2019 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203201726/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/art-directors-guild-awards-winners-list-2019-1174313 |url-status=live }}

align="center"| 71st Directors Guild of America Awards

| [[Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Miniseries or TV Film|Outstanding Directorial Achievement in

Movies for Television and Limited Series]]

| David Leveaux & Alex Rudzinski

| {{nom}}

| align="center"|{{cite web |last=Handel |first=Jonathan |title='Roma's' Alfonso Cuaron Takes Top Honor at DGA Awards |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/dga-awards-2019-winners-list-full-1178563 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 3, 2019 |date=February 2, 2019 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203055750/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/dga-awards-2019-winners-list-full-1178563 |url-status=live }}

align="center" | 61st Annual Grammy Awards

| Best Musical Theater Album

| Sara Bareilles, Alice Cooper, Ben Daniels, Brandon Victor Dixon, Erik Grönwall, Jin Ha, John Legend, Norm Lewis & Jason Tam (principal soloists); Harvey Mason Jr. (producer)

| {{nom}}

|

align="center"| 55th Cinema Audio Society Awards

| Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Television Non-Fiction, Variety or Music Series or Specials

| Tom Holmes, Brian Flanzbaum, Christian Schrader, Ellen Fitton, John Harris, & Anthony Lalumia

| {{Nominated}}

| align="center" |{{cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |title=CAS Awards: 'Black Panther', 'A Star Is Born' & 'Mrs. Maisel' Among Cinema Audio Society Nominees |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/cas-awards-2019-nominations-black-panther-a-star-is-born-marvelous-mrs-maisel-cinema-audio-society-nominees-1202531016/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 8, 2019 |date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108191051/https://deadline.com/2019/01/cas-awards-2019-nominations-black-panther-a-star-is-born-marvelous-mrs-maisel-cinema-audio-society-nominees-1202531016/ |url-status=live }}

align="center"| 6th Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards

| Motion Picture Made for Television or Special – Best Contemporary Hair Styling

| Charles Lapointe & Kevin Maybee

| {{Won}}

| align="center"|{{cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |title=Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Applies Its Awards Nominations |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/make-up-artists-hair-styling-guild-applies-its-awards-nominations-1202532593/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=January 10, 2019 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110235032/https://deadline.com/2019/01/make-up-artists-hair-styling-guild-applies-its-awards-nominations-1202532593/ |url-status=live }}

align="center"| 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards

| Excellence in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television

| Paul Tazewell

| {{Nominated}}

| align="center"|{{cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |title=CDGA Nominations: 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'Black Panther' Among Pics Fitted For Costume Designers' List |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/costume-designers-guild-awarsd-nominations-crazy-rich-asians-black-panther-avengers-infinity-war-1202532539/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=January 10, 2019 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110235001/https://deadline.com/2019/01/costume-designers-guild-awarsd-nominations-crazy-rich-asians-black-panther-avengers-infinity-war-1202532539/ |url-status=live }}

Other media

=''Andrew Lloyd Webber: Tribute to a Superstar''=

On March 28, 2018, a one-hour special titled Andrew Lloyd Webber: Tribute to a Superstar premiered on NBC in honor of Lloyd Webber's 70th birthday and to promote the coming premiere of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. In the special, Lloyd Webber was interviewed by Glenn Close, John Legend, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It also included appearances by some of the performers from Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert in various rehearsal scenes from the show.{{cite web|last=Fujishima|first=Kenji|title=NBC to Air Andrew Lloyd Webber Tribute to a Superstar|url=http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/nbc-andrew-lloyd-webber-tribute-to-a-superstar_84320.html|website=TheatreMania|access-date=April 2, 2018|date=March 28, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401033320/http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/nbc-andrew-lloyd-webber-tribute-to-a-superstar_84320.html|url-status=live}}

The special was executive produced and directed by Brad Lachman and written and produced by Matt Lachman. Interviews were conducted at Sardi's restaurant, Power Station recording studio, and the Renaissance Hotel Times Square. Production companies involved in the special included Brad Lachman Productions and Universal Television.{{cite web|title=Watch Now! NBC Honors Andrew Lloyd Webber With 'Tribute to a Superstar'|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Watch-Now-NBC-Honors-Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-With-Tribute-to-a-Superstar-20180329|website=Broadway World|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403174759/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Watch-Now-NBC-Honors-Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-With-Tribute-to-a-Superstar-20180329|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Nassour|first1=Elliot|title=Andrew Lloyd Webber – theaterlife|url=http://theaterlife.com/andrew-lloyd-webber/|website=Theater Life|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=March 26, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403174015/http://theaterlife.com/andrew-lloyd-webber/|url-status=live}}

=Soundtrack=

{{Infobox album

| name = {{nowrap|Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert}}
(Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event)

| type = soundtrack

| artist = Original Television Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert

| cover =

| caption =

| alt =

| released = April 6, 2018

| recorded = 2018

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Soundtrack

| length = 1:35:38

| label = Sony Masterworks

| producer =

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

| next_title =

| next_year =

}}

An official soundtrack was released by Sony Masterworks, digitally on April 6, 2018, and physically on April 27, 2018.{{cite web|last1=Gans|first1=Andrew|title=Masterworks Broadway Will Release Recording of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert {{!}} Playbill|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/masterworks-broadway-will-release-recording-of-jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert|website=Playbill|access-date=April 2, 2018|language=en|date=March 20, 2018|archive-date=April 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402163439/http://www.playbill.com/article/masterworks-broadway-will-release-recording-of-jesus-christ-superstar-live-in-concert|url-status=live}}

==Track listing==

{{Track listing

| all_music = Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

| total_length = 1:35:38

| title1 = Overture

| length1 = 4:29

| title2 = Heaven on Their Minds

| length2 = 4:30

| title3 = What's The Buzz / Strange Thing Mystifying

| length3 = 4:22

| title4 = Everything's Alright

| length4 = 4:05

| title5 = This Jesus Must Die

| length5 = 3:36

| title6 = Hosanna

| length6 = 2:59

| title7 = Simon Zealotes / Poor Jerusalem

| length7 = 5:12

| title8 = Pilate's Dream

| length8 = 1:48

| title9 = The Temple

| length9 = 5:17

| title10 = Everything's Alright (Reprise)

| length10 = 0:40

| title11 = I Don't Know How to Love Him

| length11 = 3:40

| title12 = Damned for All Time / Blood Money

| length12 = 4:33

| title13 = The Last Supper

| length13 = 7:10

| title14 = Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)

| length14 = 5:44

| title15 = Transition

| length15 = 0:22

| title16 = The Arrest

| length16 = 4:02

| title17 = Peter's Denial

| length17 = 0:38

| title18 = Pilate and Christ

| length18 = 2:58

| title19 = King Herod's Song

| length19 = 3:22

| title20 = Transition After Herod

| length20 = 0:39

| title21 = Could We Start Again, Please?

| length21 = 2:35

| title22 = Judas's Death

| length22 = 4:54

| title23 = Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 Lashes)

| length23 = 6:19

| title24 = Superstar

| length24 = 4:34

| title25 = The Crucifixion

| length25 = 1:48

| title26 = John Nineteen: Forty One

| length26 = 2:48

| title27 = Curtain Call

| length27 = 2:34

}}

==Commercial performance==

The album debuted at number 46 on the US Billboard 200,{{cite magazine |title=Top 200 Albums {{!}} Billboard 200 chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2018-04-21 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 15, 2018 |archive-date=2020-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920210640/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2018-04-21 |url-status=live }} earning 13,000 album-equivalent units in its first week according to Nielsen Music, with over 11,000 units coming from traditional album sales.{{cite magazine |last1=Keith |first1=Caulfield |title=Billboard 200 Chart Moves: Elton John & Bernie Taupin Tribute Albums Debut in Top 40 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8356822/billboard-200-chart-moves-elton-john-bernie-taupin-tribute-albums |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 15, 2018 |date=April 19, 2018 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705095731/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8356822/billboard-200-chart-moves-elton-john-bernie-taupin-tribute-albums |url-status=live }} It also debuted at number 3 the same week on the Soundtracks chart,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/soundtracks/2018-04-21|title=Movie Soundtracks: Top Soundtrack Albums Chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 15, 2018|archive-date=2018-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815164156/https://www.billboard.com/charts/soundtracks/2018-04-21|url-status=live}} as well as at number 14 on the Top Album Sales chart.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/top-album-sales/2018-04-21 |title=Top Album Sales : Page 1 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 15, 2018 |archive-date=2018-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815171457/https://www.billboard.com/charts/top-album-sales/2018-04-21 |url-status=live }}

==Charts==

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
scope="col"| Chart (2018)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

scope="row"| US Billboard 200

| 46

scope="row"| US Billboard Top Soundtracks

| 3

scope="row"| US Billboard Top Album Sales

| 14

Notes

{{Notelist}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • {{Official website|http://www.nbc.com/jesus-christ-superstar}}
  • {{IMDb title|tt6874964}}

{{Jesus Christ Superstar}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert

|list =

{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Movie/Miniseries}}

{{EmmyAward VarietySpecial (Live)}}

}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

| list =

{{Andrew Lloyd Webber}}

{{Tim Rice}}

}}

{{NBC Live!}}

{{Portal bar|Christianity|Music|Television|Theatre|United States}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2010s American television specials

Category:2018 in American television

Category:2018 soundtrack albums

Category:2018 television specials

Category:American live television shows

Category:Caiaphas

Category:Cultural depictions of Judas Iscariot

Category:Cultural depictions of Pontius Pilate

Category:American English-language television shows

Category:Jesus Christ Superstar

Category:American musical television films

Category:Musical theatre television specials

Category:NBC television specials

Category:Cultural depictions of Mary Magdalene

Category:Cultural depictions of Herod Antipas

Category:Cultural depictions of Saint Peter