IMDb plot summary: A rock musical version of the Passion Play seen from the point of view of Judas.
Directed by Gale Edwards and Nick Morris. Starring Glenn Carter, Jerome Pradon, Renee Castle, and Fred Johanson.
It's been a long time since I actually listened to most of the music for Jesus Christ Superstar. I had forgotten how silly and meandering a lot of the lyrics are. Like most Webber shows, this definitely goes for style over substance, but it doesn't matter much because the style is *ever* so much fun. Catchy melodies, big dramatic orchestrations, fun staging and huge power ballads... Thoroughly enjoyable.
As far as this production specifically, I liked parts of it a LOT. Glenn Carter's Jesus in particular is pretty great, both good to listen to and reaching the right places emotionally. Jerome Pradon's Judas... um... is less pleasant. In an attempt to put plenty of passion into his role, he comes across as shrill and unmusical, particularly in his death scene, where I swear he was just screeching every other line. There is a lot of overacting from side characters, particularly Fred Johanson as Pilate (I kept giggling and repeating his inflections for Jacob because he sounded very much like a cartoon villain).
There are a couple of *really* great moments that help to cancel out some of the weirdnesses. "Gethsemane," which is my favorite song in the show, is a breathtaking performance that hits all the right notes (both emotionally, but musically as well). I also was extremely moved by "Could We Start Again, Please?", a song I've never particularly liked before.
In short, a good production, if not a perfect one. I will have to watch the 1970s version sometime to compare. 3.5 stars.
Flickchart: #602 out of 2057, below Frankenweenie and above Brave.
Buy the DVD on Amazon.
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