Jesus christ superstar musical alexander klaws biography

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View all songs in Jesus Christ Superstar

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Quote Analysis

The Origins of JCS

Jesus Christ Superstar began not as a stage production, but as a concept album.

The musical is unique among biblical retellings in that it focuses on both Judas’ struggle making the decision to betray Jesus and Jesus’ human psychology, fear, and anger in understanding and accepting his role as both leader and martyr. A rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the musical has no spoken dialogue and is sometimes considered a modern rock-opera.

His internal conflicts between remaining an apostle or betraying Jesus propels the plot and incorporates several other significant characters along the way. Brian Brolly wanted the album to be released by autumn 1970, so Andrew and Tim set out to complete the writing by Easter and the orchestration by May; however, they finished both early, which allowed the recording at Olympic Studios to begin sooner.

1969

The original Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney

On 4 May 1972, the original Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney with Trevor White as Jesus Christ, Jon English as Judas Iscariot, and Michelle Fawdon as Mary Magdalene.

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The original Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney

1972

The original film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar was first released in the UK

The original film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar was first released in the UK on 23 August 1973.

Most notably, JCS is told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Judas, a once-loyal disciple of Jesus, has become frustrated with his leader’s growing fame whilst the plight of Jerusalem’s less fortunate remains ignored.

A Lasting Musical Legacy

The success of the concept album led to the opening of the first Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971.

jesus christ superstar musical alexander klaws biography

It was a staged concert performance with Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene, Alice Cooper as King Herod, Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas, Norm Lewis as Caiaphas, and John Legend as Jesus.

2018

Socially-distanced concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar

On 14 August 2020, a socially-distanced concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London during the Pandemic.

Decades later, Jesus Christ Superstar’s score remains one of the most celebrated in musical theatre history. Seeing the potential, they wrote 'Superstar', with a chorus that would become one of Andrew's most famous three-chord tunes—the same one he initially sketched on a napkin at Carlo's Place, which had briefly been about Samuel.

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Tim became fascinated about Judas in the historical context of Roman-occupied Israel

As talks of a follow-up to Joseph grew, Tim Rice became intrigued by Bob Dylan's question, "Did Judas Iscariot have God on his side?" so he and Andrew explored the idea of dramatising Jesus's last days from Judas's perspective.

The show was presented by Amanda Holden with Andrew, Yve Burnett, Jason Donovan, Dawn French and Melanie C were the panelists. The Trinidad Singers provided the gospel choir, while the "soul trio" consisted of singers Sue and Sunny, augmented by singer-songwriter Lesley Duncan, who later famously duetted with Elton John.

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Andrew, Tim Rice and Murray Head began recording the new single 'Superstar' at Olympic Studios

The recording of "Superstar" began at Olympic Studios in southwest London, chosen for its capacity to host a full symphony orchestra and expertise in both rock and orchestral music.

Loosely based on the Gospels, Superstar focuses on the personal conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the people of Israel, and the leadership of Rome. This wasn’t just theatre music—it was radio-ready rock.

But why exactly did the pair decide to tell this story from the perspective of Judas? The show featured performers from the previous two runs at the same venue and the North American tour.This shorter, 90-minute production was the first live West End show to reopen under strict safety guidelines, with reduced capacity and double-casting, such as Declan Bennett & Pepe Nufrio as Jesus Christ, and Ricardo Afonso & Tyrone Huntle Judas Iscariot.

2020

Everything You Need To Know About Jesus Christ Superstar

Few musicals have left a mark on the world like Jesus Christ Superstar.

There’s no traditional dialogue: just driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and unforgettable riffs. First released as a rock opera album in 1970 before hitting the stage, the rock opera - written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber- sparked conversation, controversy, and a revolution in musical theatre. Tim suggested Murray Head for the lead vocal, knowing his soulful, bluesy voice could effortlessly shift to a silky smooth tone.

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Andrew wanted the new single 'Superstar' to be a fusion of symphony orchestra, soul brass section, gospel choir and rock group with a bluesy lead vocal

Andrew envisioned the new single 'Superstar' as a blend of symphony orchestra, soul brass section, gospel choir, and rock band, with a bluesy lead vocal complementing the three-chord verse.

At the meeting in Mayfair, Myers and his advisor David Land, impressed by the album, offered Andrew a management contract with a three-year guaranteed income.

1969