Starring John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Brandon Victor Dixon, and Alice Cooper
Directed by David Levereux and Alex Rudzinski
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Lyrics by Tim Rice
Of course, The Passion was far from the first rock musical retelling of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of Webber's most popular shows...but it's also fairly controversial for its depiction of the Crucifixion as a modern rock opera. Does that approach work with a live TV musical, or were audiences right to avoid this one? Let's begin on a bare stage of pipes and wood, as the cast comes out for their performance, and find out...
The Story: Jesus (Legend) is the most popular among God's disciples. Judas (Dixon) worries he's gotten too popular. He's forgotten his mission to spread hope among the poor, and worries his outspoken followers could attract the Roman legions. Judas isn't crazy about his relationship with wordly Mary Magadeline (Bareilles), either. Mary's not worried, but it turns out Jesus and Judas have a good reason for concern. Several priests think Jesus may be priming the people for rebellion, and Jesus himself is becoming overwhelmed with the people's demands. Judas turns him in to the Romans, and he's condemned to die by King Herod (Cooper) and governor Pontias Pilate (Ben Daniels). Jesus knows, however, that even if they kill him on a cross, his followers will never forget him.
The Song and Dance: This is more like it. This is a fully live staging, with excellent performances across the board. Legend is powerful enough to make you understand why his people follow him, but gentle and kind with Mary. Bareilles is a lovely Mary; her two tender solos are a highlight. The simple and intimate production allowed for an immediacy and an intensity that you don't get from the epic film or many more lavish stage versions.
Favorite Number: We open with "Heaven on Their Minds" as Judas admits his concerns to Jesus. His followers wonder "What's the Buzz?" while Jesus and Mary comment on these "Strange Things Mystifying." Mary insists "Everything is Alright," but the guys are more worried. Priest Caiaphus (Norm Lewis) hears Jesus sing "Hosanna" and wishes he wasn't quite so popular. "I Don't Know How to Love Him," admits wordly Mary when she admits she has her own fears about Jesus.
Jesus, Judas, and their followers sit down to "The Last Supper," which takes a turn for the tragic when Jesus reveals that someone among them is a traitor in "Gesthesmane (I Only Want to Say)." Alice Cooper's big number is the vaudevillian "King Herod's Song," complete with showgirls who try to tempt Jesus. Mary and Saint Peter (Jason Tam) ask "Could We Start Again, Please?" before the trial. The show ends with the rock standard "Superstar" as Judas points out his friend was born in the wrong time period, right before "The Crucifixion."
Trivia: NBC ran the show again on Easter 2020. Though it went over well with critics, it wasn't popular with audiences during either of its runs, possibly due to the dark themes and lack of stars.
What I Don't Like: This show has always been controversial, thanks to its depictions of Jewish priests as the bad guys and religion as a rock concert. If that offends you, don't go here. This is also a rock opera, with no spoken dialogue. It's not for folks who aren't rock fans, or who are looking for a more typical and upbeat fling.
It's not for fans of bigger shows, either. This is not a lavish, star-filled extravaganza, It's performed on a bare, industrial metal and pipe stage, with everyone in normal modern clothes except for Cooper and his girls.
The Big Finale: Terrific Easter viewing for fans of rock, Webber, or those who are looking for something different and intense after Easter dinner and don't mind the controversial themes.
Home Media: Currently found only on DVD.
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