Classics: A Review of Jesus Christ Superstar By Lauren Ennis

 In 1971 Broadway rocked by the arrival of Jesus Christ Superstar. The rock opera utilized contemporary rock music to relate the events leading up the Christ's crucifixion. The show set Broadway on fire and introduced a new generation to the power of theater. Just two years later Hollywood came calling and the movie musical was transformed. This Easter rock out with Jesus Christ Superstar.

The film begins with the framing device of a group of traveling players preparing for a performance. The story then transports viewers to ancient Israel as Jesus' disciple, Judas, reflects upon his friend's rise and both popularity and polarity. He expresses his fear that Jesus' teachings have become too radical and could draw the ire of both the local high priests and occupying forces from Rome. The film then follows Judas and Jesus as both men find their faith tested and face their inevitable fates. What ensues is a powerful retelling of Christ's final week that will appeal to the faithful and non-believers alike.

Over fifty years after its release Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of the most unique and compelling depictions of the passion in all of cinema. The film blends a classic rock score and dynamic performances to take the passion beyond religious dogma to timeless universality. The film's humanist approach allows viewers to actively engage with the story by raising vital questions about faith, forgiveness, and redemption that hold true in our own lives. While firmly set first century Jerusalem, the film depicts personal conflicts, political machinations, and existential questions could be at home in any time or place. As a a result, while the story remains a tale of Christ it not strictly a Christian film. If you've ever wondered what if God was one of us experience the power, passion, and star quality of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The film brings the story of the passion to rocking life thanks to the work of its cast. Philip Toubus captures the conflict of Jesus' disciple turned denier, Peter. Kurt Yaghijan makes for a villain viewers will love to hate as High Priest Annas. Larry Marshall personified political fervor s Simon. Josh Mostel serves up flamboyant fun worthy of Liberace himself as King Herod. Bob Bingham infuses high priest Caiaphas with the perfect blend of the sinister and the self-righteous. Barry Dennen aptly conveys Pilate's inner conflict in the face of the power of the mob. Yvonne Elliman blends sultriness and sincerity to expert effect as reformed prostitute Mary Magdalene. Carl Anderson nearly steals the show in his charismatic turn as Jesus' self-described right-hand man turned betrayer, Judas. Ted Neeley takes on arguably the most iconic and difficult role in all of cinema as the son of God himself. Neeley proves himself more than up to the task as he portrays not as a distant deity but instead a complex, conflicted, relatable, and all too human man.

Jesus Christ Superstar maintains its star quality through what is easily one of the most human portrayals of Jesus ever put to celluloid. The film maintains the counter-culture influence of the original show while relating a timeless tale of betrayal and redemption. The performances bring every note of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's score to by turns infections, soaring, and gut-wrenching life. This Easter find out what is so super about Jesus Christ Superstar.