Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) (Collector's Edition)

Musical - JC Superstar

By NancyB  May 4, 2001

Since I worked on this show when it was on stage, I wasn't sure how I would like the movie. It surprised me. I loved it! I do not consider it a "religious" piece. Instead, I look at it as a great story. How historically accurate is it? Probabl...y not very, but it is beautiful to watch and the performances are fabulous. The interpolation of present day with the time Jesus lived is done well. I am glad to see that the cast I knew on stage were used in the movie. Ted & Carl work so well together and their voices are exellent. Their performances are outstanding. The 39 lashes scene takes your breath away. I have a favorite song from the show and when I tell people they are surprised because they think I'm going to say, "I don't know how to love him". Instead, it's the song at the end of the show that Mary and Peter sing, "Could we start again, please". Josh Mostel, Zero's son, does a -comic treatment in his portrayal of Herod. Very different of what the audience would expect. The song itself is fun. This was one of the first Webber-Rice musicals. I think Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat was first. However, it is on my top 10 list of musicals. Read more Less