John Legend leads the cast as Jesus Christ in NBC’s special encore airing of the critically acclaimed and 2018 Emmy Award-winning musical production of “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” on Easter Sunday, April 12 (7:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT).
Legend’s Emmy Award winning role as Jesus Christ in “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” is the modern rendition of the 1970 rock opera from Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Legend’s performance stands to solidify him as an Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) Award recipient.
“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” is the modern rendition of the energy elevated 1970 rock opera from Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Legend is accompanied in this stunning theatrical performance by: Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene, Alice Cooper as King Herod, Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas, as well as Ben Daniels as Pontius Pilate, Norm Lewis as Caiaphas, Jin Ha as Annas, Jason Tam as Peter and Erik Gronwall as Simon Zealotes.
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” follows Jesus’s final weeks on earth, as told from the perspective of his ultimate betrayer, Judas. With a growing number of loyal followers, Judas perceives a sense of arrogance from Jesus. Judas fears Jesus has lost sight of his original principles, and Jesus’s attack on the moneychangers in the temple is the final straw. Betrayal is sparked, and both are bound for a downward spiral of tragedy.
Songs such as “Gethsemane,” are pop-hits from the production. Originally created as a concept album, it topped Billboard charts all way to number one. “Jesus Christ Superstar,” was brought to stage in 1977, garnering five Tony nominations, and earning a Drama Desk Award for Andrew Lloyd Webber.
To keep up with the performance and join the online conversation, make sure to use #JesusChristSuperstar in your social media postings and searches.
“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” is executive produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, Marc Platt, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, John Legend, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius and Alex Rudzinski.
Gloria Ruth Finney
