It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent '60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus' meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ's final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.
* * ATTENTION CUSTOMERS: this show is currently restricted in Australia and New Zealand - please contact us for more information.
Cast Requirements: PRINCIPALS
1 Woman
2 Men
FEATURED
6 Men
ENSEMBLE
Large singing ensemble consisting of Lepers, Cured Lepers, Merchants, Apostles, Soldiers, Judas's Tormentors, Reporters, Temple Ladies, and Soul Girls.
CHARACTERS
Mary Magdalene
Jesus of Nazareth
Judas Iscariot
King Herod
Caiaphas
Peter
Pontius Pilate
Simon Zealotes
Annas
3 Priests
Lepers
Cured Lepers
Merchants
Apostles
Soldiers
Judas's Tormentors
Reporters
Temple Ladies
Soul Girls
Set Requirements: Set Requirements JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR takes place during the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ in Roman occupied Jerusalem and environs.
Genre / Style: Musical, Rock
Rehearsal / Orchestral Material: Rehearsal Set (26 Books)
20 Vocal Books, 2 Scripts, 2 Piano Conductor’s Scores (1 x Act 1 & 1 x Act 2)
Orchestra Package (19 Piece Orchestration derived from the original and largest version - 36 piece orchestration)
2 Piano Conductor’s Scores (1 x Act 1 & 1 x Act 2), 1 Reed 1 (flute doubling Piccolo), 1 Reed II (flute doubling Clarinet), 1 Reed III (oboe), 1 Reed IV (bassoon), 1 Horn, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet II, 1 Trombone, 1 Violin I (Divisi), 1 Violin II (Divisi), 1 Viola (Divisi), 1 Cello, 1 Electric Bass Guitar, 1 Electric Guitar, 1 Piano/Organ, 1 Drums, 1 Percussion.
Alternative Orchestrations Available:
Orchestration (11 piece 1998 UK Tour Version)
Orchestration (36 piece MCA Original Concept Album)
Musical Numbers: Heaven On Their Minds, What's The Buzz? Everything's Alright, This Jesus Must Die, Hosanna, Poor Jerusalem, Pilate's Dream, I Don't Know How To Love Him, Damned For All Time, The Last Supper, Gethsemane, The Arrest, Peter's Denial, Herod's Song, Could We Start Again Please, Superstar.