78-491: Richenda Antoinette de Winterstein Gillespie (born 30 March 1949), known professionally as Dana Gillespie , is an English actress, singer and songwriter. Originally performing and recording in her teens, over the years Gillespie has been involved in the recording of over 70 albums, and appeared in stage productions, such as Jesus Christ Superstar , and several films. Her musical output has progressed from teen pop and folk in
156-458: A rap opera by the Fat Boys and American Idiot , a punk rock opera by Green Day , the latter of whom having made 21st Century Breakdown , another rock opera. The Who had previously toyed with the concepts which would lead to the full-blown rock opera with their six-movement 1966 track " A Quick One, While He's Away ". A rock opera that experienced commercial recording and Broadway success
234-464: A Memory , which has been regarded as Rock Opera. The album tells the story of Nicholas, a man getting flashbacks from a previous life, as he undergoes hypnosis sessions to recall the memories of Victoria, a young girl who he discovers was murdered as a violent result of a love affair. In an effort to appeal to more modern audiences, opera companies have welcomed more pop and rock influences. The resulting rock operas have met varying degrees of success as
312-533: A Musical but did not win. In 2002, a national tour starred Sebastian Bach as Jesus and Carl Anderson once again as Judas. Bach received mixed reviews while Anderson was again praised. In April 2003, Bach was replaced by Eric Kunze . Anderson left the show later in 2003 after being diagnosed with leukaemia and died in 2004. The tour closed shortly after Anderson's departure. In 2004 a year-long UK tour began, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright . Carter reprised his role as Jesus, with James Fox as Judas. In 2005,
390-446: A common story. Rock operas are typically released as concept albums and are not scripted for acting, which distinguishes them from operas , although several have been adapted as rock musicals . The use of various character roles within the song lyrics is a common storytelling device. The success of the rock opera genre has inspired similar works in other musical styles, such as rap opera . A number of rock artists became interested in
468-483: A concert, like an oratorio , rather than enacted, with Jeff Fenholt singing the role of Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas and Elliman repeating as Mary Magdalene. In August 1971, MCA Records executive David Skepner reported that MCA had been investigating and shutting down 21 unauthorised productions in the US to protect the rights of London-based Leeds Music , which owned the musical. The biggest violations Skepner found were
546-496: A dialogue between Caiaphas and Annas, was written for this adaptation. A second adaptation was filmed in 1999 and released around the world on video in 2000 and 2001. It starred Glenn Carter as Jesus, Jérôme Pradon as Judas, Reneé Castle as Mary Magdalene, and Rik Mayall as Herod, and was directed by Gale Edwards and Nick Morris . It was released on video in the UK in October 2000. In
624-450: A live concert version of the show featuring John Legend as Jesus, Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene, Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas, Alice Cooper as King Herod, Norm Lewis as Caiaphas, Ben Daniels as Pilate, Jin Ha as Annas, Erik Grönwall as Simon Zealotes and Jason Tam as Peter. Rock opera A rock opera is a collection of rock music songs with lyrics that relate to
702-599: A new translation together with the concept for a new staging. This rock opera is very popular in Russia but is the first authorised production to receive the support of the Really Useful Group. The original 1970 concept album was very popular; its 1971 release topped the US Billboard Pop Albums . The 1972 and 1992 Australian cast recordings were also both highly successful. In 1994, a studio recording under
780-508: A personal and professional relationship with the singer David Bowie in 1964 when he was 17 and she was 14. Their relationship lasted a decade; Bowie wrote the song " Andy Warhol " for her, Gillespie sang backing vocals on Ziggy Stardust (1972), and Bowie and Mick Ronson produced her 1973 album Weren't Born a Man . Bowie ended contact with Gillespie following his split from his first wife Angie Bowie . Gillespie looked back on her time with David Bowie fondly. Gillespie recorded initially in
858-509: A relationship with a prostitute could be seen as inconsistent with his teachings and be used against him. Jesus scolds Judas, saying he should not judge others unless he is free of sin. Jesus then reproaches the apostles and complains that none of them truly care for him ("What's the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying"). Mary reassures Jesus while anointing him. Judas fumes that the money spent on fine oil should have been used to help
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#1732858335423936-624: A result of traumatic life experiences. The album was included in Rolling Stone ' s lists of the greatest albums of all time in 2003, 2012, and 2020. James Guthrie, the album's engineer, won the 1980 Grammy award for Best Engineered Recording (non-classical), and the album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year . The album was subsequently made into a 1982 film entitled Pink Floyd – The Wall . An elaborate 1980-1981 concert tour
1014-453: A stage production, the composers released it as a concept album , the success of which led to the show's Broadway on-stage debut in 1971. By 1980, the musical had grossed more than $ 237 million worldwide. Running for over eight years in London between 1972 and 1980, it held the record for longest-running West End musical before it was overtaken by Cats in 1989. Judas Iscariot , one of
1092-461: A subversively labeled musical . Clements states that lyrics drive rock operas, which makes them not a true form of opera. Responding to accusations that rock operas are pretentious and overblown, Pete Townshend wrote that pop music by its very nature rejects such characteristics and is an inherently simple form. Townshend said that the only goal of pop music is to reach audiences, and rock operas are merely one more way to do so. Peter Kiesewalter , on
1170-617: A successful Scandinavian tour starred Peter Murphy as Jesus, Kristen Cummings as Mary Magdalene, Jon Boydon née Stokes as Judas, Jérôme Pradon as King Herod and Michael-John Hurney as Pilate. A US tour starring Neeley, reprising his role as Jesus, Corey Glover as Judas, and Christine Rea as Mary, began in 2006 and played for five years. A Chilean heavy metal version has played annually in Santiago since 2004. In Boston, Gary Cherone portrayed Jesus in productions in 1994, 1996 and 2003 and Judas in 2000. A new production of Jesus Christ Superstar
1248-831: A theatre troupe from Toronto that had crossed the US–Canada border to perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra , with only a few hours prior announcement, and another big production mounted by the Las Vegas Hilton . Other American cities with unauthorised productions included Washington D.C., Boston, Kansas City, Baltimore, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Richmond , Louisville, Cleveland, St. Louis, Memphis, Atlanta, Columbus, Troy, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Brooklyn in New York City and Hollywood, Florida . Court injunctions were obtained in each of these cities to close
1326-532: A time of hope and peace ("Could We Start Again, Please?"). Judas is horrified at Jesus's harsh treatment. He expresses regret to the Pharisees, correctly dreading that he will forever be remembered as a traitor. Caiaphas and Annas assure him that he has done the right thing. Judas throws the money he was given to the floor, and storms out. He curses God for manipulating him, and commits suicide ("Judas' Death"). At Jesus's trial, Pilate attempts to interrogate Jesus, but
1404-494: Is Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice , and in respect of which Lloyd Webber said "the piece was written as a rock album from the outset and set out from the start to tell the story through the music itself." In 1972, David Bowie released the rock opera The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars . Bat Out of Hell is a rock album by Meat Loaf that remains one of
1482-610: Is ("Poor Jerusalem"). Pontius Pilate , the governor of Judea, has a dream in which he meets a Galilean and then receives the blame for the man's violent death at the hands of a mob ("Pilate's Dream"). Jesus arrives at the Temple and finds that it is being used as a marketplace; angered by this, he drives everyone out . A group of lepers ask Jesus to heal them. Their number increases, and overwhelmed, Jesus rejects them ("The Temple"). Mary Magdalene sings Jesus to sleep ("Everything's Alright (Reprise)"). While he sleeps, Mary acknowledges that she
1560-506: Is cut off by a bloodthirsty mob which demands that Jesus be crucified . Unnerved, he tells the mob that Jesus has committed no crime and does not deserve to die, but to satisfy the mob he will have Jesus flogged . Pilate pleads with Jesus to defend himself, but Jesus says weakly that everything has been determined by God. The crowd still calls for Jesus's death and finally Pilate reluctantly agrees to crucify Jesus (" Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 Lashes) "). As Jesus awaits crucifixion,
1638-419: Is from Galilee, Pilate says that he is not under his jurisdiction and sends him to King Herod (" Pilate and Christ "). The flamboyant King Herod pressures Jesus to prove his divinity by performing miracles, but Jesus ignores him. Herod angrily sends him back to Pilate (" King Herod's Song "). Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the apostles remember when they first began following Jesus, and wish that they could return to
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#17328583354231716-410: Is in love with him, and it frightens her (" I Don't Know How to Love Him "). Conflicted, Judas seeks out the Pharisees and proposes helping them arrest Jesus, believing that Jesus is out of control and that Jesus himself would approve of this action. In exchange for his help, Judas is offered thirty pieces of silver . Judas adamantly refuses, but then accepts upon Caiaphas's suggestion that he could use
1794-631: Is the one who will betray Jesus and, saying that he does not understand why Jesus had no plan, leaves ("The Last Supper"). The remaining apostles fall asleep as Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He tells God his doubts about whether his mission has had any success and angrily demands to know why he should continue and suffer the horrible death that awaits him. Receiving no answer, he realizes that he cannot defy God's will, and surrenders to God. ("Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)"). Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on
1872-653: The BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards , and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The production returned to the Open Air Theatre as part of the 2017 season, running from 11 August 2017 to 23 September. Additionally, the Lyric Opera of Chicago hosted a run of the production from late April 2018 to late May 2018. before returning to London at
1950-567: The Barbican Centre from 9 July to 24 August 2019 prior to a 50th anniversary US tour from October 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the US tour was temporarily suspended in March 2020. The production returned to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in a socially distanced environment in a concert staging from 14 August to 27 September 2020. The US tour resumed performances on 28 September 2021 at
2028-542: The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 , with the song "The Last Polar Bear". She was ultimately selected for the final. In August 2024 she was interviewed by The Times where she described her life, her relationship with David Bowie and her South Kensington home, where she has lived all her life. Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice . Loosely based on
2106-623: The Gospels' accounts of the Passion , the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with much of the plot centered on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples. Contemporary attitudes, sensibilities and slang pervade the rock opera's lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. Stage and film productions accordingly contain many intentional anachronisms . Initially unable to get backing for
2184-563: The Indigo Girls as Jesus and Mary Magdalene respectively, and Michael Lorant as Judas. In 1996, the musical was revived in London at the Lyceum Theatre and ran for a year and a half. Directed by Gale Edwards , it starred Steve Balsamo and Zubin Varla as Jesus and Judas, and Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene. Alice Cooper sang the role of King Herod on the cast recording but did not play
2262-536: The Keller Auditorium . On 23 November 2021, James D. Beeks, who played Judas in the tour, was arrested for involvement in the 2021 United States Capitol attack . Beeks, performing in the show under the stage name James T. Justis, is alleged to have been one of those who forced entry into the Capitol and to have paid dues to the far right-wing anti-government militia Oath Keepers . Beeks was immediately suspended from
2340-511: The Manchester Opera House in 2017. The album's producer, Jim Steinman , coined the term Wagnerian rock after composer Richard Wagner to describe the genre of the record. Perhaps the archetypal and most famous rock opera is The Wall , a double album released by Pink Floyd in 1979. The Wall chronicles the story of Pink, a character who ultimately constructs an emotional wall to protect himself after being driven into insanity as
2418-636: The Palace Theatre in 1972. She also appeared on the Original London Cast album of the show. During the 1980s, Gillespie was a member of the Austrian Mojo Blues Band. She is a follower of the late Indian spiritual guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba . She performed at his Indian ashram on various occasions and has also recorded thirteen bhajan -based albums in Sanskrit. Gillespie is the organiser of
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2496-630: The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL . Kellum's production ran from 19 April 2017, through 28 May 2017. Two notable Jesuses were Takeshi Kaga , in the 1976 Japanese production, and Camilo Sesto in the 1975 Spanish production. Mary Magdalene was played by Rocío Banquells in a 1981 production in Mexico. A Czech version premiered in 1994 in Prague 's Spirála Theatre and ran until 1998, with 1288 performances. In
2574-554: The Twelve Apostles , worries that the followers of Jesus are getting out of control and may be seen as a threat by the Roman Empire , who might harshly suppress them (" Heaven on Their Minds "). The other apostles anticipate entering Jerusalem alongside Jesus and ask him about his plans, but Jesus tells them not to worry about the future. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene tries to help Jesus relax. Judas warns Jesus to avoid Mary, because
2652-592: The best-selling albums of all time , having sold over 50 million copies worldwide. It is certified 14× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As of June 2019, it has spent 522 weeks in the UK Albums Chart , the second longest chart run by a studio album. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 343 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time . A musical based on Bat Out of Hell , staged by Jay Scheib , opened at
2730-413: The folk genre in the mid-1960s. Some of her recordings as a teenager fell into the teen pop category, such as her 1965 single "Thank You Boy", written by John Carter and Ken Lewis and produced by Jimmy Page . Page also played, uncredited, on Gillespie's 1968 debut LP, Foolish Seasons . She performed backing vocals on the track "It Ain't Easy" from Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and
2808-648: The 2000s, a Venezuelan production ran for two years (2006–2008), directed by Michel Hausmann . A Spanish production produced by Stage Entertainment ran from 2007 to 2009, followed by long-running productions in Italy and Sweden (featuring Ola Salo ) and Norway. Concerts of the show have been mounted in Vienna, Austria, since 1981, including one on Easter of 2015 starring Drew Sarich in the title role. In 2010, an Australian production presented by Harvest Rain Theatre Company
2886-567: The Pretty Things is "generally acknowledged as the first rock opera". Scott Mervis of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote that the Who 's 1969 record Tommy was the first album to be billed as a rock opera. The album tells the story of Tommy Walker, a "deaf, dumb and blind kid." Tommy displays the titular character's experiences with life and his relationship with his family. Although
2964-544: The Sarita Colonia prison, as part of a rehabilitation program for inmates, received some press. Eighty prisoners mounted the production, directed by inmate Freddy Battifora, who also played the role of Jesus. The Catholic Church approved of the production. In 2018, a new production, directed by Michael Hunt was premiered at the Perm Academic Theatre , Russia . Hunt worked closely with The Really Useful Group on
3042-537: The Spiders from Mars . Her version of "Andy Warhol" was not released until 1973, on her album Weren't Born a Man , which was produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson . Her version also featured Ronson on guitar. Subsequent recordings have been in the blues genre, appearing with the London Blues Band. She is also notable for being the original Mary Magdalene in the first London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice 's Jesus Christ Superstar , which opened at
3120-579: The U.S. it was released on VHS and DVD in March 2001, and aired on PBS 's Great Performances series in April 2001. It won the International Emmy Award for Best Performing Arts Film in November 2001. The style of the film is more like the stage version than the location-based 1973 adaptation, and it used many of the ideas from the 1996–1999 UK production. On Easter Sunday, 1 April 2018, NBC aired
3198-586: The UK, and an Australian leg of the tour commenced in Perth in May 2013. Andrew O'Keefe played King Herod in Australia, with Jon Stevens , who had played Judas in the 1992 Australian arena tour, as Pilate. In 2016, celebrating 45 years since the musical debuted on Broadway, Jesus Christ Superstar returned to London at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre from 15 July to 27 August, directed by Timothy Sheader . The production won
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3276-512: The annual blues festival at Basil's Bar on Mustique in the Caribbean , for 15 days at the end of January and it is now in its 18th year. From March 2021 on, she had an interview and music podcast series, Globetrotting with Gillespie. In 2024, Gillespie was one of four artists competing in a special selection for the final of Una voce per San Marino 2024 , the Sammarinese national final for
3354-524: The band's guitarist Pete Townshend denied taking any influence from S.F. Sorrow , critics have compared Tommy to it. The Tommy album developed into other media, including a Seattle Opera production in 1971, an orchestral version by Lou Reizner in 1972, a film in 1975, and a Broadway musical in 1992. The original album has sold 20 million copies and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame . Tommy would also go on to influence On and On ,
3432-552: The cheek . When Jesus is brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas and the priests send him to Pilate ("The Arrest"). Meanwhile, Peter is confronted by three witnesses of Jesus's arrest, to each of whom he denies that he knows Jesus. Mary observes that Jesus had predicted this (" Peter's Denial "). Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus answers "that's what you say". Since Jesus
3510-670: The earliest foreign productions was a five-day run in Sweden at Scandinavium in Gothenburg , opening on 18 February 1972 and playing to 74,000 people (a record at the time). Starring as Mary Magdalene was Agnetha Fältskog . On 16 March 1972 an oratorio version was performed at Memorial Drive Park in Adelaide, South Australia as part of the Adelaide Festival of the Arts . This was followed in May by
3588-592: The early part of her career, to rock in the 1970s and, more recently, the blues . Gillespie was born in Woking , Surrey, the second daughter of Anne Francis Roden ( née Buxton ; 1920–2007) and Hans Henry Winterstein Gillespie (1910–1994), a London-based radiologist of Austrian nobility . Her older sister, Nicola Henrietta St. John Gillespie, was born in 1946. Dana Gillespie was the British Junior Water Skiing Champion in 1962. Gillespie began
3666-576: The first official Australian production (A studio production was made in Australia earlier the same year, but it wasn't officially licensed ), at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney , later moving to the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Sharman again directed, and the cast included Trevor White as Jesus, Jon English as Judas, and Michele Fawdon (1972–1973) and Marcia Hines (1973–1974) as Mary Magdalene. Hines
3744-542: The greater good, Jesus must be executed (" This Jesus Must Die "). As Jesus and his followers arrive exultantly in Jerusalem, they are confronted by Caiaphas, who demands that Jesus disperse the crowd. Jesus instead greets them ("Hosanna"). Simon the Zealot suggests that Jesus lead his mob in a war against Rome and gain absolute power ("Simon Zealotes"). Jesus rejects this, stating that none of his followers understand what true power
3822-566: The idea of creating a rock opera in the 1960s. In an early use of the term, the July 4, 1966, edition of RPM Magazine (published in Toronto) reported that " Bruce Cockburn and Mr [William] Hawkins are working on a Rock Opera, operating on the premise that to write you need only 'something to say'." Mark Wirtz explored the idea in a project A Teenage Opera , from which an early song " Excerpt from A Teenage Opera (Grocer Jack) " recorded by Keith West
3900-488: The money to help the poor (" Damned for All Time/Blood Money "). Jesus shares a Passover meal with his disciples , where they get drunk and pay little attention to him. He remarks that "for all you care" the wine they are drinking could be his blood and the bread his body. He asks them to remember him, then, frustrated by their lack of understanding, he predicts that Peter will deny him three times that night, and that another one of them will betray him. Judas admits that he
3978-414: The musical was created and staged. On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by Ian Gillan , with Murray Head as Judas, Michael d'Abo as King Herod , Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, and Barry Dennen as Pilate. In July 1971, the first authorised American production of the rock opera took place in front of an audience of 13,000 people at Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania's Civic Arena —staged as
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#17328583354234056-508: The musical, beginning at O2 in September 2012. The production also starred Tim Minchin as Judas, Melanie C as Mary Magdalene and Chris Moyles as King Herod. Lloyd Webber stated, "The funny thing is that Jesus Christ Superstar [as a rock concert] is what we actually intended it to be. When it is done in a conventional proscenium theatre production it feels shoe-horned in. That is why I wanted to do this." The tour resumed in March 2013 in
4134-616: The myth of Jewish deicide by showing most of the villains as Jewish ( Caiaphas and the other priests, Herod) and showing the mob in Jerusalem calling for Christ's crucifixion. The musical was banned in South Africa for being " irreligious ", and in the Hungarian People's Republic for "distribution of religious propaganda". Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in London in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus, Stephen Tate as Judas and Dana Gillespie as Mary Magdalene. It
4212-580: The name of Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection was released. A 1996 radio production for BBC Radio 2 starred Tony Hadley as Jesus, Roger Daltrey as Judas, Frances Ruffelle as Mary Magdalene and Julian Clary as King Herod; this production was re-broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra on 6 August 2016. In May 2018, Aztec Records released a 1973 live recording of the Australian production; previous recordings of that production were released as "bootleg" copies. A film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar
4290-558: The other hand, said that rock music and opera are "both overblown, massive spectacles" that cover the same themes. Kiesewalter, who was originally not a fan of opera, did not think the two styles would mix well together, but his modernized operas with rock music surprised him with their popularity at the East Village Opera Company . The performance of these works on Broadway has also courted controversy; Anne Midgette of The New York Times called them musicals with "no more than
4368-580: The poor. Jesus reasons they do not have the resources to end poverty, and that they should treasure what comforts they possess (" Everything's Alright "). Meanwhile, Caiaphas , the High Priest of Israel , assembles the Pharisees and priests. Like Judas, they fear that Jesus's followers will be seen as a threat by the Romans, and that many innocent Jews might suffer the consequences. Thus, Caiaphas concludes that for
4446-491: The production due to his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. This production broke box office records and produced a number 1 soundtrack album. In 1994, a New Zealand production starred Darryl Lovegrove as Jesus, Jay Laga'aia as Judas and Frankie Stevens as Caiaphas. Also in 1994, a stage version titled Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection was performed in Atlanta , Austin and Seattle featuring Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of
4524-445: The right man at the right time at the right place." Christians considered such comments to be blasphemous , the character of Judas too sympathetic, and some of his criticisms of Jesus offensive. The musical's lack of allusion to the resurrection of Jesus has resulted in criticism similar to that of fellow musical Godspell , which also did not clearly depict a resurrection. At the same time, some Jews claimed that it bolstered
4602-425: The role of Pilate. Reviews were mixed. The revival was nominated for two Tonys: Best Revival and, for Young, Best Actor. Neither award was won, but Young won a Theatre World Award . The revival closed after 116 performances and 24 previews. Through a 2012 ITV competition TV show called Superstar , produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber , the UK public chose Ben Forster for the role of Jesus in an arena tour of
4680-521: The role on stage. The production was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival but did not win. It was followed by a UK tour. This production was revived on Broadway at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in 2000, starring Glenn Carter as Jesus and Tony Vincent as Judas. It opened to mixed reviews and ran for 161 performances. It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of
4758-414: The roles that they had sung on the album. Paul Ainsley was Herod. Carl Anderson replaced Vereen when he fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role. The show closed on 30 June 1973 after 711 performances. The production received mixed reviews; the bold casting of African-Americans as Judas was lauded, but reviewer Clive Barnes from The New York Times said, "the real disappointment
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#17328583354234836-1085: The show had its first Broadway revival, running from 23 November 1977 to 12 February 1978. It was directed by William Daniel Grey, with choreography by Kelly Carrol and starred William Daniel Grey as Jesus, Patrick Jude as Judas, and Barbara Niles as Mary Magdalene. Regional productions followed. In 1981, Emilio de Soto directed an English-language version in Venezuela, with 163 actors. From 1982 to 1984, an Australian production toured Australia and South-East Asia, directed by Trevor White, who also reprised his role of Jesus. The cast included Doug Parkinson as Judas and Marcia Hines (reprising her role as Mary Magdalene). The North American touring revival of Superstar in 1992 starred Neeley and Anderson reprising their respective Broadway and 1973 film roles as Jesus and Judas, receiving positive reviews for their performances. This production also starred both Dennis DeYoung as Pilate, and Syreeta and Irene Cara sharing Mary Magdalene. Originally expected to run for three to four months,
4914-691: The show opened in Paris at the Théâtre de Chaillot in a French adaptation by Pierre Delanoë . The title role was sung by Daniel Beretta , and Mary Magdalena was Anne-Marie David . The critics were unimpressed, and the production stopped after 30 performances. In the same year, Noel Pearson produced the show at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin , Republic of Ireland , with Luke Kelly giving a critically acclaimed performance as King Herod and Jim McCann as Petrus. In 1974, first Spanish-language production ran in Mexico with
4992-467: The shows. Producer Robert Stigwood , who was assembling an authorised touring company, called these unsanctioned groups "outright pirates", stressing that he would continue to protect his rights by "relentlessly" pursuing legal action. The musical opened on Broadway on 12 October 1971, directed by Tom O'Horgan , at the Mark Hellinger Theatre . It starred Jeff Fenholt as Jesus, Ben Vereen as Judas and Bob Bingham as Caiaphas. Dennen and Elliman played
5070-414: The spirit of Judas returns and questions why Jesus chose to arrive in the manner and time that he did, and if it was all part of a divine plan after all (" Superstar "). Jesus is crucified, recites his final words and dies ("The Crucifixion"). Jesus' body is taken down from the cross and buried ("John 19:41"). Act One Act Two The songs were written and conceived as an album musical , before
5148-677: The title "Jesucristo Super Estrella". Julissa played Mary Magdalen. One year later, the musical was released for the second time in a Spanish-speaking country. It was released in Spain under the title "Jesucristo Superstar" and directed by the Spanish singer and songwriter Camilo Sesto , who also played the title role of Jesus Christ. The musical was seen in 1974 in Peru and Singapore. Robert Stigwood launched two road touring companies in 1971 to cover North America, with Robert Corff and Tom Westerman as Jesus, respectively. The first major US National Tour, however began In 1976, managed by Laura Shapiro Kramer. The tour continued until 1980. In 1977,
5226-447: The tour ended up running for five years. Original cast replacements to this tour included Christine Rea as Mary Magdalene, Jason Raize as Pontius Pilate and Simone as the Maid by the Fire and understudy for Mary. Also in 1992 a touring concert version was stage in Australia starring John Farnham as Jesus, Jon Stevens as Judas and Kate Ceberano as Mary. Anthony Warlow was also originally set to star as Pilate but he had to leave
5304-416: The touring production with the role of Judas assumed by another performer in the cast. On 2 December 2021, Tyrone Huntley , who played Judas in the 2016 London production, was announced to have replaced Beeks. A UK tour began at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from September 2023 featuring comedian Julian Clary as Herod. In 2017, a production featuring an all-Black cast was directed by Ron Kellum at
5382-473: The worlds of high art and low art mix. In Russian music, the term zong-opera (Зонг-опера) is sometimes used, since the first Soviet-Russian rock-opera Orpheus and Eurydice was described with this term, though the term "rock-opera" was already known in the Soviet rock music circles. According to Fleming, rock operas are more akin to a cantata or suite , because they are not usually acted out. Similarly, Andrew Clements of The Guardian called Tommy
5460-404: Was conducted by the band after the album's release and bassist Roger Waters reincarnated the tour twice; once in Berlin in 1990 to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and again around the world from 2010-2013 , a series of shows that became the highest-grossing tour by a solo musician. In 1999, progressive metal band Dream Theater released their album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from
5538-403: Was directed by Tim O'Connor . Luke Kennedy appeared as Jesus, Naomi Price as Mary, Tod Strike as Judas, and Steven Tandy as Herod. A 2017 Professional Australian Production was staged at the Arts Centre Melbourne and starred Rob Mills as Jesus. A 2014 production in São Paulo , Brazil starred Igor Rickli as Jesus. Negra Li was Mary Magdalene. A 2014 production in Lima , Peru, at
5616-521: Was directed by Australian Jim Sharman . This production was much more successful than the original production on Broadway, running for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom's longest-running musical at the time. Dmitri Shostakovich attended this production in London just before his death. He regretted that he could not have composed something like it; he lauded especially a rock band underpinning full symphonic strings, brass, and woodwind. One of
5694-623: Was mounted at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival , in Stratford, Ontario , in 2011. Directed by Des McAnuff , the cast starred Paul Nolan as Jesus, Josh Young as Judas, Brent Carver as Pilate, Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Bruce Dow as Herod and Melissa O'Neil as Martha. This moved to La Jolla Playhouse later in the year and transferred to the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway in 2012, with Tom Hewitt taking over
5772-421: Was not in the music ... but in the conception." The show was nominated for five Tony Awards , including Best Score, but won none. Lloyd Webber won a Drama Desk Award as "Most Promising Composer", and Vereen won a Theatre World Award . The Broadway show and subsequent productions were condemned by different religious groups. Tim Rice was quoted as saying, "It happens that we don't see Christ as God but simply
5850-463: Was played by Korni Grupa vocalist Zlatko Pejaković , the role of Mary Magdalene by Azra Halinović and the role of Pontius Pilate by Branko Milićević . The premiere was directly broadcast by Radio Television of Belgrade . Bora Đorđević and Srđan Marjanović , at the time little known musicians, also participated as members of the choir. The production was praised by the Yugoslav public. In 1973,
5928-465: Was released and became a hit song in 1967. However, the album for the rock opera was not released until 1996, and it was only fully realised and staged in 2017. Colin Fleming of The Atlantic described The Story of Simon Simopath (1967) by British psychedelic band Nirvana as an "early foray into the rock opera sub-genre". Neil Strauss of The New York Times wrote that S.F. Sorrow (1968) by
6006-472: Was released in 1973. The film, directed by Norman Jewison , was shot in Israel and other Middle Eastern locations. Ted Neeley , Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman were each nominated for a Golden Globe Award for their portrayals of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene, respectively. Bob Bingham (Caiaphas) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) also reprised their roles. A new song, called "Then We Are Decided" and phrased as
6084-556: Was the first black woman to play the role. Other cast members included Reg Livermore , John Paul Young , Stevie Wright and Rory O'Donoghue as well as Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock who met during the production and subsequently formed the band Air Supply . The production ran until February 1974. In June 1972 the show opened in Belgrade , Yugoslavia , in Atelje 212 theatre, in adaptation by Jovan Ćirilov . The role of Jesus Christ
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