Entertainment

Is Broadway‘s ’Jesus Christ Superstar’ Sacrilegious? (Poll)

Jesus Christ Superstar May Be Leaving Broadway“Jesus” continues to Occupy Broadway — but his tenure may be coming to an end in the next few weeks. Decades after it first arrived on the scene, the popular rock opera ”Jesus Christ Superstar“ offers those with a penchant for music and theology an intriguing opportunity to sit back and enjoy some fascinating beats that accompany a slightly-altered gospel storyline.

The play, which first reached Broadway stages in 1971, has been enjoying a showing at New York City’s Neil Simon Theater since earlier this year. But news that it could be closing up shop in the coming days will likely come as a disappointing surprise to some theater-goers.

Like many other works of art, the show comes with a fair share of controversy. But regardless of where one stands on the storyline, “Jesus Christ Superstar” offers bright lights, booming sounds, exciting beats and an entertaining experience. The official synopsis provides a helpful overview:

Judas Iscariot is anxious: his spiritual leader, Jesus Christ, has developed a fervent religious following in Nazareth. With the Jewish territories under an oppressive Roman regime, Judas fears that the people’s zealotry will provoke a violent conflict between the two nations. Judas’ worries are well-founded: a group of Pharisees and priests soon meet with the high priests Caiaphas and Annas to express their concern about the man whom the people now call their king. Fearing that their subjects will revolt, the Pharisees decide that Jesus must die.

Professing his wish to protect the Jewish people from bloodshed, Judas betrays Christ to Caiaphas and Annas. Jesus already knows his fate, and at the Last Supper he confronts Judas in private and tells him to go fetch his captors. Jesus stays awake that night, waiting alone for morning. Judas soon leads Caiaphas and Annas to Jesus, whom they arrest and take to the Prefect, Pontius Pilate, for sentencing. Even at Pilate’s urging, Jesus refuses to defend himself, claiming that his fate already has been determined. Washing his hands of responsibility for Jesus’ death, Pilate orders that he be crucified.

Jesus Christ Superstar May Be Leaving Broadway

Image Credit: Joan Marcus

In sum, the rock opera represents a very loose interpretation of Christ’s activities during the last week of his life. The show, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice, provides a recap — through a heavily-artistic interpretation — of the events that led to Jesus’ death. As can be expected, one of the final scenes shows Jesus on the cross, as he suffers at the hands of the people who sought to have his life terminated.

What is, perhaps, most surprising about the show is the virtual non-existence of Mary, Jesus’ mother. Considering her importance in the Christian tradition, the lack of a presence in “Jesus Christ Superstar” is curious. However, so are some of the other attributes, including: A less than stellar push to show Christ’s divinity, some odd conversations between Judas and Christ and some of Mary Magdelene’s overt, potentially over-the-top fawning over the Christian savior, among other examples.

Jesus is played by actor Paul Nolan, who has appeared in various stage plays and television and film projects and Mary Magdelene is portrayed by Chilina Kenneda (a complete cast list with bios can be found here).

Theatre fans wishing to see the show may need to act fast as Broadway.com is reporting that it is set for a permanent curtain call:

The Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened at the Neil Simon Theatre March 22 after a critically praised, extended run at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival last year, will close July 1 after 116 performances.

On June 20, producers announced that unless business improved, July 1 would be the last performance. Producers have not released tickets past the 3 PM matinee on July 1, and the official website for the revival states that this will be the final week of performances.

You can get more information about “Jesus Christ Superstar” here. What do you think? Based on what you know, do you see the show as sacrilegious and anti-Christian — or simply an entertaining take on the gospels? Take the poll:


Comments (76)

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  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 10:25am

    The play came out while I was in Vietnam. Great music. Probably sacreligous.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 11:55am

      Ditto; Agreed!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • stephenb.net
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 2:08pm

      It isn’t accurate at all. Jesus didn’t say to God that he should take him now before he changed his mind, what nonsense. He said, not my will but yours. It was willing submission not a temper tantrum.

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 10:07am

    This ground was plowed when this show was new…40 years ago. GET A LIFE! If you don‘t like it don’t go. No; instead I get Islam lite out of fundamentalist Christians. Then you wonder why there is so much push back?

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
    • PapaPatriarch
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 11:07am

      I was given tickets to this show in OHIO a few years back, DON’T go see this, NEVER take children to this xxx trash. Near the end three women in lingerie came out and GYRATED all over Jesus as he bore the cross. EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! CENSOR THIS TRASH!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » PapaPatriarch  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:31pm

      Islam light? What are you talking about? I’m a fundamentalist christians and yes, I believe this is blasphemous trash. But, I‘m not trying to censor it or keep these people from making money off of my Saviours’ sacrifice. They will answer for that. I’ve got my own sins to worry about. But, I’m getting really sick and tired of ignorant people comparing us to jihadist.

      Let’s do a body count of murders by fundamentalist muslims compared to fundamentalist christians.

      We believe the Jesus is a “name that is above every name” and “at the name of Jesus, all knees should bow”. We don’t force people to believe that not would God have us force people because “without faith, it is impossible to please God”. If you want to go see this, go for it. Just know that the character does not represent in any factual way the Jesus in the Bible.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • LuvsYeshua
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:51am

    This is the Lord your God you are referring to….hallowed by Thy Name. This isn‘t just some historical figure or simply a ’good guy’. He is the living God, the Messiah, the Savior of those that follow Him. To speak of Jesus Christ as a ‘superstar’ or some song-filled dancer is blasphemy.

    Report Post »  
  • AllLost
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:30am

    Well Duh!

    Report Post »  
  • tj1961
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:54am

    It is not the same without the late Carl Anderson as Judas

    Report Post »  
    • menticide
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:10am

      I am sorry to say that I was not aware that Carl had passed on. Sorry to hear that, a great voice, and an immense talent…

      Report Post » menticide  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:24pm

      I wonder what it was like when he met Judas?

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • huntinwabbits
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:19am

    Never seen it or had the desire to but judging by the disproportionate number of gays on broadway I think it is safe to it is sacrilegious in some sense at the very least.

    Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:10am

    It has some decent music, but like all things that are not the Bible itself, don’t go to it expecting to learn something new. You want to know about Christ? Read the Bible. Want some entertainment and can take theology with a grain of salt? Go see this musical before it’s gone.

    Report Post »  
    • menticide
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:24am

      I think the music is really good, the show can be really good too, depending on the productions values, and the performances. To consider it a Biblically accurate portrayal is quite ridiculous. But, if a viewing of this admittedly entertaining show leads people into a further investigation of the Gospels, Christianity, and religious ideas in general, I do not see anything wrong with it…

      Report Post » menticide  
  • Certainperson
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:34am

    When I was a kid I went to a Presbyterian church. I left for two reasons when I was around ten. First was my annoyance at the refusal of the folks to set up a juke box in the basement for the ‘youngsters’, and the second was half of the church getting up and leaving when a black family came for servce.
    I see not a lot has changed in sixty or so years…
    Jesus Chrst Superstar is one of the finest musicals, ever! However, I guess it’s important not to let Christ be an interesting, vibrant story, full of joy and, actually, memorable to a younger generation. We must maintain the dignity (read stuffy, somewhat overbearing) of The Old Ways.
    Jesus Christ
    Jesus Christ
    Who are you?
    What have you sacrificed?

    Report Post » Certainperson  
    • PapaPatriarch
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 11:13am

      I want to know how many people commenting actually seen the play, cause IT SUCKED!

      Report Post » PapaPatriarch  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:40pm

      Uh, your premise is a joke. Sorry you went to a racist church but, Jesus Christ is interesting. What this play does is lie about who He is and protray Him as something He is not! Way to castigate us all though. I know full well who Jesus is. He resides throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. He can be seen in The Tabernacle of David, The serpent of Moses, in the fire with the 3 jews in Daniel, meeting with Joshua, in Isaiah he is high and lifted up and His train filled the Temple. I don‘t need some unbeliever’s play to excite me about my Lord. His Word is plenty!

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • ASE
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:43am

    I always thought it was a bunch of hippies trashing religion and morality – haven’t changed my stance.

    Report Post »  
    • planecrashlaw
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:42am

      Hippies. Too funny. I‘m willing to bet that none of your thoughts have changed since the 50’s. I’m sure them darn coloreds still bug you too.

      Report Post »  
    • bigdaddyt46
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:12am

      yes and there are 2 keys here that over the years have been forgotten.

      1) this play was writen by two athiests who have ammitted and said many times the did it soley to make fun of Jesus.

      2) they end the musical/movie with the death of Jesus by everyone getting in their minivans and going home. no resurection therefore Jesus didn‘t die for anyone’s sins, he died because he was an instigator.

      there is so much hidden messages in this and even you watch it with open eyes and mind you will truley see what the true message is not of salvation or forgiveness of sins as it is to openly mock God. the true hero of JCSS is……. wait for it…….. JUDAS.
      that says it all

      Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
  • menticide
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:39am

    The lyricist Tim Rice has said that his approach to the character of Jesus was to make him not divine, just the right man, at the right time, and in the right place. Ted Neeley who played Jesus in the movie version and in many stage productions is supposedly a rather devout Christian. But, the show has always been seen as controversial, maybe not as much today, but it was very controversial when it first came out. Some Christians viewed it as anti-Christian, some Jews found it to be anti-Semitic.

    Personally, I like the music, and I watch it for that reason, not for a Gospel lesson…

    Report Post » menticide  
    • spikebu
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:10am

      I watched it because my brother wanted me to. Was it factual? At the time, I had no idea. I knew precious little about Christ. What I got out of the movie was a profound interest in Christ. It took two decades for me to find Him, but I did.

      Report Post »  
  • spikebu
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:31am

    My sympathies to Dean D Fetterolf from Fredricksburg, Va, for the brain tumor.

    Report Post »  
  • spikebu
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:20am

    When I was 12, I got my appendix out. My brother came to visit me on one of my two nights in the hospital. He insisted I watch “Jesus Christ, Superstar”. It was it’s first time on TV. I watched it, and fell in love with Christ. It was my beginning. My brother still hates the idea of God, but he was instrumental in turning me on to Him. I love my brother. He hates God. Pray for him, please.

    Report Post »  
    • Magicsmom
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:43pm

      A similar thing happened to me. I saw the movie back in the ‘70’s when it first came out. It made me so curious about Jesus, that I actually started reading the Bible to see if the movie was for real. Now that I am a Christian, I’d probably find the play to be offensive, but it goes to show you that you never know what God will use to draw someone. Even a blasphemous play written by atheists mocking Christ can be turned around by God and used. You never know.

      Report Post »  
  • pavepaws
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 5:56am

    Not the same without Ted Neeley. The one and only.

    Report Post »  
  • Mark Tripp
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 5:04am

    Of course it is….

    There is NOTHING in the play about the resurrection of the Savior. Kinda changes things if Jesus is dead and stays dead……

    Report Post » Mark Tripp  
  • CatholicConservative
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 3:44am

    My 6 year old niece (who sings in our church choir) was introduced to the movie by my mom (her grandma) over Easter and couldn’t stop watching it. I even found the record (yes, an actual record) at an antique store and bought it for her as a Birthday present. Maybe there will be another revival and she can experience the stage performance as I did 15 years ago.
    As to the question: Weber and Rice took some “creative liberties,” but I recognized them and was not offended. Anyone seeing the musical who is “not in the know” would be left with a less-than-accurate Gospel story. (I didn’t like the way Jesus just “gave up” out of frustration when praying in the garden rather than accept God’s “will be done.”)

    Report Post » CatholicConservative  
    • Certainperson
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:55am

      Jesus killed an innocent fig tree too. He was not only the Son of God, he was also a human being and, knowing you’ve done nothing wrong and still are going to die a horrific death is a reasonable excuse for frustraton.

      Report Post » Certainperson  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:49pm

      “knowing you’ve done nothing wrong and still are going to die a horrific death is a reasonable excuse for frustraton”

      That is the problem with this play. It is not at all based on reality and people start forming theology from it. Jesus knew He was going to die. He said that was the very reason He came. He said, ” No man taketh my life from me, I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received from my Father”. “ I am the Good Shepard and the Good Shepard lay down his life for the sheep”

      He was agonizing of bearing the sins of the world, not over dying. In fact, technically, Jesus wasn’t even killed. He willingly “gave up the ghost”. Man can not kill God, He had to will Himself to die.

      Because God can use this to reach people doesn’t mean He condones it.

      “What you meant for evil, God used for good” – Joseph to his treacherous brothers.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • Midwest Blonde
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 2:36am

    I saw the 25th anniversary version – loved it – the music of my youth. I did enjoy it then, and probably would enjoy it now, if drastic changes haven’t been made.

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 2:25am

    how can people who do not know our lord know the meaning of sacralige….true sacralige comes from people who know him yet not abide in him….we all fall short …

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
    • MRMANN
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 3:52am

      Yes, we all do fall short.
      This so-called musical debases & trivializes the life & mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

      Report Post »  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 2:01am

    By 1974 I had decided that God did/does not exist, for a multitude of reasons. And for a multitude of reasons returned to Christianity. This Rock Opera was one of them, the pastor I looked to at the time said there was much wrong with the piece; BUT this pastor did not question it….I was among many that he saw looking/searching in part because of this work of art.

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:39am

    The only “sacrilege” here is the avoidance of further sacrilege.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:55am

    I dug out the record a few months ago. With Ian Gillan as Jesus, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene and the slightly obscure bass player, John Gustafson as Simon. Though I appreciate the effort, it really blows. The movie is amaturish at best. Though it’s been on a lot lately. But like I said, I appreciate the effort nonetheless.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:00am

      The stage show with the original cast (most of which were in the movie) WAS FANTASTIC .. saw the 25 reunion tour.

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 3:53am

      Ian Gillan had a hell of a voice. Compared to him, the guy who played Jesus in the movie sounded like a twelve year old whose voice is just starting to change. As a kid, I saw the original Broadway production near the end of its run when that guy had already gone to Hollywood to work on the movie, and it was quite good, much better than the movie.

      Report Post »  
    • Certainperson
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:47am

      Ahh yes… the movie. It was a pale, slightly tedious shadow of the stage production. My kids saw the play in little old Arkansas. The crowd was so loud and appreciative at the end, that the encore, after the many standing ovations, began with “Tell the rabble to be quiet, we anticipate a riot”. This brought the primarily young audience to their feet, cheering and applauding.
      Billy Graham could not have had as much influence over those kids.

      Report Post » Certainperson  
  • Buxstf98
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:52am

    I have enjoyed seeing “Jesus Christ Superstar” on several different occasions since the early 1970′s. Unless the original play has been grossly re-arranged for today’s audiences, I found the original to be an enlightening experience and not at all sacreligious.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:03am

      Agree .. I saw the 25th anniversary tour … it was wonderful. Most of the originals were in it .. but then I also enjoyed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat … with Donnie Osmond ;-) …

      Report Post »  
    • hardiepiper
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:30am

      You enjoyed it because you have no fear of God and no respect for His Word.

      Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
      - Proverbs 30:6

      Report Post » hardiepiper  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:15am

      The Technicolor Dreamcoat. Yes, I liked that. I’m a heathen, I know.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:45am

    Simple answer: Yes.

    Better question: Is the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs more important that a Broadway briefing? Simple answer: Yes.

    Unbelievable; CNN and MSNBC has the fire on their sites but nothing on the Blaze. Kudos to TWITCHY.COM as well. The Blaze should hire some reporters for flyover country.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:05am

      Nothing about the flooding of Florida either …. we are still getting bands of rain from Debby … over 300 miles away .. has been going on for days now … and a lot of flooding not just the beach areas but FAR inland.

      Report Post »  
  • hardiepiper
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:45am

    This time last year, people didn’t wanna hear.
    They looked at Jesus from afar, this year he’s a superstar.
    You think it’s such a sad thing when you see a fallen king
    Then you find out they’re only princes to begin with
    And everybody has to choose whether they will win or lose
    Follow God or sing the blues, and who they’re gonna sin with.
    What a mess the world is in, I wonder who began it.
    Don’t ask me, I’m only visiting this planet.

    Report Post » hardiepiper  
    • frodoguevara
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:04am

      A Larry Norman fan! Please don’t forget to site that! Larry is singing his songs for the king now, but I’ll never forget him. On to my point. My brother was saved back during the Jesus Freak movement in the seventies. Before he was saved he had this album, even gave it to me after he was saved. So if it whets peoples appetite to find out about Jesus can it be wholly bad? Don’t get me wrong. It takes horrendous liberties with the gospel, even has a sympathetic portrayal of Judas to boot. But I am aware of a lot of people who after hearing the album, or seeing the play or the movie responded in receiving Jesus Christ. The majority of them, myself included, wouldn’t recommend or endorse it now. We’ve grown spiritually, and know that that’s hardly the way the Gospel should be interpreted. Eddie Degarmo of Degarmo and Key did his own rock opera based ob the life of Christ called Hero, and that is much better. Even had a resurrection scene which Jesus Christ Superstar, and Godspell did not.

      Report Post » frodoguevara  
    • hardiepiper
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 12:55am

      Larry was a true poet.

      God can use scripture to convict a man’s soul, even if it comes from the lips of a false prophet. But once you know the truth, you are to separate from false doctrine.

      Report Post » hardiepiper  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:44am

    havent seen it

    dont plan to see it

    and you couldnt get me to go to new york city if you paid me

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:06am

      Saw it in Detroit and Toronto …

      Report Post »  
  • marine249
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:43am

    sick

    Report Post »  
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