Following in the footsteps of The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, and Hairspray, as well as Bye Bye Birdie this December, NBC will be presenting a live television production of Jesus Christ Superstar next Easter on April 1st, 2018. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that tells the story of the final week in the life of Jesus Christ. It begins with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ends with the crucifixion. It also highlights the political and interpersonal struggles between Jesus and one of his 12 apostles, Judas Iscariot that are not present in the Bible narratives.
The telecast will not only once again be produced by Craig Zadan & Neil Meron (who've been producing all the live NBC musicals), but it will also be produced by Marc Platt, who brought us Grease: Live on FOX. They'll all be partnering up with the creators of the rock opera, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice for the telecast. What I find interesting is that I remember Platt was set to produce a film reboot of Jesus Christ Superstar several years ago, but never came to fruition. Looks like this will take its place.
NBC's entertainment chief, Robert Greenblatt said in a statement: “As we continue to expand the profile of our live musicals, we are thrilled to be partnering with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to bring a new live staging of the iconic Jesus Christ Superstar to NBC. Casting has just begun, but we want to fill out this classic show with as many recording artists as possible to give proper voice to what is the original rock opera score.”
So when I first saw the news, I could not have been more surprised by the announcement. All the musicals NBC has been doing in December have been family-oriented, while Jesus Christ Superstar clearly doesn't fit that mold at all. However, I do think it's exciting that the peacock network is willing to take a chance on a show like this. Also by having it air on Easter Sunday seems to be perfect timing. I even recently saw a production that took place during Easter week last month (you can read my review right here).
Since this has always been a show where so many different directors get to try any approach they want in order to make it their own, it should be interesting which way they end up going with the telecast. I also think this is a perfect show to acquire some star casting since it is a rock opera after all.
So what do you think of Jesus Christ Superstar as a choice for NBC? Who would you like to see in the cast?
The telecast will not only once again be produced by Craig Zadan & Neil Meron (who've been producing all the live NBC musicals), but it will also be produced by Marc Platt, who brought us Grease: Live on FOX. They'll all be partnering up with the creators of the rock opera, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice for the telecast. What I find interesting is that I remember Platt was set to produce a film reboot of Jesus Christ Superstar several years ago, but never came to fruition. Looks like this will take its place.
NBC's entertainment chief, Robert Greenblatt said in a statement: “As we continue to expand the profile of our live musicals, we are thrilled to be partnering with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to bring a new live staging of the iconic Jesus Christ Superstar to NBC. Casting has just begun, but we want to fill out this classic show with as many recording artists as possible to give proper voice to what is the original rock opera score.”
So when I first saw the news, I could not have been more surprised by the announcement. All the musicals NBC has been doing in December have been family-oriented, while Jesus Christ Superstar clearly doesn't fit that mold at all. However, I do think it's exciting that the peacock network is willing to take a chance on a show like this. Also by having it air on Easter Sunday seems to be perfect timing. I even recently saw a production that took place during Easter week last month (you can read my review right here).
Since this has always been a show where so many different directors get to try any approach they want in order to make it their own, it should be interesting which way they end up going with the telecast. I also think this is a perfect show to acquire some star casting since it is a rock opera after all.
So what do you think of Jesus Christ Superstar as a choice for NBC? Who would you like to see in the cast?