Virtual Theatre Review: Jesus Christ Superstar

Every Friday, the Youtube channel ‘The Shows Must Go On’ releases a free Andrew Llyod Webber theatre show during lockdown. The chosen rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar was the 2012 Live Arena Tour, a modern day version of the classic.

THE SHOW

The 2012 show (available to buy here) starred Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot, Mel C as Mary Magdalene, Chris Moyles as King Herod and Ben Forster as Jesus Christ. The musical follows the last days of Jesus, all the way up to his death by crucifixion.

What makes this production so unique (and my hands-down personal favourite revival), is that instead of the traditional setting of Biblical times, it’s set in modern times. Jesus and his Apostles are positioned as revolutionaries, living out of tent cities reminiscent of the Occupy movement in 2012 - there’s even a sound clip in the opening overture of a crowd passionately chanting we are the 99%.

REIMAGINING A CLASSIC

The prosecutor Pontius Pilate is reimagined as a modern-day lawyer, while King Herod becomes a camp late night TV show host with a suspicious resemblance to Graham Norton. The high priests are 1984-esque businessmen, with their guards in ominous riot gear and their CCTV tracking the public’s movements.

This reimagining creates an urgency and an identity to the show. Jesus becomes a pure hearted leader of the 99% and Mary Magdalene casts off performative beauty - she wipes off her makeup midway through the show in a truly moving moment.

Judas is even painted in an extremely sympathetic light, turning the mirror on society’s apathy towards capitalism and his apparent helplessness to stop. This reimagination deeply resonates with today’s world.

I cannot stress enough how moving, powerful and absolutely spellbinding it is to watch this. If you’re new to the show, this version is a palatable rendition of a rather dated musical style and is much easier to digest even for those who don’t necessarily vibe with musicals.

If I haven’t sold this show to you by now, I’m not sure what I can do that’ll manage it. This is an Andrew Lloyd Webber classic and the modern twist truly makes it something that’s fresh and interesting. We experience this famous story in an entirely new light.

If you’re interested in further taped productions of the show (they’re all fascinating in their own rights, for better or for worse), you can check out the original 1973 version here or maybe give the NBC live television event version a go.

WHAT DID MY FRIENDS THINK OF THE SHOW?

I am, and always have been, obsessed with Jesus Christ Superstar. I know every word to every song for every character. So how do I give you a review that is less influenced by this bias? Make my two unsuspecting friends that have never seen the show watch it with me, of course!

I’ve brought you their unfiltered reactions, and they’re hilarious. My friends and I watched the show as it premiered live, and recorded our reactions in a group chat.

The Participants: Myself (the musical theatre fanatic), Lindsay (my friend of nearly 15 years) and Evan (roped in).

I’ve rounded up some of the choice reactions from that viewing, with absolutely no context. In case you weren’t sold on this incredible show already. Enjoy!

L: Jesus needs to be thinking with the right head here…

M: I hate ALW for a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them.

L: ...DAMN, that can’t be unseen now.

L: Jesus always looks so confused.

E: Did you just accuse our lord and saviour of making decisions based on sex?

M: I’ve accused him of worse.

L: JESUS SMASH!

M: Sex drugs and rock’n roll babeyyyyy.

L: Oh. My. Lord. It’s a frickin’ party!!!

E: Mel-C is jacked. She goes to 905 CrossFit. You [Lindsay] didn’t tell me Mary Magdalene was in your class.

M: Give my baby his [bleeped] smoke back.

E: Everyone likes a good ragtime.

HOW TO ACCESS FREE THEATRE SHOWS DURING LOCKDOWN

The YouTube channel The Shows Must Go On is posting one of Webber’s musicals every Friday. Each show will be available to watch for free online for 48 hours. If you’re interested in any upcoming shows, they can be found here.

Stay safe folks!

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Written by Meg Williams

WHAT DID MY FRIENDS THINK OF THE SHOW?