The No. 1 Reason To See: Jesus Christ Superstar

The most raucous version of Sunday mass is back on Broadway with the new revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. Andrew Lloyd webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera has been brought back to the stage with a rock-concert-meets-CNN look by director Des McAnuff and a cast full of Broadway debuts.

The No. 1 Reason To See Jesus Christ Superstar: Jesus and Judas extending over the audience during “Superstar”
Scrolling red LED lights that traverse the industrial set have counted down the last week of Jesus’ life. During the climactic scene while Jesus (Paul Nolan) is on his way to his crucifixion, Josh Young appears as Judas wearing a shimmering blue suit, belting out the famous number “Superstar.” the two mount a long metal plank that the ensemble wheels to the edge of the stage and Nolan and Young jut out over the audience. Nolan strikes a confident, serene pose as Jesus while Young’s Judas belts out the song, transforming these historic figures into rock ‘n’ roll gods. At the performance I attended, the audience members under the plank gazed up at Nolan and Young, clapping in ecstasy. It’s the takeaway visual of this flashy production and will stand as one of the aesthetic high points in this Broadway season.

Jesus Christ Superstar student rush policy: Beginning when the box office opens, up to two tickets per person may be purchased for $27.

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