Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

The music is still supremely memorable and moving after the album's 36th birthday! I hadn't heard it in 30 years and I'd never seen a stage or movie production before now. This is an impressive effort, set in the Mediterranean desert, with an inventive blend of neo-Roman and hippie costumes. (Pilate's soldiers wear chrome stormtrooper helmets and carry gaffing forks and machine guns, while hippie chic or dyed afros abound in dance numbers.) The dancing is energetic and tightly choreographed, esp. considering the rocky terrain. Ted Neeley as Jesus has wise, weary, clear eyes and sings with soul (most of the time). Carl Anderson as Judas is the true star of the show, for talent and storyline. (In the extras, Tim Rice explains that the show is about the humanity of Jesus and his disciples, but Judas most of all.) Anderson sings soulfully to his core as Judas considers and rationalizes his motives for betraying Christ. Yvonne Elliman touched my heart with her portrayal of Mary Magdalene -- and anyone who thinks she was romantically or otherwise implied to be involved with Jesus has not been listening to the music. The key to both the characters of Judas (who hates and betrays Jesus while proclaiming to love him) and Mary (who as a former prostitute has "loved" many men but fears she doesn't know how to love Christ even as he inspires authentic, generous love in her) is the line they each sing: "I don't know how to love him ... He scares me so." Everyone knows Jesus is human but they are all faced with the realization that he is something much greater -- through his healing, his teaching, his pacifism, and his sacrifice -- and anyone who thinks this production is a secular, hippie rip against the divinity of Christ has not been listening to the music. The musical score of this rock opera is immortal and will still be greatly appreciated generations from now. Catch a look-see for yourself; I think you'll be glad you did. 4.5 stars.