Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour

Before I get to this very title, let me tell you where I am coming from on this: When I first saw the Motion Picture "Jesus Christ Superstar" in the 70s, I was hooked right away. I've never been a great fan of musicals, but this one had such a great score, I loved it and got the soundtrack on vinyl as soon as it was out. Since then I have not only seen the original Broadway show (on tape) but also multiple later live performances until well into the 90s and even in different countries. Each of those had its own style, its own cast, its own "feel", but all of them were great.

This one though, the "Live Arena Show", I simply don't like, and believe me I've tried!

First of all, it's wayyy to overmodernised to me, cellphones, tablets and all. This may just be my personal taste, but hey, it's my review as well. Second, the costumes, makeup and hairstyles of "the followers" are downright ridiculous. While the style of Herod and Pilates are pretty good in a tongue-in-cheek way, those of the followers are just pathetic.

But the worst thing is, that Tim Minchin as Judas as well as Ben Forster as Jesus are just weak in any way. "The Temple" usually gives me goosebumps of delight, be it performed by Ted Neeley or Ian Gillan or some of the other Jesuses I've heard so far. In Forster's Case its all just "Meh".

Also, Melanie C has a great and unique voice, I am just nor sure if its the right one for the role. Maybe I am just used to the smoothness of Yvonne Elliman, but it also did not feel right to me.

In conclusion I did not enjoy it very much. If you are like me and love the Motion Picture or the Broadway Show, it might not be for you as well. On the other hand, if you are a younger person and this is the first time you ever see Jesus Christ Superstar at all, chances are that you will like it. If so, PLEASE listen to the original Soundtrack afterwards and I almost can guarantee you that you will be blown away!

I never went to see this show at the theatre, didn't get the opportunity, but knew the music and saw snatches on TV over the years.

I watched the Arena Tour on TV - what a truly wonderful experience. I couldn't take my eyes off. It was now a proper rock musical - I haven't been so enthralled or impressed since I went to see Hair in 1969, but this surpassed that by miles. Well done, a wonderful show with excellent performances; Tim Minchin was just superb, as was Mel C, and Ben Forster was so powerful at times it hurt. The ensemble cast were wonderful too.

Changing the time worked very well, there are parallels with today which you cannot ignore and which made it even more dramatic. The set design was superb, the costume quite stunning.

Yes, I enjoyed it! I just wanted to be there soaking it all up!

Tim Mitchin and Mel C were great in the show, both have impressive voice and excellent play. Only one thing made this marvellous piece of art a little bit "sour": playing of Ben Forster. He acted like a hysterical child, though his voice was fair good, except some overtone.

Ok, to be totally frank, NOT ONLY am I a huge Tim Minchin fan, I've watched all of his concerts & shows I could find and some of series AND I've been listening to the original JCSuperstar album since the early 70's. All of my kids, who are full grown adults now, love the album. When I heard about this UK arena tour video, WOW! I was so excited to watch it, but then I saw that Tim had been cast as Judas, that just added to my delight.

Now, I get that not everyone likes Tim's act, he can be fairly caustic to a gentle mind. But I just love his stuff. Swearing & all. You cannot deny the guy is super talented.

This production was placed in a rock arena, as creators ALW & TR had originally planned while writing it. With a huge flatscreen at top of the steps which lets the audience see better close-ups.

The 1973 movie was very good (8/10), but as talented as Ted Neely was, I would've preferred to have seen Ian Gillian in the Jesus role (he does Jesus on the original soundtrack). In this version, Ben Forster is pretty good as Jesus. The way the arena is set up, if you're familiar with the original Norman Jewison film from 1973, you'll know where each scene & character is 'supposed' to be. Tim is excellent as Judas. MelC ,as Mary, is easy to watch. I love her gothy/punk look.

So, maybe I'm not unbiased, I've watched this movie so many times since buying it. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes JCS or Tim Minchin or rock operas or just a good show to spend some time on.

PS: Another Tim Minchin achievement is "Matilda, the Musical", he wrote all the songs and they are brilliant! (Watch Matilda at least once with the captions on so as not to miss any of his sharp lyrics!).

Good adaptation to the modern time, but without Tim Minchin, it's not worth watching