Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lloyd Webber: This Superstar is More Concert Than Show
Lloyd Webber: This Superstar is More Concert Than Show
8 Jul
Summary
- Rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar returns to London's West End.
- The production emphasizes a concert-like feel, unlike typical theatre.
- Eurovision's Sam Ryder stars as Jesus in his West End debut.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" has returned to London's West End, embracing its origins as a concert-style production. Lloyd Webber noted that the musical's success as an album in 1970 meant it was always best experienced live, akin to a highly staged rock concert.
The latest revival at the London Palladium features Sam Ryder, known for his Eurovision performance, in his West End debut as Jesus. Ryder has been praised by Lloyd Webber as potentially the best vocalist ever to play the role.
The production includes a 19-piece live orchestra, visible on stage, reinforcing the concert feel that Lloyd Webber has long championed. The show, which chronicles the final days of Jesus' life through iconic songs, will run at the London Palladium until September 5.
Additionally, the role of King Herod is shared by various actors, including Boy George and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The production will then transfer to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from October 16 to January 9, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" originally debuted as an album in 1970, followed by a Broadway opening in 1971 and its West End premiere in 1972, where it enjoyed an eight-year run. This new production aims to recapture the raw energy of the rock opera.
