Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook

Saturday, April 03, 2010

1970s: Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that became a musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot and Jesus that is not described in the Bible. The rock opera is based on St John's Gospel account of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for Jesus' and his disciples arrival in Jerusalem and ending with the Crucifixion. Twentieth-century attitudes and sensibilities as well as contemporary slang pervade the lyrics and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the political depiction of the events.

Carl Anderson was an American singer, film and theatre actor best known for his Golden Globe Award nominated portrayal of Judas Iscariot in the 1973 movie. He died of leukemia in 2004. The video features his performancee in the 1973 movie.


9 comments:

  1. Great movie. They don't make 'em like that any more. I once saw a live performance of the play, too, which I've never forgotten. Thanks.

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  2. Absolutely wonderful~! (hope you don't mind, I borrowed your inspiration... and credited you for it) Happy Spring~!

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  3. I saw a stage version back in 1973, also bought the 1970 LP version before it was a play, the part of Jesus was played by Ian Gillan, lead singer of Deep Purple, and Murray Head played Judas, Manfred Mann singer Mike D'Ado was Pontius Pilate. Tremendously innovative.

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  4. Great film, great songs, great LP. My favorite, "What's the buzz...tell me what's a-happening".

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  5. The [Gnostic Judas] tells a different Story.


    http://www.gnosticjudas.com/

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  6. I was unable to see Jesus Christ Superstar. Thank you for the video.

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  7. I didn't see the movie but did get to see the stage version when they were touring thru Denver. And then my marriage died. : )

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  8. I remember listening to the original album over and over. Even my mother approved! Thanks for the memory...

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  9. "It highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot and Jesus that is not described in the Bible."

    That's because it didn't happen.

    Don't fall for gnosticism. It's an escape from the truth, not a search for it.

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