JCS Reviews

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 5:19pm

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock oratorio Jesus Christ Superstar gets a 21st-century makeover from Tony-winning director Des McAnuff in the critically acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival production, which officially opens on Broadway March 22 at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Break legs all!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 5:43pm

I'm super excited, but also a bit saddened. I loved the show in La Jolla -- especially the acting and that's what a lot of posters here seem to be criticizing. A few are saying that a regional festival production does not belong on Broadway and comments like that make it seem like these people had their minds made up before the performance began. I'm hoping the New York critics will not share their sentiments.

Updated On: 3/22/12 at 05:43 PM

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 5:52pm

Wishing all my friends in this production a wonderful opening night! Merde!

[Marlothom]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 5:59pm

I wish all the best to this production!!!!

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 6:00pm

I agree with CATS. Yes, this production in San Diego was incredible. I thought the music, acting and vocals were on pointe. It is strange to hear the current criticisms as it makes me feel I saw a different show. I did not see Josh Young as Judas but felt his understudy, Jeremy Kushnier, owned the role.
I felt the actress who played Mary was the only weak link, but couldn't say she was "bad", she just appeared to be bored on stage.

[massofmen]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 6:03pm

break a leg kids!

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 6:36pm

AMNY gives it 3.5 stars

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/theater-review-jesus-christ-superstar-3-5-stars-1.3618340

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 6:39pm

Metro is mixed to negative

...it doesn't go out of its way to do more than deliver a predictable package. Instead of a classic gone contemporary, it feels like theatergoing via time machine. But maybe that's better than aspiring higher and succeeding less?

http://www.metro.us/newyork/comment/article/1131334--theater-review-jesus-christ-superstar

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 6:41pm

Financial Times gives it 3 stars

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/b9826d64-7418-11e1-bcec-00144feab49a.html#axzz1pt7tXjTH

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 6:50pm

I'm hoping the vacuum cleaner in the stage that sucks off Jesus' clothes gets some love in these reviews...

[PlayItAgain]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 7:22pm

i feel this will not turn out to be a super night for JCS......

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 7:25pm

It won't be a crucifixion, but will critics know how to love it?

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 7:34pm

I think it will be a mixed bag tonight. I felt that even though the show had some major flaws in casting and direction it was still an enjoyable night in the theatre and I spent many hours thinking on the changes tht could have been mde to make it a spectacular night at the theatre.

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 8:28pm

EW gives it a B

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20364394_20579821,00.html

[tazber]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:04pm

It seems like this is a thoroughly mediocre production.

Which is a step up from the last Bway revival to be sure.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:08pm

Thoroughy Medicore Messiah!

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:09pm

Hollywood Reporter is mixed to positive

If this rock-opera reimagining of the “Greatest Story Ever Told” is far from ageless and seems unlikely to spark major new insights for believers or non-believers, as a time-travel experience it offers plenty to enjoy. And in Broadway’s current Jesus smackdown, Superstar at least trounces Godspell.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/jesus-christ-superstar-theater-review-andrew-lloyd-webber-303387

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:10pm

Saying that at least it's better than Godspell is not that much of a compliment, IMO.

[Marlothom]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:11pm

Thoroughy Medicore Messiah!

Have you seen the way they sing in the movie . . .

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:16pm

Chicago Tribune is very positive

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-ent-jesus-christ-superstar-review-20120322,0,1543035.column

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:24pm

Newsday is mixed to positive

In Broadway's latest revival, director Des McAnuff has tackled the irreverent/reverent challenge by ignoring the conflict altogether. The slick and loud high-tech production, acclaimed from Canada to Southern California, is serious, passionate and handsome in ways that seem to grow from McAnuff's recent years directing Shakespeare and opera.

If you like some fun in your "Superstar," however, the show that capped his final year as head of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival may feel pretty grandiose for much of the material. McAnuff, who famously also staged "The Who's Tommy" and "Jersey Boys," seems not to want to get the jokes here.

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/theater/a-very-serious-jesus-christ-superstar-1.3616182

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:35pm

The AP is negative

http://www.crescent-news.com/ap%20entertainment/2012/03/22/ap-review-jesus-christ-superstar-overly-flashy

[broadwayriff]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:36pm

This might be irrelevant but ALW and Tim Rice joined the cast onstage for the opening. Pics on their Facebbook

[srg129]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:38pm

Backstage is mixed:

http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-movie-tv-reviews/ny-review-jesus-christ-superstar-1006552952.story

[Marlothom]

Posted: 3/22/12 at 9:41pm

Did all reviewers go yesterday or Tuesday? So many saw Kushiner instead of Young.