Jesus vs. Jesus — Page 2

As far as recordings go, I think the original concept album of JCS with Yvonne Elliman and Ian Gillan has never been topped. It is the first and best, IMO. I must admit, though, that the Australian recording is a vivid and joyful reimagining of the score.

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Wait, how was Godspell offensive to a Muslim?

I swear I'm the only person who doesn't like him on the recording. That whole show bugs me. I can only listen to Shoshana sing "Bless the Lord."

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Well, as much as I do absolutely looove G'spell, I gotta say that Jesus Christ Superstar is better. No, I take that back. They are both wonderful interpretations. But I will say that the Godspell Judas would totally kick the JCS Judas's ass. But Mary Magdaline would wipe the floor with the "Day By Day" and "O Bless the Lord" girls.

Zach... who has decided to watch JCS and Godspell for Easter (and maybe watch Easter Parade and possibly Joseph and Fiddler for Passover)

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With Godspell it feels like my 6 year stint in Catholic School is coming back and slapping me in the face. I can't stand that show, the whole bag of goods. Now, i've seen JCS at least 20 times, from professional productions to high school productions, i can't get enough of that show, although the first movie of it made me want to shoot myself in the face. I would have to go with JCS hands down, I like the complexity of Judas in it.

**sigh** judas...talk about a dream role. What vocal range is that part anyway?

I like and have been in both shows, but Godspell is definitely my favorite. I love how uplifting it is and how it actually is less about religion and more about the community that is brought together. That being said, I agree with those who said the shows are very, very different. JCS is more of a telling of the story while Godspell is a community of people being brought together by way of the parables.

~~~Amy~~~

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I'm with Angel in wondering how Godspell was offensive to you, john travoltas.., and I also want to know why Elphaba's comment made you think she was a "culturally intolerant" and like people who are "perpetuating fear and attacking freedom of expression in the world today". All she said was that she liked Godspell better, and JCS was too emotional. Why was that offensive? I'm not saying you shouldn't be offended, I'd just like to know why. Am I perhaps missing something? Has Elphaba edited her post?

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"As far as recordings go, I think the original concept album of JCS with Yvonne Elliman and Ian Gillan has never been topped."

I couldn't agree more and would like to include Barry Dennon's performance as Pontius Pilate in that list. He reprised the role for the film and I actually was lucky enough to see him perform Pilate live in 1989. I've never seen a more powerful and poignant Pilate since. Sorry for the alliteration.

And speaking of recordings, my favorite Godspell is the London studio cast with Darren Day, Ruthie Henshall and John Barrowman. My big problem with the 2000 Tour and Off-Broadway recordings was the use of American Idol-esque faux R&B style that keeps popping up in the vocals. Suddenly, it's more about the singers than the songs and I have to turn it off. I'll never understand how this emotion-free manufactured rip-off of what was genuinely considered "soul" became so popular.

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