Jesus vs. Jesus- Page 2

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 9:18pm

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.

[Feodor Sverdlov]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 10:15pm

GODSPELL for me. But that's not saying much. I prefer the score to GODSPELL; but I'm not a fan of either show. And, I think I am the only person of my generation who was never in a production of GODSPELL. I did play Judas in a very big production of JCS, back in the 70's. Hate the show.

[Angel Dumott Schunard]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 10:52pm

Wait, how was Godspell offensive to a Muslim?

[Parks]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 11:48pm

Barrett Foa...was...Jesus in Godspell 2000?! HOLY CRAP-I've been listening to it on my iPod non-stop for the last month and I never even knew it was him! I just frickin' met him 2 nights ago...Good Lord, I'm an idiot. I like him even MORE now!

[bjivie2]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 11:50pm

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."

[Parks]

Posted: 3/8/05 at 11:52pm

I've only listened to a short preview clip of O Bless The Lord from that recording, and it sounds awesome! I will deffinately buy the recording when I get back into Dallas.

[Mojojo5]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 12:50am

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)

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 1:59am

JCS by far. I hated GODSPELL with a passion -- worst waste of two hours in my life. I prefer something with a plot and characters, thank you.

[TheatreRatinBlue]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 3:07am

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?

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 7:47am

Not a huge Lloyd Webber fan but I LOVE JCS and prefer it to Godspell .

I'm a fan of the original revival production in London but thought that the Broadway show with Glenn Carter was terrible.

And I'm totally with Spider on that one... If anyone is interested in a great JCS recording go for the 1996 OLC or the Australian recording.

QM

[DramaRobin]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 10:01am

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~~~

Posted: 3/9/05 at 10:23am

I would have to agree with the majority -- JCS. In my opinion, it's just a better show. It is very enjoyable while being incredibly emotional, and ALW knew exactly how to play this piece. I mean, look at the way this part of the show balances out:

Jesus is arrested, the first Trial Before Pilate, and then the ridiculous Herod's Song that always makes people laugh (unless its the original movie. Then it just makes people want to vomit... or maybe that's just me) and then it's followed by the beautiful Could We Start Again Please. Even the crucifixion follows Superstar, which is just, plain and simple, an entertaining show.

So, I definitely think that JCS is better. It has had better productions (of those that I have seen of both shows), a better score, and a better way of accomplishing their goal

PS: Yes, I know the countdown in my signature is an hour early. It's because of daylight saving's time.

[buddhaismymom]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 1:04pm

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?

[Bwaybaby109]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 1:15pm

I like Godspell more, I found it more moving

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 2:20pm

"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.

[the.hard.part]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 4:26pm

JCS this was one of my first shows at a community theatre then I saw the broadway show and was disappointed...but still I love the music much more than Godspell