Sara Bareilles to Play Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar Live! in Concert — Page 2

Liza's Headband said: "Call_me_jorge said: "“Live! In Concert?” Will this be more of a concert than an actual theatre performance?"



Correct. It's a "staged" concert; not a theatrical performance or full-scale production. Not sure how everyone is missing this. There are going to be a lot of disappointed musical theatre nerds come April...."

Hmmm. Don't know how I missed that .. but I did. A concert? Good. Now I can miss the show too. Sounds BORING.

But will you still feel that way when they're all clapping and dancing and singing along, since it's... ya know... an actual concert? Prepare yourself. 

yknot said: "Is La Chanze playing Judas?!?

https://www.facebook.com/lachanze/posts/10215157858804227"

Doubtful. It feels to me that she is saying that she would love to play the role, and that she is looking forward to seeing the concert. NBC will not cast a Broadway star in the role. It will be a bigger name.

I agree with those who feel that the recent spate of "live musical" broadcasts on network television (as opposed to PBS-type airings) will likely result in inaccurate expectations for this outing. In general, I believe the smaller, niche audiences who watch shows like "Great Performances" and "Live from Lincoln Center" have a longer attention span and require less bells and whistles than the average network television viewer who requires spectacle in order to maintain interest.

The show is fully staged and has an entire Broadway level design team.  I wouldnt panic.

If it's more of a concert, it won't matter how many times it's promoted as a concert. Many people will tune in expecting something similar to the TV musicals they've seen. That might be a problem but NBC, along with a black Jesus, but it's not my problem.

It seems like Jesus Christ Superstar might work better on television as a more of a concert. I tend to grade these network live musicals on a pretty steep curve. It's not like watching She Loves Me on PBS.

Dave28282 said: "I think John's voice is to hoarse for the role. Not the right type of voice for the material at all.

"

Too hoarse for the role? It isn't written for a polished Broadway voice. It is written for a rock and roll voice. When you listen to Ian Gillian, Jeff Fenholt, or Ted Neeley, none of them have that polished big Broadway voice that you hear in later incarnations. Certainly, none of those three sound any more hoarse than John Legend; in fact, Ted Neeley is probably the most hoarse of the bunch, and he is typically considered to be definitive in the role.

Here, listen to the three originals and see if you can hear where I'm coming from, then compare them to John Legend. I think he will be more than just fine.

jimmycurry01 said: "Dave28282 said: "I think John's voice is to hoarse for the role. Not the right type of voice for the material at all.

"

Too hoarse for the role? It isn't written for a polishedBroadway voice. It is written for a rock and roll voice. When you listento Ian Gillian, Jeff Fenholt, or Ted Neeley, none of themhave that polished big Broadway voice that you hear in later incarnations. Certainly, none of those three sound any more hoarse than John Legend; in fact, Ted Neeley is probably the most hoarse of the bunch, and he is typically considered to be definitive in the role.

Here, listen to the three originalsand see if you can hear where I'm coming from, then compare them toJohn Legend. I think he will be more than just fine."

Ian Gillian FTW

Sara's a great choice.  What about Leslie Odom Jr or Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam for Judas?  Adam Lambert would be a good choice, I'd just love to see something a little more out of left field! 

Updated On: 1/20/18 at 11:23 AM

Riedel is saying Judas might be played by Luis Fonsi of "Despacito" fame. Not excited about that choice if this is happening... https://nypost.com/2018/02/01/despacito-singer-luis-fonsi-eyed-for-jesus-christ-superstar/

Updated On: 2/2/18 at 10:08 AM

Not knowing anything about Luis Fonsi beyond Despacito, which, while catchy, has about a five note range, I did my youtube homework.  While not my first choice, he does have some tenor chops and can at least hit the notes...  which I still question with Legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hRGBcr_gJc

whatacharacter said: "Not knowing anything about Luis Fonsi beyond Despacito, which, while catchy, has about a five note range, I did my youtube homework. While not my first choice, he does have some tenor chops and can at least hit the notes... which I still question with Legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hRGBcr_gJc"

 

Ok. This makes me feel a little better if he ends up being the choice. But the role should go to a Broadway person with a blow-your-socks-off tenor. There's already enough stars for the ratings. Now they need someone who can SING.