Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
The original concept - Murry Head as Judas, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Mag, Barry Dennen as Pilate - all classic performances.
I was lucky enough to see Barry Dennen as Pilate in 1989 and he was RIVETING. I've never seen anyone else come close. The new tour isn't too bad. At least, it's far superior than the horrendous Ted Neeley/Carl Anderson tour. That was one I wished I had left at intermission, but my friend wanted to stay. It made me nauseous.
You have to go with the 1992 Australian Cast Recording!!!!
It is easily the best. Jesus(John Farnham) is actually a pop rock singer, not a broadway singer trying to sing pop. And many of the orhcestrations are updated and rearranged giving the score an entirely new flavor.
This is the one to check out
Swing Joined: 6/21/05
I like the Australian concert cast for the arrangements and the vocals. (The New Zealand touring cast CD featured the same arrangements but the cast wasn't as high-powered.)
JCS: A Resurrection is also cool for a different experience.
I pretty much like all of the ones I've heard, with the exception of the Paul Nicholas 20th anniversary one...
the 1992 australian cast recording with john farhnam, jon stevens and kate cebrano is truly outstanding. it has the most contemporary feel with stunning orchestral interpretations and breath taking vocals.
you have to hear john as jesus and jon as judas. stunning.
AN ESSENTIAL PURCHASE!!!!
I've always loved the movie soundtrack, and the movie for that matter. That Judas is frickin awesome.
Stand-by Joined: 2/25/05
Honestly when it comes down to the best people playing jesus and judas i think you have to go with the 1996 London Cast Version with the Black Case(Its a Double disc). Hands down its the very best of the best. Honestly, you should simply buy it for What Steve balsamo does as Jesus! THE MAN HASA VOICE THAT DOESNT STOP!!! his version of Gethsemane with my favorite part (That Glenn Carter tried to pull off ut never ever ever could pull off properly) "alright i'll die, just watch me die, see how i die, SEE HOW I DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" the man truly held that part forever! unbelievable! lets be real! he had those tope notes! best of luck! =)
I actually like the movie soundtrack way better than the original london cast.
Original concept - no one can match Barry Dennon's Pilate:
"YOU'RE...DEEP...in trouble, FRIENNNND...."
Swing Joined: 6/21/05
> you have to hear john as jesus ...
John Farnham's "Gethsemane" is my favourite rendition of this great song. And there've been many fantastic versions.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/30/04
WOW! I didnt expect THIS awsome response! Thank you VERY much! It'll be hard choosing!:-0
I did Mary Mag in a regional production and I still prefer the original recording (which was, by the way, pressed on a vinyl album -- so I'm showing my age)
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/05
I'm absolutely with those who said "original concept album." It's amazing, well-performed and vocally spot-on.
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