Jesus Christ Superstar

(3.9 stars; 11 reviews)

A BBC Radio performance in concert of the legendary rock musical. Jesus Christ Superstar, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Time Rice, began life as a 1970 concept album before making its debut on Broadway in 1971 and transferring to the West End the following year. Unlike most such works, the musical is sung all the way through, with no spoken dialogue. Containing a couple of compositions that predated the original album release, the story was largely based on the Synoptic Gospels and Fulton J. Sheen’s ‘Life of Christ’. Much of the plot concentrates on the character of Judas, who is dissatisfied with his Messiah’s direction and leadership. Although originally banned by the BBC on the grounds of being “sacrilegious”, this version was recorded for BBC Radio 2 in 1996. It stars Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet) as Jesus and Roger Daltrey (The Who) as Judas. The part of Mary Magdalene is played by Frances Ruffelle, who came 10th in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free). CAST Jesus: Tony Hadley Judas: Roger Daltrey Mary: Frances Ruffelle Herod: Julian Clary Pilate: Jeff Shankly Caiaphas: Gary Martin Annas: Bogdan Kominowski Simon: John Barr Peter: Stephen Hill Singers: Stephen Hill Singers PRODUCTION Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics: Tim Rice Orchestra: BBC Concert Orchestra Conductor: Michael Reed Producer: John Langridge TRACK LISTING Act 1: Overture Heaven On Their Minds What’s The Buzz / Strange Thing Mystifying Everything’s Alright This Jesus Must Die Hosanna Simon Zealotes Poor Jerusalem Pilate’s Dream The Temple Everything’s Alright / I Don’t Know How To Love Him Damned For All Time / Blood Money Act 2: The Last Supper Gethsemane The Arrest Peter’s Denial Pilate And Christ King Herod’s Song Judas’ Death Trial Before Pilate Superstar Crucifixion John Nineteen Forty-One First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1996

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.