Jesus Christ Superstar Reviews

Pat Ennis from Memphis, Tennessee

DOES NOT MEASURE UP TO 70’S

I was so excited to get tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the Orpheum in Memphis Tn! My husband and I loved loved the movie in the 70’s with Ted Neely! I was so disappointed in the play! The only one measuring up to the task was Mary Madeline. Jesus was strong but not close to Neely! It was much too much for the girl who played Judas, nowhere coming close to the movie! I could not understand much of her singing even with my knowing the lyrics well! The music was WONDERFUL! The props were good but not particularly impressive! The dancers were amazing ! Again, perhaps I would have given a better review had I not loved the 70’s movie so! We sat in mezzanine which is our favorite place to sit. My husband had given me a sizable gift certificate to the Orpheum before Covid. We were delighted that it was honored. However, in order to redeem gift certificates required purchasing tickets in person, not on line or by phone which was very inconvenient! We had an amazing meal at Majestic!

Meg from Fort Worth, Texas

BEAUTIFUL SHOW, CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE WORDS

My mother and I saw this together and we were in awe by the whole show. The performances were amazing, the costumes spoke so much about each character, and the lashing scene made my jaw drop! The actors all sung their hearts out, and thankfully you can still tell that despite the audio of the show drowning out most of the lyrics. I loved everyone's performance and wish I could buy a recording of them all singing so I can properly enjoy their voices! If you don't mind not understanding the lyrics, everything else is stunning, I wish I could see it all over again ❤️

Anne from Vancouver, British Columbia

LOVED TO SEE IT AGAIN 50 YEARS LATER!

Went with my daughter and had a very enjoyable evening. First off, the singing was fantastic, although I thought the pacing in the beginning was a bit rushed. There are a lot of words and emotion in Judas' first number and it wouldn't have hurt for him (or the director) to have slowed that number down a little. I wasn't sure if Jesus had enough "presence" in the first part of the show, he seems to be just standing around at times, waiting for his next number - but his singing in later numbers, particularly "Gethsemene" - wow. The famous high G's were still musical notes, not just screeches. Secondary cast members were also impressive - particulary Caiaphas - who was very charismatic (in a sinister way) in the role. His baritone would not be rushed and the effect was very centering. Mary Magdalene's character is a mature, soothing, almost maternal presence, versus a love-struck young girl - and I thought this was effective, if less romantic. At first I was a bit put off by the cast members playing guitars and carrying mics around, but got used to it and even found it quite effective. It does mean there is less capacity for "acting" and more of a rock concert vs musical theatre feel, but apparently this is what they were going for, as per original intent. The high energy component that might be missing from the more singing-centred performances of the main cast members is provided by the dancers who are a constant, at times almost frenetic, presence and carry the narrative in an alternate way. Judas played his role well and the non-traditional addition at the end brought a bit of closure to what has always be a bit of an "unfinished" feel to the story, given there isn't a resurrection. The set, although static, was very creative and effective. All in all, great singing and dancing in a somewhat less theatrical version of this classic

Marilyn from Vancouver, British Columbia

HARD TO SURPASS THE ORIGINAL

A lot of soul put into this musical. I felt Jesus wasn't the powerful character he needed to be in the beginning but he picked up steam. Interesting set and costumes kind of brought it into "modern times". This is a timeless musical and I feel like it lacked some of the lustre that made me love it from the beginning. All the singers were great.

Carolyn from Las Vegas, Nevada

DISAPPOINTING

This is my 5th show. This and the recent TV version were by far the worst. Costuming, presentation and singing were subpar. The instrumental music saved the show. None can compete with the version I saw 50 years ago.

Buddy from Nashville, Tennessee

JUST NOT THE SAME

I have high expectations for this Rock Opera. Having seen Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson several times on tour, one just always will have that 'similar' feel; however, realizing there is no comparison to those icons - - but can you at least try to come close? Folks this is supposed to be of Broadway caliber. Broadway, I’ll say it one more time - Broadway…. Big shoes, big expectations. Sorry this review is harsh – First the orchestra was simply - perfection - the music was EXACTLY as the original, never missing a note or beat. Can't quite say the same for the play itself. I realize this ensemble is trying to bring a freshness and modern feel, but why? Why does Jesus have a top knot? Why is he playing the guitar during Gethsemane? It was so distracting and completely took away from what is one of the most powerful, stunning, beautiful and emotional songs of the play. Give the actor the ability to act, not perform. And what of these 'moves' by Caiaphas, Annas and the priests? It looked like a slow death while pole dancing their staffs. (no pun intended) Finally, for the not so good. The actor playing Pilate...? whaaa?? I am hoping the actual Pilate was sick and this was his understudy. He was nervous maybe. Very meek, almost just read the words and didn’t really sing. Again, Pilates dream, another powerful, mesmerizing songs. Just left as a dry twig in the dust. No one cared, no one got the emotion. There were glimmers of some real good stuff from Jesus and Judas. Once or twice they each had incredible moments in vocals. The audience immediately woke and started to sing in awe. But then it just went away. Left us all in a downward spiral, left hanging. It was a tease, a sample of what they could really do….and it never came back. The actress Mary Magdalene: beautiful performances; Caiaphas and Annas, superb vocals. Caiaphas, that low growling voice, countered by Annas high pitch - nice. Finally, the Judas hanging?? Can you at least pretend to hang something? Not just dangle an empty rope? And the glitter on Jesus while he was being flogged.... still don’t get that one. It's not all bad, if you love this classic Rock Opera, it's entertaining. Be prepared for less excitement, average choreography, and an awkward crucifixion and just as awkward curtain call. I looked forward to this night all week, and I just left empty, kinda jipped, as did a lot of folks in listening to the disappointment while leaving the theater. However, The orchestra alone is worth the price of the ticket, Bravo!

Jessica Allen from Seattle, Washington

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Unfortunately, something seemed to be off with the speakers or microphones... I could not understand 90% of what anyone was saying... It had a great melody, and the choreography was great, but it lost a lot of its luster by not being able to understand them. I have never seen this show before, so I didnt know the songs or words. I just really wish I would have been able to understand them.

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