Threaded Order Chronological Order
| Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Last Edit: Leon_W 08:24 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| Posted by: Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Okay so I have heard it better sung, john Legend isn't Steve Balsamo but this is looking to me like easily the best of the musical live productions. Sara Bareilles is fantastic. | |
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| SHOCKINGLY good direction. Blown away by this. | |
| Posted by: GrumpyMorningBoy 12:26 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| They clearly storyboarded this within an inch of its life, but WOW, what incredibly good direction -- both in the way these actors connect to the story, and especially in the way they've planned and called the shots. For a show with so much static writing -- how many repeated choruses can one handle? -- directors David Leveaux & Alex Rudzinski did an astonishingly good job of knowing when to give the cast active stage business versus when to serve up visual variety via new camera angles. While other recent live musical performances seemed to put stage actors into a musical with the hopes of catching important moments on camera, this seems to have been absolutely blocked so that the camera could properly frame real sequences of story moments. They seemed to have learned from directors like Fosse and Robbins, who knew that a moving camera could become its own kind of choreography. Just shockingly good. That is HARD. I don't have a lot to say about the performances, other than to say that Sara Bareilles should continue to write herself Broadway star vehicles. She's the real deal. - GMB |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: MusicalsForever 11:25 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Agreed. One of the best "live" television musicals I've seen. So glad there were no GOLF CARTS transporting cast members into the next scene! | |
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| Overnight ratings | |
| Last Edit: Ann 10:33 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| Posted by: Ann 10:26 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Christmas Story Live! should be crushed, imo. | |
| Link | At The Wrap |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: showbuzz 03:50 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Well I was blown away....I know we can are nitpicking Legend's lack of Rock Tenor/Norm Lewis really having to pull Bass notes out of somewhere in the Brexit canon. BUT....BUT...The Direction/Choreography /Art and Costume Direction...Musical Direction of voices and instruments...the Best LIVE Holiday Musical None of these actor except Barellis could do 8 shows a week and maybe Simon and Peter Te Ensembe was amazing and the enthusiastic arena audience worked...it worked in GREASE too! 1st this was written a concept album,,,,then a Concert Tour and Worldwide Stage Productions including a very memorable Bway production w/the ever reserved and laid back Ben Vereen! Movies and lots of concerts For me I like Sir Andrew w/Tim Rice and everything else is a muddle!...yes even PHANTOM...Tim Rice was Lloyd Webber 's Larry Hart Tonight after almost 50 years I heard a stunning lyric I've never heard....Close your eyes/Relax /Let the World turn without you tonight! WOW Lloyd Webber and Rice were very young and the only other thing they'd done was JOSEPH IN A 40 MINUTE VS FOR AN 3rd Level School.....after this would be EVITA and kaboom !!!!...SEPERATE CAREERS! Thank God Time Rice has given us wonderful lyrics especially in CHESS! |
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| JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! | |
| Posted by: BillyG 02:28 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - showbuzz 03:50 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| Watching last night's Live show made me think about the film of JCS and how well cast, sung and directed it was. Carl Anderson was the most amazing Judas--both onstage and on film. At his memorial service a few years ago in LA at Agape, Ben Vereen spoke about how they were both up for the stage role, but Ben got it. Ben admitted that Carl could sing it better and wasn't surprised when Carl was cast in the film Carl was born to sing and play Judas. Has anyone ever surpassed him? I thought Brandon did a fine job, but was in truth screaming the last few scenes. Why didn't they show his hanging? That is such a powerful scene and I found it less so last night. I thought the direction was all over the place and could have been simpler. Why all the scarves? The setting could have been smaller and the camera moves were all over the place. Norm Lewis was miscast as Caiphas. He had no bottom notes at ALL and went up the octave many times. With all the fine bass singers WHY CAST HIM??? I felt Sarah could sing the songs, but didn't really bring much character or passion to her scenes. Why did she not even touch Jesus during "Try Not to Get Worried"? I didn't feel any connection with her and Jesus at all. Mostly, John Legend was miscast. He couldn't really sing the part as written or act it. I remember Ted Neeley at Carl's memorial service. He must have been in his middle 60's, but sang "Gethsemane" and was amazing!!!!! He really embodied Jesus in a simple organic way and told the story through song. What's amazing is that Ted did the film, but also toured as Jesus and still has a voice!! He really knows how to sing the score fully and not let it damage his voice. And he's still singing the songs. Was Adam Lambert even considered to play Judas or Jesus. He would have been amazing in either part!!! When i performed in the show with the Young Americans, our director who was in the film and had directed the show in Vegas, flipped the Crucification with the title number. After the Crucification, Jesus was taken down from the cross. The lights went down. They came up immediately with Jesus in a new white gown. His back to the audience. He turns around slowly and lifts up his arms in classic Christ Redemptor pose (think statue of Christ in Rio) while the Jesus Christ Superstar fanfare begins. Its the Resurrection!! Judas comes flying onstage in his white fringe outfit with his "Angel" soul sisters and they tear up the song. This is the way to end the show!!! WOW!!! I will never forget it!!! |
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| re: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 05:20 pm EDT 04/03/18 | |
| In reply to: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! - BillyG 02:28 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| Norm Lewis was miscast as Caiphas. He had no bottom notes at ALL and went up the octave many times. I agree about the lack of low range. When did he go up the octave? I don't recall once, let alone "many times." |
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| agree about the film | |
| Last Edit: Chazwaza 03:47 am EDT 04/03/18 | |
| Posted by: Chazwaza 03:40 am EDT 04/03/18 | |
| In reply to: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! - BillyG 02:28 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| It's really underrated... and I think it's one of the few productions of it i've seen, and i've seen many (including the one on NBC last night) that actually made sense in terms of the mix of the story/setting/characters with the music and the costumes. Some of the costumes were a bit silly, but they were a mix of mostly mild present day and biblically influenced... not a bizarre fantasy interpretation of "rock", or doing a fully on the nose stylized version of present day as if it were happening now. I am so tired of all these directors who think that because it's a "rock" opera they have to dress everyone in vaguely futuristic "rock" outfits. It immediately makes the show look ridiculous and I think undermines the statement/observation made about Jesus and this story by setting it to rock music in the first place when you don't let that juxtaposition work on its own and instead set it fully in some out of touch designer's version of rock fans or rock n roll musicians in present day or in the future. And in the film you actually understand what's going on... at all times, if one can imagine! The story is very well told, much better than probably all productions I've seen, very much including NBC's. On top of that the cast is incredible, they can actually act it AND sing it the way it needs to be to sell it properly and impressively. |
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| re: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! | |
| Posted by: 37Rubydog 09:32 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! - BillyG 02:28 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| I agree with you about Carl Anderson's performance....but I'm not a fan of the film. It's too much of a period piece for me -- a bit like Hair or Godspell - the whole thing smells of patchouli :) | |
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| re: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! | |
| Last Edit: JohnPopa 04:16 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| Posted by: JohnPopa 04:10 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! - BillyG 02:28 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| It's long been rumored that Ted's been sweetened with pre-recorded vocals for years now (most notably the high screams.) If you listen to multiple performances his screams do sound exactly the same from show to show. And ending the show with the Resurrection is in direct conflict with the writers' intent to leave that question unanswered. |
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| re: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! | |
| Posted by: 37Rubydog 09:37 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR -- the amazing film version deserves to be seen more!!!!!!! - JohnPopa 04:10 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| That makes sense. I lived next to someone who directed a lot of the never-ending revivals with Neeley....and he joked that at some point he was going to have to do the entire production behind a scrim because of Neeley's age. Of the videos I've seen, I think Neeley has made good choices given what one expects would be some vocal limitations. Barbara Cook had to make concessions and even Patti Lupone has (although she seems to make adjustments on very rare occasions - but I don't know that she could sing Eva 8 times a week....but I wouldn't place a bet on it). | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: beagleboy 02:20 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Brandon Victor Dixon, holy hell, that was amazing | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: dbg 08:49 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - beagleboy 02:20 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| For me, he stole the show. What a great performance, and I agree with many that this was the best of the live TV productions and a really exciting event. | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: Thom915 11:02 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Hooray for Jason Ardizzone West and Melissa Shakun who did Production design and Art Design on Jesus Christ Superstar Live. Stunning work! Similarly kudos to David Leveaux and Alex Rudzinski for their direction. | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live production already... | |
| Last Edit: WaymanWong 01:49 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| Posted by: WaymanWong 01:47 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Thom915 11:02 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Kudos, too, for Camille A. Brown's choreography and Abbie Brady-Dalton and Bernard Telsey's casting. So thrilling to see Broadway talents, like Brandon Victor Dixon, Jason Tam, Norm Lewis and Jin Ha get the national spotlight they deserve. John Legend brought ''Superstar'' charisma, and Sara Bareilles was brilliant and so beautiful singing ''I Don't Know How to Love Him.'' What I loved so much about this ''Jesus Christ'' is that it captured the energy and excitement of a rock concert. I know many enjoy knocking Andrew Lloyd Webber, but this production just reminded of how amazingly melodic and gorgeous this score is: ''Heaven on Their Minds,'' ''Everything's All Right,'' ''I Don't Know How to Love Him,'' ''Gethsemane,'' ''Could We Start Again Please?,'' ''Superstar,'' etc. |
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| Link | NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar': Sara Bareilles sings 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live production already... | |
| Posted by: Page 09:00 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live production already... - WaymanWong 01:47 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| Wonderful production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice rock opera. Excellent cast! Brilliantly staged with a visually stunning climax. Sara Bareilles was my favorite. She gave a beautiful and heartbreaking performance as Mary Magdalene. I will be surprised if she isn't nominated for an Emmy. Thanks for posting, Wayman! |
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| Why 'Jesus' cast probably won't be nominated for any Emmys ... | |
| Last Edit: WaymanWong 11:12 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| Posted by: WaymanWong 11:02 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live production already... - Page 09:00 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| Thanks, Page. I'd love to see Bareilles and Dixon get Emmy nominations, but here's the problem: There isn't a category for them. I scrolled through the 2017 Emmy list of nominations, and I don't think they'd qualify for any of the existing performance categories. In the recent wave of TV adaptations of musicals, I don't believe ANY performer has been singled out, even in 9-time Emmy nominee ''Grease.'' There once was an Emmy category called: ''Outstanding Individudal Performance in a Music or Variety Program.'' Perry Como and Dinah Shore won for their respective shows in 1958-59. Through the '60s, it went largely to performers in variety shows and specials. In the '80s and '90s, the winners included Nell Carter in ''Ain't Misbehavin','' George Hearn in ''Sweeney Todd'' and John Leguizamo in ''Freak.'' Angela Lansbury was nominated twice for the Tony Awards. For 2003-04, Elaine Stritch won for ''Elaine Stritch at Liberty,'' and the next year, Hugh Jackman won for hosting the Tonys. Unfortunately, this Emmy category has been retired. It hasn't been given out since 2008. And it's left a gaping hole since, especially for singers and standup comics who've headlined their own TV specials. ''Saturday Night Live'' performers, who used to be recognized here, are now thrown into Supporting Actor in a Comedy instead. And TV adaptations of musicals, like ''Memphis,'' won an Emmy for their Technical Direction, Camerawork and Video Control, but their lead performers (i.e., Chad Kimball, Montego Glover) were not nominated in the same way that Hearn and Lansbury were for ''Sweeney Todd.'' It makes no sense that the Emmys dropped this category, especially when there are many award-worthy performers to be recognized. To add insult to injury, the Emmys ADDED a category where Broadway artists can get nominated for just plugging a number on daytime TV. |
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| But 'Jesus' might deliver Legend his EGOT ... | |
| Posted by: WaymanWong 01:44 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Why 'Jesus' cast probably won't be nominated for any Emmys ... - WaymanWong 11:02 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| Daniel Montgomery of GoldDerby.com says John Legend is only missing an Emmy to complete his EGOT. Legend's got 10 Grammys and an Oscar for co-writing ''Glory'' for ''Selma.'' And a Tony for producing the 2017 revival of ''Jitney.'' Legend could win an Emmy for producing ''Jesus'' in the Special Class Program category (where the Tonys usually compete). GoldDerby speculates Legend also could be up for Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries and Brandon Victor Dixon, for Supporting Actor. I just don't see how that happens since ''Jesus'' is neither a TV Movie nor a Miniseries. The category doesn't include variety/concerts. But Legend and Bareilles could be up a Tony this season: They each contributed a song to the ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' score. |
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| re: But 'Jesus' might deliver Legend his EGOT ... | |
| Posted by: 37Rubydog 09:41 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: But 'Jesus' might deliver Legend his EGOT ... - WaymanWong 01:44 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| I watched Gethsemane again this afternoon -- and while I miss those Rock high notes that we've come to respect -- I liked the performance more than I did last night. EGOT...maybe....there are definitely other roles he could play if this TV genre becomes a regular thing. |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: lowwriter 11:09 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Thom915 11:02 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| The last two shows I saw directed by David Leveaux were so unimaginatively directed. This was a pleasant surprise. | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: singleticket 01:22 pm EDT 04/03/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - lowwriter 11:09 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Agreed, but his recent production of PLENTY at The Public was very ambitious in terms of stage design and movement. It just didn't work both dramatically and technically but that might have been for a number of reasons. Any show that has a complex production design is a risk. Leveaux really pulled it off beautifully with this production of JCS. Not just technically but the way the material was engaged with seemed to have a depth of understanding of how powerful a Passion Play can be. Bravo, Mr. Leveaux. | |
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| David Leveaux/The Exception | |
| Posted by: TheOtherOne 07:16 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - lowwriter 11:09 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Leveaux has had his controversial ups and downs as a stage director, but I agree that he has done a wonderful job of bringing Jesus Christ, Superstar to the small screen. Was there any mention on this board of the film he directed, The Exception? It was released in England in 2016 and in the US in 2017. A pleasant surprise, it tells a factual/fictional story involving the deposed Kaiser Wilhelm in the days of the Nazis. Christopher Plummer, Lily James, Janet McTeer and Ben Daniels (JCS's Pilate) lead the cast. By all means, seek it out. It is most entertaining, and Plummer is magnificent as the Kaiser. |
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| Link | The Exception |
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| David Leveaux can be incredible and also bad | |
| Posted by: Chazwaza 01:35 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: David Leveaux/The Exception - TheOtherOne 07:16 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| His revival of The Real Thing remains one of the best productions of a play I've ever seen. I loved his revival of Jumpers (though I was pretty lost, so maybe it wasn't so great - but then, I was also like 21) and I liked his revival of Arcadia enough, if I recall... and I didn't hate his revival of Fiddler, and much of his revival of Nine was sublime (but not all of it). | |
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| re: David Leveaux/The Exception | |
| Posted by: lowwriter 09:14 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: David Leveaux/The Exception - TheOtherOne 07:16 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| I saw that film! Totally escaped my line of vision that he directed that. It is a good film. With an unexciting title. | |
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| re: David Leveaux/The Exception | |
| Posted by: TheOtherOne 09:29 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: David Leveaux/The Exception - lowwriter 09:14 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| True about the title, which probably helps explain the film's relative obscurity. In spite of a few decidedly up-to-date touches, I thought this film could actually have been made in the 1940s. I mean this as a compliment, although I can see how someone else might find that off-putting. | |
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| Wow | |
| Posted by: crewbway 10:19 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Beautiful final scene | |
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| re: Wow | |
| Posted by: Mac29 07:57 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Wow - crewbway 10:19 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Final scene, best part of the performance. Brilliant. I know this was performed as a concert, but the audience was obnoxious at times. Much too loud and cheering just too many times when it was not necessary. They probably were told this was acceptable behavior but for me it tainted some of the better moments. | |
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| re: Wow | |
| Posted by: Snowgrace 10:30 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Wow - Mac29 07:57 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| I may be wrong, but it looked like there were some crew on the edge of the audience leading them in some of the cheering, etc, & there's an interesting article online from VARIETY about the audience pre-show warm-up & coaching. Loved how along with all of that, they were so fully a part of it...and audiences at rock concerts are like that! Upset it's not yet on NBC On Demand, & hope it WILL be...need another fix after the music & images in my head kept me awake!! | |
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| re: Wow | |
| Posted by: JohnPopa 10:53 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Wow - Snowgrace 10:30 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| NBC has it song by song on YouTube. | |
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| re: Wow | |
| Last Edit: WaymanWong 02:03 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| Posted by: WaymanWong 02:00 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Wow - crewbway 10:19 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| What a breathtaking, beautiful and artistic way to close. And the combination of the music, lighting, rigging and stagecraft was stunning. I'm not religious in the least, but the way the walls moved to form a cross, and seeing Jesus dissolving into the light, was so moving. |
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| Link | NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar': John Nineteen: Forty-One |
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| re: Wow | |
| Posted by: KingSpeed 01:00 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: Wow - crewbway 10:19 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Unbelievable | |
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| re: Wow | |
| Posted by: Delvino 10:25 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Wow - crewbway 10:19 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I agree. They managed to remain in the world created by the material, and eschewing kitsch, find just the right tone for a finale often impossible to translate. | |
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| Ben Daniels is fantastic | |
| Posted by: barna99 10:05 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I did not know he could sing. | |
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| re: Ben Daniels is fantastic | |
| Posted by: Delvino 10:27 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Ben Daniels is fantastic - barna99 10:05 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| The voice gave out, but he didn’t let that stop him from landing his final scene. | |
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| Aaack! I hate Maundays! | |
| Posted by: keywslt 09:08 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Cathy Christ SS | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: robert_j 08:56 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Hmm, well I am not enjoying this but then I have never liked the piece much. Judas is overparted, Caiaphus sits too low for Norm Lewis, and Legend is inconsistent, but we will see how Gethsemane is. On the plus side, Bareilles is very good and is showing her Broadway chops. But then Mary Magdalene gets most of the best music anyway. | |
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| Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: Leon_W 09:29 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - robert_j 08:56 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| and he isn't a good actor by any means. | |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: 37Rubydog 10:27 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - Leon_W 09:29 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| It’s a helluva role...and a helluva song. I’m not a Ted Newley proponent but perhaps Legend could have considered some of the adjustments that Newley made as the role got too vocally challenging. Overall though - nice job by all...would have loved to see Ato Blankson Wood tackle Judas and Javier Munoz as Jesus....but certain i am overlooking other great performers. Norm Lewis was a great Klingon (or was that Romulan wear) but he’s clearly a baritone not a bass. | |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Last Edit: PlayWiz 10:49 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| Posted by: PlayWiz 10:41 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - 37Rubydog 10:27 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Really good production of a musical/rock opera, and this isn't really one of my favorites. I found it quite compelling, though it's clear that ALW really didn't know at that stage of his career certainly how to write for the human voice -- Judas and JC are really voice killers and have very difficult demands on the voice. Dixon did really well -- great rock top, though it seemed to go out in the 2nd act, to then re-appear again during "Superstar" song before giving way to animalistic screams. The middle and bottom of the voice not as strong. But he anchored the show with his fine stage presence and acting, too. Norm Lewis' role is at times much too low for him, though he sounds lovely in the baritone/high baritone range rather than the low bass tones. Sara Bareilles did a lovely job, and unlike some of the men, her music is well-written and rather graceful for the voice. John Legend, looking quite striking and handsome, is quite overparted in this. He croons, goes into falsetto for some of the high notes, screams, yells, and doesn't really have a full vocal core in his voice. I don't know the score so well, but did he leave out some of the role's high notes when he didn't go for a light falsetto/head voice or scream them? He was trying all right, giving it his all, and sweating as he tried. But the staging of this show by David Leveaux was so compelling, that I actually rather bought him in the role. Jin Ha sounded quite good in his tenor role. Ben Daniels' acting and presence was so good that his voice giving out wasn't that crucial (given that it's not 8x a week). Alice Cooper had style, presence and attitude enough that his one number was a showstopper. I think by advertising this as a staged concert but in reality giving a very well-done and staged, stylish full production (with the orchestra on stage) really made this one of the better tv musical presenations. Some of the performances weren't the best, but all together they made a very good showcase for this musical. |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: KingSpeed 12:58 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - PlayWiz 10:41 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| As far as the singing goes, it seems that most of the cast didn't realize they only had to get it right once (tonight!) and obviously oversang during rehearsals leaving their voice in tatters for the actual event. Amateur mistake. But the energy was fun. It's a tough show to sing. Sara was great. | |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 10:56 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - KingSpeed 12:58 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| I didn't hear any voices "in tatters." I just heard a few people that didn't have the chops. I thought most of the cast did really well. If you're referring to extremes like Daniels' last few lines as Pilate, or some of the ultra-high stuff that Dixon was attempting in the title song, it's hard to know if those were rough due to fatigue, or if that's the sound they were legitimately going for. And I wouldn't doubt the latter. (Or, knowing this was the one big performance, they may have been attempting things in a way they wouldn't if they had to do a long run.) Also, they are hardly amateurs. No one in this cast was. Legend may have shot his upper range - I don't know. Certainly Gethsemane didn't work for him, though I'll say he basically made it work for the rest of the score. But if his voice were "in tatters" he wouldn't have been able to even do what he did. When he wasn't going into head voice (and even often when he did) he sounded healthy to me. His last "see how I die" when he went up into very high territory simply didn't work at all - but did it ever for him? But certainly "most of the cast" did not sound anywhere near "in tatters," nor do I think "most of the cast didn't realize" it was a one-shot deal and instead oversang. That's just hyperbole. |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Last Edit: Chromolume 11:10 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 11:07 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - PlayWiz 10:41 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I'm not so sure we can say that Webber didn't know how to write for the voice, when he was originally writing for specific voices in the context of a concept recording. But yes, many of the roles have extreme ranges, and no matter how one tailors the music, there's something still undeniably iconic about that concept album, and even the original film. Yes, it's clear that Legend wasn't the vocal ideal, though I though that he did very well when he was in control of the music. Same for Norm Lewis, who just didn't have those low notes securely (I was afraid that would happen), but who was dignified in the role. There's an easy tendency for the Judas to sound showier than the Jesus, given his numbers - and indeed I think Dixon stole it from Legend big time. Bareilles could have gone bigger, but actually her restraint worked well. Alice Cooper likewise showed that less is more - so often the tendency is to want to camp this role up a la Josh Mostel in the film - and Mostel's cameo was funny, but what he didn't give us was a sense that Herod was actually a king. Cooper trusted the song to do its work and gave us a more powerful, poised figure. Perfection. Everyone else did great work, including certainly the Simon, the Priests, Jason Tam's Peter, and the many outstanding ensemble members. And it was indeed a thrill to see live musicians (though I wasn't sure about the brass until they got their camera shot during the bows). Obviously this arrangement had more synth in it than originally written, but for a rock concert setting, I bought it. I did, however, thank god that the ending "John 19:41" music was played by the acoustic strings. Levaux's staging was mainly very good, and inventive. A few moments here and there seemed unfinished or not well-thought out, but for the most part, this worked. The ending was very effective indeed. I have to say that I tend to think that the phrase "concert musical" (or "in concert" as this was tonight) should be banned, as it has lost all sense of meaning. But, this staging did have a certain "arena rock" fele to it that would have made Dennis DeYoung proud, lol. I tend to wonder how much of the audience response was scripted/prompted - but the use of the audience as part of the "rock concert" event worked for me. Commecial breaks - way too many - though of course we could all have predicted that. But thank god they stayed away from the fanboy-fueled transitions this time. I hope they're over that. Just give us the actual show, NBC, just like you did tonight. Thank you. ;-) No question that this was the best overall of the NBC live shows so far. Unlike PlayWiz, this show has always been a favorite of mine - and I really enjoyed this version, and was moved emotionally a number of times. Yay. ;-) |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: MikeR 10:30 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - Chromolume 11:07 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| On Twitter, Michael Paulson reported "In case you’re wondering, the live audience (about 1,300 people) at #JesusChristSuperstar was encouraged to whoop and cheer and emote and sing along." | |
| Link | https://twitter.com/MichaelPaulson/status/980607368693256192 |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Last Edit: Ann 10:32 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| Posted by: Ann 10:32 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - MikeR 10:30 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| The only thing that bothered me was when they seemed to go into full-whoop mode, but the song wasn't over yet. That was really sady :) |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: robert_j 09:38 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - Leon_W 09:29 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| It started off okay but lost steam quickly. Legend does not seem to have much vocal endurance. And he is more of a crooner than a rocker, which is okay if you are Michael Ball but otherwise does not sound right. | |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 09:42 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - robert_j 09:38 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Although I applaud this production in general - yeah, it's a shame when you have a Jesus with no high range and a Caiaphas without a true low range. Especially when just about everyone else is spot on. | |
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| re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane | |
| Posted by: broadwaybacker 10:20 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Yeah sady Legend couldn't climb the moutain that is a great performance of Gethsemane - Chromolume 09:42 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| It’s possible to pick little pieces of this apart if you try, but judged as a whole, as a TV production no less, it was absolutely brilliant. Incredible. The director deserves an enormous amount of credit, as does the music director, the musicians and everyone else who played a part in bringing this into our homes. | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: Delvino 08:48 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Fully agree. The material works spectacularly with this arena staging and the score feels more contemporary than ever. | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: Mike 08:30 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Leon_W 08:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Agree. In spite of the camera shadows and mistakes and too frequent commercial breaks, this is looking good. | |
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| re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... | |
| Posted by: Snowgrace 08:32 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Mike 08:30 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Truly phenomenal...what energy & staging!!!!! | |
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| FANTASTIC | |
| Posted by: Naughty_Rob 08:39 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Really fantastic JCS live procuction already... - Snowgrace 08:32 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I’m at viewing party and everyone is going nuts!!!! Loving it. Boom |
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| I can really imagine this production running at the Park Avenue Armory.......nmi | |
| Posted by: Leon_W 08:43 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: FANTASTIC - Naughty_Rob 08:39 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| nmi | |
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| re: I can really imagine this production running at the Park Avenue Armory.......nmi | |
| Posted by: showbuzz 03:13 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: I can really imagine this production running at the Park Avenue Armory.......nmi - Leon_W 08:43 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Yes but w/Rock and Stage actors who can give 6-8 shows a week!....and still have voices NOT in tatters! I agree a very hard show to sing ...and maintain.Even w/it's faults...they were not performance destroying and the 2 + hours really held my full attention. I can still remember where I was in the East Village the 1st time the Concept album was broadcast on the radio. The entire shop stopped to listen! | |
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| re: I can really imagine this production running at the Park Avenue Armory.......nmi | |
| Posted by: Snowgrace 08:46 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: I can really imagine this production running at the Park Avenue Armory.......nmi - Leon_W 08:43 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| RIGHT?! Why not???! 😍 Have seen this musical before, but cam now say I have truly seen it. Sooo great! | |
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| how long until the DVD is released? | |
| Posted by: StageDoorJohnny 10:39 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: I can really imagine this production running at the Park Avenue Armory.......nmi - Snowgrace 08:46 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I would buy this one | |
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| re: how long until the DVD is released? | |
| Posted by: Thom915 11:08 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: how long until the DVD is released? - StageDoorJohnny 10:39 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I think I am with you on that. I hope they do one. | |
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| re: how long until the DVD is released? | |
| Posted by: showbuzz 03:15 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: how long until the DVD is released? - Thom915 11:08 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| They did announce "Now Available" in 1 of the commercial breaks! | |
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| They haven't announced one | |
| Posted by: JAllenC3 11:05 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: how long until the DVD is released? - StageDoorJohnny 10:39 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| As of now they only announced the album, though I imagine some kind of release will happen (even if it's just digital) | |
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| re: They haven't announced one | |
| Posted by: Snowgrace 11:49 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: They haven't announced one - JAllenC3 11:05 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Hope so, & so thrilled there will be an album of this full-blooded performance (yes, the truth of that phrase on many levels made the story punch the heart). | |
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