Ok look. I know this musical can be kind of controversial because of the topic. We’re going to look past that and focus solely on the performance. Also remember, this show is called a “rock opera,” so it’s not always on the same vibe as other Broadway shows.
With that out of the way…the performance I watched this time was the arena one available on BroadwayHD. There are many productions out there, but honestly, I really enjoyed this one. The singing was overall good, which is more than I can say for a lot of other productions.
Yes, I’m looking at you, live TV production from several years ago with John Legend as Jesus.
John Legend’s voice is fine, but I don’t think it was appropriate for Jesus. The Judas in that production was phenomenal, and honestly I enjoyed Alice Cooper as King Herod. So it was an ok production, I just didn’t feel that John Legend made a good Jesus.
But back to the one I actually watched this time. Tim Minchin is kind of iconic as Judas. Ben Forster was fine as Jesus, but that’s my biggest gripe about this show in general. It’s really hard to get someone to be a good Jesus. It takes not only a good voice, but a good actor, and the music is not stellar for a lot of voices. I spent a long time wondering where I knew Mary Magdelene from before finally figuring out it was a Spice Girl.
Overall, it was a good show, and I’d watch it again.
I’m also excited about this show being done at the Hollywood Bowl this year, and looking forward to more cast announcements!