The Green Room "A bright, beaming cherub of a fledgling musical. Composer-lyricist Chuck Pelletier's skillfully crafted score is a satisfying range of musical styles. Think Merrily We Roll Along–without the rolling. The combination of youth and ambition in these Read more ... characters conspires to make narcissism the show's dominant theme, celebrated with breezy wit and irony." Los Angeles Times Entertainment #musicaltheater #smash #rent #thewizlive #ticktickboom #rockyhorror #lastfiveyears #gypsy #springawakening #frozen #wicked #soundofmusic #andrewlloydwebber #jasonrobertbrown #greaselive #merrilywerollalong #theater #offbroadway #glee #hamilton #onyourfeet #stephensondheim #schoolofrock #godspell #jonathanlarson #tonyawards #hairspraylive #lalaland #emmastone #broadwaycon ALL ABOUT THEATER On Stage Theatre: Making It Happen Ovation - School of Musical Theatre New York Film and Theater Network The Inner Circle (blog group) Theatre of Arts Hollywood CT Community Theater Connection Bay Area Stage Theatre Baytown Little Theater Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department Flagship Theatres: University Village 3 OU School of Musical Theatre Samuel French, Inc. LBCC Spotlight Theatre Club

The Green Room "A bright, beaming cherub of a fledgling musical. Composer-lyricist Chuck Pelletier's skillfully crafted score is a satisfying range of musical styles. Think Merrily We Roll Along–without the rolling. The combination of youth and ambition in these Read more ... characters conspires to make narcissism the show's dominant theme, celebrated with breezy wit and irony." Los Angeles Times Entertainment #musicaltheater #smash #rent #thewizlive #ticktickboom #rockyhorror #lastfiveyears #gypsy #springawakening #frozen #wicked #soundofmusic #andrewlloydwebber #jasonrobertbrown #greaselive #merrilywerollalong #theater #offbroadway #glee #hamilton #onyourfeet #stephensondheim #schoolofrock #godspell #jonathanlarson #tonyawards #hairspraylive #lalaland #emmastone #jenniferholiday ALL ABOUT THEATER All things Broadway TheaterMania Harlequins Performing Arts Club (SUNY Brockport) LOS ANGELES THEATRE AUDITIONS & SHOW INFO/THEATRE CHAT HumanArts Theater Company Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department MCC Theater Lubbock Community Theatre New York Film and Theater Network

Sammie Mathew UNITED STATES MARSHALLS INVESTIGATION INTO JESUS CHRIST SUPPERSTAR By: Professor Mathew Sammie PhD. Theology and Humanities General UNITED STATES MARSHALLS AND FBI INVESTIGATIONS Set up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, pre Read more ... pare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz: appoint a marshal against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough canker worm. Jeremiah 51:27 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started as a rock opera concept album before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. The musical is sung-through, with no spoken dialogue. The story is loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the last week of Jesus's life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus that are not in the Bible narratives. The work's depiction offers a free interpretation of the psychology of Jesus and the other characters. A large part of the plot focuses on the character of Judas, who is depicted as a tragic figure dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus steers his disciples. Contemporary attitudes and sensibilities, as well as slang, pervade the lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. Stage and film productions accordingly feature many intentional anachronisms. PLOT ACT I The apostle Judas Iscariot expresses his concern over Jesus's rising popularity as a "king" and the negative repercussions that will have. He strongly criticizes Jesus for accepting his followers's unrealistic views, and for not heeding his concerns ("Heaven on Their Minds"). While Judas still loves Jesus, he believes that Jesus is just a man, not God, and worries that Jesus's following will be seen as a threat to the Roman Empire which would then punish both Jesus and his associates. Judas's warning falls on deaf ears, as Jesus's followers have their minds set on going to Jerusalem with Jesus. As they ask Jesus when they will be going to Jerusalem, Jesus tells them to stop worrying about the future, since whatever will happen is determined by God ("What's the Buzz?"). Recognizing that Jesus is irritated by the badgering and lack of understanding from his followers, Mary Magdalene tries to help Jesus relax. Judas is concerned that Jesus is associating with a woman of "her profession", which is implied as prostitution in the Bible. It seems to Judas that Jesus is contradicting his own teaching, and he worries that this apparent lack of judgment will be used against Jesus and his followers ("Strange Thing Mystifying"). Jesus tells Judas that Mary is with him (Jesus) now, and unless Judas is without sin he should not judge the character of others. Jesus then reproaches his apostles for being "shallow, thick and slow" and somewhat bitterly answers that not a single one of them cares about him. Mary Magdalene tries to assure Jesus that everything is alright while anointing him with oil ("Everything's Alright"). Judas angrily insists that the money used to obtain the oil should have been used to help the poor instead. Jesus sadly explains that he and his followers do not have the resources to alleviate poverty and that they should be glad for the privileges they have. He claims that once his followers no longer have him, they will lose their path. Meanwhile, Caiaphas (the high priest), Annas, and other Jewish priests (who have been studying Jesus's movements) meet to discuss Jesus and his disciples. Jesus's growing following consists of Jews unwilling to accept the Romans as their rulers, and the priests believe that Jesus may become seen as a threat to the priesthood's integrity and the Roman Empire. If the Romans retaliate, many Jews will suffer, even those who are not following Jesus. Caiaphas tells them they are "fools" for not seeing the inevitable consequence of Jesus's activities. He believes there could be great bloodshed and the stakes are "frighteningly high!" For the greater good, he has to "crush him completely! So like John before him, this Jesus must die!" Annas and the other priests concur ("This Jesus Must Die"). As Jesus and his followers arrive exultantly in Jerusalem they are confronted by Caiaphas, who demands that Jesus disband them, which Jesus says would be futile and change nothing. As the crowd cheers him on, Caiaphas suddenly asks, "Hey JC, JC, won't you die for me?" To this, Jesus visibly reacts with concern ("Hosanna"). Jesus is approached by Simon the Zealot, who suggests that Jesus lead his mob in a war against Rome and gain absolute power ("Simon Zealotes"). Jesus rejects this suggestion, stating that none of his followers understand what true power is, nor do they understand his true message ("Poor Jerusalem"). Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, has had a dream, in which he meets with a Galilean (Jesus) and that he, Pilate, will receive all of the blame for the man's violent and mournful death ("Pilate's Dream"). Jesus arrives at the Temple in Jerusalem and finds that it has become a haven of sin and debauchery as it is being used for selling everything from weapons to prostitutes and drugs. He is furious and demands that the merchants and money changers leave ("The Temple"). Angry, disconsolate, and tired by his burden, Jesus rests and falls asleep. In a chilling nightmare, he is confronted by lepers, cripples, and beggars, all wanting to be healed. Even though he heals some, their number increases, and he is overwhelmed. Unable to solve everyone's problems, Jesus tells the crowd to heal themselves. He awakes to find Mary Magdalene by his side. She lays him to rest ("Everything's Alright (Reprise)"). While Jesus is asleep, Mary acknowledges that she is unconditionally in love with Jesus, unlike any man she has known before, and it frightens her ("I Don't Know How to Love Him"). Judas gradually becomes more and more envious of Mary; he believes she has usurped him as Jesus's most trusted ally and that he prefers her to his Apostles. Conflicted, Judas seeks out the priests and promises to help them capture Jesus, while belaboring that he is acting with unselfish motives and that Jesus himself would approve if he knew those motives; he bids the priests not declare him damned. Caiaphas demands that Judas reveal the location of Jesus so that the authorities can apprehend him. In exchange for the information, Judas is offered money as a "fee" so that he can assuage his conscience by using the money charitably ("Damned for All Time/Blood Money"). Judas decides that it would be better to turn Jesus in before his popularity leads to the deaths of Jesus and his followers, Judas included. He reveals that on Thursday night, Jesus will be at the Garden of Gethsemane. ACT II At what Jesus knows will be the Last Supper, he pours wine and passes bread for his apostles ("The Last Supper"). Very aware of the ordeal he faces, he is stung when the others pay little attention to him; "For all you care this wine could be my blood / For all you care this bread could be my body," he remarks, alluding to (and anticipating) the Christian doctrine of the Eucharist. He asks them to remember him when they eat and drink; he predicts that Peter will deny him three times "in just a few hours" and that one of them will betray him. Judas, believing that Jesus already knows ("cut the dramatics, you know very well who"), admits he is the one and angrily accuses Jesus of acting recklessly and egotistically. Claiming he does not understand Jesus's decisions, he leaves to bring the Roman soldiers. The remaining apostles fall asleep, and Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray ("Gethesemane (I Only Want to Say)"). He admits to God his doubts, fears and anger, that he is tired and has done all he can. He asks powerfully if any of it has meaning and implores God not let him suffer the horrible death that portends for him. He feels disillusioned with his quest as the Messiah, does not understand what it has achieved and wishes to give up. Receiving no answer, Jesus realizes that he cannot defy God's will, and surrenders to God. His prayer ends with a request that God take him immediately, "before I change my mind." Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on the cheek ("The Arrest"). Jesus is arrested, and his apostles attempt to fight the soldiers. Jesus tells them to let the soldiers take him to Caiaphas. On the way, a mob (acting like—and sometimes represented as—modern-day news reporters) asks Jesus what he plans to do, but Jesus declines to comment. When Jesus is brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas asks if he is the son of God. Jesus responds: "That's what you say, you say that I am." This answer is affirmative according to Jewish custom, and that provides enough justification for the high priests to send Jesus to Pontius Pilate. Meanwhile, Jesus's apostle Peter is confronted by an old man, a soldier and a maid, and Peter denies to each that he knows Jesus ("Peter's Denial"). Mary asks Peter why he denied Jesus, and Peter responds that he had to do it in order to save himself. Mary wonders how Jesus knew that Peter would deny him three times. Pilate asks Jesus if he is the son of God. Jesus gives the same answer that he gave Caiaphas: "that's what you say." Since Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate says that he is not under his jurisdiction and sends him to King Herod ("Pilate and Christ"). As Jesus is dragged away, the chorus asks where Jesus's power has gone. The decadent and flamboyant King Herod asks Jesus to prove his divinity by performing miracles, offering to free him if he complies; but Jesus ignores him ("King Herod's Song (Try It And See)"). Herod decides that Jesus is just another phony messiah and angrily sends him back to Pilate. The apostles and Mary Magdalene remember when they first began following Jesus, and wish that they could return to a time of peace ("Could We Start Again, Please?") Judas is horrified upon beholding Jesus's harsh treatment by the authorities. Feeling extreme guilt for this, and panicking that he will be seen as responsible, Judas expresses regret to the priests, fearing he will forever be remembered as a traitor. Caiaphas and Annas say that what he has done will save everyone and that he should not feel remorse for his actions before throwing him out of their temple. Left alone, recognition dawns that memories of this could haunt the rest of his life, that God chose him to be the one to betray Jesus, and that he has been used as a pawn for the "foul bloody crime!" He suffers a mental breakdown during the epiphany, cursing God for his manipulative ways, and in a final attempt to detach himself from his destiny, he commits suicide by hanging himself from a tree ("Judas's Death"). At Jesus's trial Pilate asks the crowd if they would crucify Jesus, their king, and they declare: "We have no king but Caesar!" Pilate remembers the dream he had about the crowd and the unjust execution of Jesus. Pilate tells the crowd that, while Jesus should be imprisoned, he does not deserve to die. Pilate demands that the crowd give him a reason to condemn Jesus, and the crowd breaks into a pep rally-style cheer about how Jesus is a blasphemer and has defied Rome. After revealing Jesus as nothing more than a pathetic human being ("Behold the man!"), Pilate calls the crowd hypocrites, as he knows they hate Roman rule. He attempts to satisfy their bloodlust by having Jesus whipped, counting thirty-nine bloody strokes ("Trial Before Pilate, (Including The Thirty-Nine Lashes)"). Pilate, clearly disturbed by the whole ordeal, pleads with Jesus to defend himself; but Jesus says weakly that everything has been determined, by God, and Pilate cannot change it. The crowd still screams for Jesus to be crucified, and Pilate recalls his duty to keep the peace. He reluctantly agrees to crucify Jesus to keep the crowd from getting violent. Pilate then washes his hands of Jesus's death: "I wash my hands of your demolition! Die if you want to, you--innocent puppet...." As Jesus prepares to be crucified, he is mocked by a vision of Judas. Judas questions why Jesus chose to arrive in the manner and time that he did, and if what happened to him was really part of a divine plan, but Jesus does not say ("Superstar").[4] After reciting his final words and commending his spirit to God, Jesus slowly dies on the cross, his fate coming full circle ("The Crucifixion"). In the end, the Apostles, Mary and Judas, mourning the death of their fallen savior, reflect on the impact he has had on their lives ("John Nineteen: Forty-One"). PRINCIPAL ROLES DESCRIPTION Title role, leader of the twelve disciples, a man, called the "Son of God" and the "King of the Jews." One of the twelve apostles of Jesus; concerned for the poor and the consequences of Jesus's fame. A female follower of Jesus who finds herself falling in love with him. Governor of Judea who foresees the events of Jesus's crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation. One of the main antagonists of the show. High priest who sees Jesus as a threat to the nation. One of the main antagonists of the show. Fellow priest at the side of Caiaphas who is persuaded by Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat. One of Jesus's twelve apostles; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus's arrest to save himself. One of Jesus's twelve apostles; urges Jesus to lead his followers into battle against the Romans. The King of Galilee; Jesus is brought to him for judgment after first being taken to Pilate. FROM ALBUM TO STAGE The songs were first written and conceived as a concept album, before the musical was created and staged. On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by Ian Gillan, with Murray Head as Judas, Michael d'Abo as King Herod, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, and Barry Dennen as Pilate. In July 1971, the first authorized American concert of the rock opera took place in front of an audience of 13,000 people at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Civic Arena with Jeff Fenholt singing the role of Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas and Elliman repeating as Mary Magdalene. ORIGINAL BROADWAY PRODUCTION The musical opened on Broadway on October 12, 1971, directed by Tom O'Horgan, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. It starred Jeff Fenholt as Jesus, Ben Vereen as Judas and Bob Bingham as Caiaphas. Dennen and Elliman created the roles that they had sung on the album. Kurt Yaghjian was Annas, and Ted Neeley (as a Christ understudy), Samuel E. Wright and Anita Morris appeared in the cast. Carl Anderson replaced Vereen when he fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role. The show closed on June 30, 1973 after 711 performances. The production received mixed reviews; the reviewer from The New York Times deemed it to be a heartless over-hyped production. Lloyd Webber said in 2012: "I hugely objected to the original New York production, which was probably the worst night of my life. It was a vulgar travesty."The show was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Score, but didn't win any. Lloyd Webber won a Drama Desk Award as "Most Promising Composer", and Vereen won a Theatre World Award. CONTROVERSY The Broadway show and subsequent productions were condemned by some religious groups. Tim Rice was quoted as saying "It happens that we don't see Christ as God but simply the right man at the right time at the right place."Some Christians considered such comments to be blasphemous, the character of Judas too sympathetic and some of his criticisms of Jesus offensive. At the same time, some Jews claimed that it bolstered the antisemitic belief that the Jews are responsible for Jesus' death by showing most of the villains as Jewish (Caiaphas and the other priests, Herod) and showing the crowd in Jerusalem calling for the crucifixion.The musical was banned in South Africa for being "irreligious". OTHER 1970S AND 1980S PRODUCTIONS Paul Nicholas in Jesus Christ Superstar Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in London in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus, Stephen Tate as Judas and Dana Gillespie as Mary Magdalene. It was directed by Australian Jim Sharman. This production was much more successful, running for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom's longest-running musical at the time. Dmitri Shostakovich attended this production in London just before his death. He regretted that he could not have composed something like it; he lauded especially a rock band underpinning full symphonic strings, brass and woodwind. One of the earliest foreign productions was a five-day run in Sweden at The Scandinavium in Göteborg, opening on 18 February 1972 and playing to 74,000 people (a record at the time). Starring as Mary Magdalene was Agnetha Fältskog. On 16 March 1972 an oratorio version was performed at Memorial Drive Park in Adelaide, South Australia as part of the Adelaide Festival of the Arts. This was followed in May by the first full Australian production, at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, later moving to the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Sharman again directed, and the cast featured Trevor White as Jesus, Jon English as Judas, and Michele Fawdon (1972–1973) and Marcia Hines (1973–1974) as Mary Magdalene. Hines was the first black woman to play the role. Other cast members included Reg Livermore, John Paul Young, Stevie Wright, and Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, who met during the production and subsequently formed the band Air Supply. The production ran until February 1974. In 1973, the show opened in Paris at the Théâtre de Chaillot in a French adaptation by Pierre Delanoë. The title role was sung by Daniel Beretta, and Maria Magdalena was Anne-Marie David. The critics were unimpressed, and the production stopped after 30 performances. In 1974, first Spanish-language production ran in Mexico with the title "Jesucristo Super Estrella". Julissa played Mary Magdalen. The musical was seen in 1974 in Peru and Singapore. Robert Stigwood launched two road touring companies in 1971 to cover North America, one of which featured Robert Corff as Jesus. The first major US National Tour, however began In 1976, managed by Laura Shapiro Kramer. The tour continued until 1980. In 1977, the show had its first Broadway revival, running from November 23, 1977 to February 12, 1978. It was directed by William Daniel Grey, with choreography by Kelly Carrol and starred William Daniel Grey as Jesus, Patrick Jude as Judas, and Barbara Niles as Mary Magdalene.Regional productions followed. In 1981, Emilio de Soto directed an English-language version in Venezuela, with 163 actors. From 1982 to 1984, an Australian production toured Australia and South-East Asia, directed by Trevor White, who also reprised his role of Jesus. The cast featured Doug Parkinson as Judas and Marcia Hines (reprising her role as Mary Magdalene). 1990S AND 2000S The North American touring revival of Superstar in 1992 starred Neeley and Anderson reprising their respective Broadway and 1973 film roles as Jesus and Judas, receiving positive reviews for their performances. This production also starred both Dennis DeYoung as Pilate, and Syreeta and Irene Cara sharing Mary Magdalene. Originally expected to run for three to four months, the tour ended up running for five years. Replacements in this tour included Jason Raize as Pontius Pilate and Simone as the Maid by the Fire and understudy for Mary. In 1994, a New Zealand production starred Darryl Lovegrove as Jesus, Jay Laga'aia as Judas and Frankie Stevens as Caiaphas. Also in 1994, a stage version titled Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection was performed in Atlanta, Austin and Seattle featuring Amy Ray as Jesus, Emily Saliers as Mary Magdalene and Michael Lorant as Judas. In 1996, the musical was revived in London at the Lyceum Theatre and ran for a year and a half. Directed by Gale Edwards, it starred Steve Balsamo and Zubin Varla as Jesus and Judas, and Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene. It featured Alice Cooper as King Herod. The production was nominated for a Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival but did not win. It was followed by a UK tour. This production was revived on Broadway at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in 2000, starring Glenn Carter as Jesus and Tony Vincent as Judas. It opened to mixed reviews and ran for 161 performances. It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical but did not win. In 2002, a national tour starred Sebastian Bach as Jesus and Anderson once again as Judas. Bach received mixed reviews while Anderson was again praised. In April 2003, Bach was replaced by Eric Kunze. Anderson left the show later in 2003 after being diagnosed with leukemia and died in 2004. The tour closed shortly after Anderson's departure. In 2004 a year-long UK tour began, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright. Carter reprised his role as Jesus, with James Fox as Judas. In 2005, a successful Scandinavian tour starred Australian Peter Murphy (Jesus), American Kristen Cummings (Mary), Englishman Jon Boydon née Stokes (Judas), Frenchman Jérôme Pradon (King Herod) and Australian Michael-John Hurney (Pilate). A US tour starring Neeley, reprising his role as Jesus and Corey Glover as Judas, began in 2006 and played for five years. A Chilean heavy metal version has played annually in Santiago since 2004. In Boston, Gary Cherone portrayed Jesus in productions in 1994, 1996 and 2003 and Judas in 2000. 2010S; OTHER INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS A new production of Jesus Christ Superstar was mounted at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, in Stratford, Ontario in 2011. Directed by Des McAnuff, the cast starred Paul Nolan as Jesus, Josh Young as Judas, Brent Carver as Pilate, Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Bruce Dow as Herod and Melissa O'Neil as Martha. This moved to La Jolla Playhouse later in the year and transferred to the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway in 2012, with Tom Hewitt taking over the role of Pilate. Reviews were mixed.The revival was nominated for two Tonys: Best Revival and, for Young, Best Actor. Neither award was won, but Young won a Theatre World Award. The revival closed after 116 performances and 24 previews. Through a 2012 ITV competition TV show called Superstar, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the UK public chose Ben Forster for the role of Jesus in an arena tour of the musical that started in September 2012. The production also starred Tim Minchin as Judas, Melanie C as Mary Magdalene and Chris Moyles as King Herod. Lloyd Webber stated that the show was meant to be presented outside the confines of a proscenium theatre. The tour resumed in March 2013 in the UK, and an Australian leg of the tour commenced in Perth in May 2013. Andrew O'Keefe played King Herod in Australia, with Jon Stevens as Pilate. Stevens had played Judas in an Australian arena tour in 1992. 2011 production of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Doon School, India 2013 production in Rotterdam, Netherlands The musical has been produced in Ireland, Brazil, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Bulgaria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Australia, The Philippines, South Africa, Panama, Colombia, Croatia, Bolivia (where it was also released as a TV movie), Netherlands, Portugal, and others. Two notable Jesuses were Takeshi Kaga, in the 1976 Japanese production, and Camilo Sesto in the 1975 Spanish production. Mary Magdalene was Rocío Banquells in a 1981 production in Mexico. A Czech version premiered in 1994 in Prague's Spirála Theatre and ran until 1998, with 1288 performances. In the 2000s, a Venezuelan production ran for two years (2006–2008), directed by Michel Hausmann. A Spanish production produced by Stage Entertainment ran from 2007 to 2009, followed by long-running productions in Italy and Sweden (featuring Ola Salo) and Norway. In 2010, an Australian production presented by Harvest Rain Theatre Company and directed by Tim O'Connor featured Luke Kennedy as Jesus, Naomi Price as Mary, Tod Strike as Judas, and Steven Tandy in a special guest appearance as Herod. A 2014 production in São Paulo, Brazil starred Igor Rickli as Jesus. Negra Li was Mary Magdalene. A 2014 production in Lima, Peru at the Sarita Colonia prison, as part of a rehabilitation program for inmates, received some press. Eighty prisoners mounted the production, directed by inmate Freddy Battifora, who also played the role of Jesus. The Catholic Church approved of the production. Concerts of the show have been mounted in Vienna, Austria, since 1981, including one on Easter of 2015 starring Drew Sarich in the title role. RECORDINGS AND BROADCASTS The original 1970 concept album was very popular; its 1971 U.S. release topped the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums in 1971. The 1972 and 1992 Australian cast recordings were also both highly successful. In 1994, a studio recording under the name of Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection was released. A 1996 radio production for BBC Radio 2 starred Tony Hadley as Jesus, Roger Daltrey as Judas, and Frances Ruffelle as Mary Magdalene. In 2000, an Italian performance of Jesus Christ Superstar was broadcast on Rai Radio 2. Carl Anderson appeared on this recording, singing the song "Superstar". FILMS Jesus Christ Superstar (film) A film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar was released in 1973 and was the eighth highest-grossing film of that year. The film, directed by Norman Jewison, was shot in Israel and other Middle Eastern locations. Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson were each nominated for a Golden Globe Award for their portrayals of Jesus and Judas, respectively, and Yvonne Elliman was nominated for a Golden Globe Award as Mary Magdalene. Bob Bingham (Caiaphas) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) also reprised their roles. Though it attracted criticism from some religious groups, the film was generally well received. A new song, called "Then We Are Decided" and phrased as a dialogue between Caiaphas and Annas, was written and composed for this adaptation. A second film adaptation was released in 2000 for television, starring Glenn Carter as Jesus, Jérôme Pradon as Judas, and Reneé Castle as Mary Magdalene, and Rik Mayall as Herod. The film was directed by Gale Edwards and Nick Morris. It won an Emmy Award in 2001 for Best Performing Arts film. The style of the film is more like the stage version than the location-based 1973 adaptation and used many of the ideas from Edwards' 1998 UK tour. Several members of the film's cast went on to the 2000 Broadway production after shooting the film. A live recording of the 2012 arena tour was shown in Australian cinemas in November 2012. A DVD and Blu-ray copy of the film was subsequently released. AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS 1996 London revival 2000 Broadway revival 2011 Stratford Shakespeare Festival / 2012 Broadway revival Though the Rock Opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" has become a religious and musical phenomenon, beloved around the world among Christians and non-believers alike, no one has ever delved into the lyrics with the practiced eye of a professional biblical critic until now. Robert M. Price here shows in surprising detail the astonishing insight and creativity of Tim Rice's sifting and rewriting of the gospels, producing in effect a fifth, genuine gospel! The result is a complete line-by-line commentary on this Superstar Gospel. BIBLE VERSES ABOUT JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (6 DIFFERENT NAMES FOR CHRIST): Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity. Christ = christianity. He is the superstar of the Christian faith. The God-Man. Jesus Christ is different and unique from any other religion or religious leader. His superstar status comes from His much acclaimed resurrection from the dead. The ONLY ONE to raise Himself up from the dead and physically live again on earth. If the Bible is true … Jesus is the ONE Creator and Savior of Life to ALL who have ever lived!ble verses about Jesus Christ Superstar the Apostle Paul is one of the authors of the self-claimed superbook – the Bible. Paul wrote a majority of the New Testament, and by reason of his education, he had memorized the Old Testament (all of it). Paul knew the Bible as well as anyone could know it, and Paul knew Jesus as well as anyone could know Him. Jesus Christ was Paul’s superstar! One of the books Paul wrote in the New Testament, the book of 1st Corinthians, was to the church in Corinth, Greece written in approximately 57 AD. Greece … the land of the ‘gods’, the philosophers, and the ‘greats’. Greece gave us theater, drama, comedy, democracy, political science, sports, the Olympics, temples, schools, and literature of legendary stories and supernatural tales. Greece gave us the Republic, the Illiad, the Odyssey, and many more (also the New Testament was written in Greek). Greece was the home of superstars and superheroes. Superheroes like Zeus, Hercules, Apollo, and Aphrodite. Superstars … like Herodotus, Homer, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Alexander the Great. Greece was a superpower with superinfluence … did the Greeks really need another superstar? Bible verses about Jesus Christ Superstar No! the Greeks didn’t need just another superstar … they needed JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and Paul carried that message to the supercity of Corinth.le verses about Jesus Christ Superstar 1 Corithians 1:1-10 .. “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ [1x] through the will of God, to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus [2x], called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord [3x], both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ [4x]. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus [5x], that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ [6x] was confirmed in you, that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ [7x], who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ [x8]. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord [9x]. Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ [10x], that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind.” Bible verses about Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Christ! Paul wrote the name ‘Jesus Christ’ 10 times … 6 different ways in the first 10 verses of his letter to the Corinthians.le verses about Jesus Christ Superstar (Also see Ephesians 1:1-6 for these variations of Jesus Christ) Paul is either wacko and/or God is overly egotistical about the importance of Jesus Christ … OR God was emphasizing something so important that He didn’t want the star-studded Greeks to miss it. You see, writers write words in a willful way when they wish to weigh-in on a theme. The theme here being the preeminence of the superhuman superhero, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! Let’s look at the deeper meaning God was emphasizing for the Greeks … and for us: verses about Jesus perstar 1. Jesus Christ There are many named ‘Jesus’ (or some variation) in this world, but there is only one ‘Jesus Christ’. Jesus is His human name … a name common enough to relate to the common man and woman, yet uncommon in that He was Jesus who claimed to be the Son of God and Son of Man. Christ is His god name … a name unique to Him and Him alone. Christ meaning the Messiah … the Promised One, the Holy One of Israel, the Anointed One, and the Exalted One. Jesus Christ! the most mentioned name in human history … sometimes in worship and sometimes in ‘vain’. Either way, it is a powerful, provoking name combination. Still today, most of us meet ‘Jesus’ first, we ‘meet’ the man, learn of His life and mission, and then, decide whether to follow Him as ‘the Christ’, the promised One, the Messiah.verses about Jesus Christ Superstar 2. Christ Jesus What’s the difference? Jesus Christ … Christ Jesus. For Paul, the ‘difference’ was everything! The other Apostles had first met ‘Jesus’ the man face-to-face, and then came to believe Jesus was the Messiah (Christ). Paul, however, first met ‘Christ’ the Exalted Lord face-to-face on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9), and then, came to believe the Christ was indeed Jesus the man. ‘Christ Jesus’ was Paul’s signature name for the Superstar he came to know on the supernatural day that he was struck down … the day that changed his life. Saul the skeptic became Paul the proselyte … hence for him and those like him, the name ‘Christ Jesus’!es about Jesus Christ Superstar 3. Jesus Christ our Lord Paul used this variation ‘Jesus Christ [emphasis] OUR LORD’ twice in the ten verses. This variation emphasized and spoke to those in Corinth who had believed on ‘Jesus Christ’ AND had actively made ‘Jesus Christ’ the Lord of their everyday life. Again, this variation addresses all individual believers who make the daily decision to have ‘Jesus Christ’ be their personal Lord and Master. Are you an active servant of Jesus Christ?rses about Jesus Christ Superstar 4. the Lord Jesus Christ God made it clear through Paul to the Corinthians that ‘Jesus Christ’ is ‘THE LORD’ whether you believe in Him or not, whether you make Him your Lord or not. According to God and the Bible, He is ‘THE Lord Jesus Christ’ and ALL humans of ALL time will answer to Him. Acts 4:10-12 (New Testament) “Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. NOR IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.“ Isaiah 45:21-24 (Old Testament) “Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.” ‘JESUS CHRIST’ IS THE LORD!rses about Jesus Christ Superstar 5. Christ As mentioned earlier, ‘Christ’ is His god name … a name unique to Him and Him alone. Christ meaning the Messiah … the Promised One, the Holy One of Israel, the Anointed One, and the Exalted One. Others have claimed to be ‘the Christ’ but none of them … none of them have lived out the promises and prophecies of the Promised One. The Bible gives many, many prophecies from Genesis to Revelation regarding ‘the Christ’. Jesus claims to have fulfilled and be fulfilling all those prophecies (360+ prophecies). Listen to Jesus speak for himself: Luke 24:25-27, 44-48 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the CHRIST to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the CHRIST to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.'”ble verses about Jesus Christ Superstar 6. our Lord Jesus Christ Paul used this variation the most (three times) in the ten verses, ‘our Lord Jesus Christ’. It addresses the ‘collective Church’ … all the believers of all time who have accepted Jesus as ‘the Lord’ (Jehovah & Adonai) and ‘the Christ’ (Messiah). It is no wonder … the last verse of the Bible Revelation 22:21 says, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.”es about Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Christ is THE SUPERSTAR of all people … of all time!verses about Jesus Christ Superstar Is He your Superstar? QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (1973) QUESTION: Isn't Judas' reference to Muhammad an historical inaccuracy? Muhammad lived from 570 AD to 632 AD. ANSWER: In the song "Jesus Christ, Superstar, " Judas highlights several anachronisms. He makes comparison to Buddha, about whom he likely would have known little to nothing. He references Muhammad, not yet born. He even brings up the concept of mass communication, also unheard of in the ancient world. However, this number is meant to take place in a spiritual realm, out of place and time, where past and present have no actual meaning. Judas is shown to be eternally struggling with Jesus, his message, his methods, and whether or not he is truly divine. But also, let's face it...like its contemporary, "Godspell, " the entire film is pretty much an anachronism. For starters, it's a rock operetta which puts just about everything in modern terms in its language ("what's the buzz") and its cinematography (Judas being chased down by tanks, for example). If you are looking for temporal realism, there are many options for that. This film is far more allegorical than it is historical QUESTION: At the very end when they show the sun setting over the hill, you can see something/someone moving across the screen, just under the ground. Is this done to symbolize something, or was it a sort of camera problem? ANSWER: According to Ted Neeley and Norman Jewison on the DVD commentary, the shepherd walking across the frame in the final shot of the film was never intended to be there, and just happened across the shot as they were filming. Because of the significance of a shepherd in the teachings of Christ, Jewison and the crew were struck profoundly by the timing of this shepherd crossing the field, and kept the shot. They got a perfect sunset, as well as a subtle depiction of the resurrection. QUESTION: In the song "Jesus Christ Superstar" Judas sings "Israel in 4 B.C. had no mass communication". Why is he singing about that specific year? Even with the miscalculation in the Gregorian calendar, Christ still died around 30 A.D. So why that year in the song? ANSWER: First, the lyricist is taking a little artistic license to make the line fit the cadence of the song. Second, there has for some time been a debate over the exact year Jesus Christ was born. Traditionally, it is accounted as the year 1 AD. However, the Bible says that Jesus was born in the time of Herod the Great, who died in 4 BC, so he must have been born in that year or before it, assuming that date is correct. Furthermore, the Magi supposedly noted an astronomical event that drove them to visit the newborn Christ; there was an alignment of planets in 6 BC that would qualify nicely. In any case, the line in the song is meant to refer to whenever Jesus arrived in Israel: his birth. QUESTION: In the film 'Jesus Christ Superstar', in the song 'Peter's denial', Peter sings: "You've got the wrong man, lady, [.], and I wasn't where" etc. All the websites with lyrics say the line after the word 'lady' is: "I don't know him", but that is not at all what I hear on the CD of the film version. I know some things changed when the show was turned into a film, and I suppose this is one of them. Can someone help? I am an English teacher and I would like to use these songs for an English lesson before Easter. ANSWER: Just looked this song up on YouTube, from several versions including the 1973 film, and the lines are always performed as the lyric sites say. QUESTION: During the song "Poor Jerusalem" Christ says "Neither you Simon, nor Judas, nor the twelve". Simon and Judas ARE two of the twelve. Is this some sort of screw-up, or was it written this way for a purpose? ANSWER: It's not a screw up, it was probably written that way so that we knew he was referring to the twelve apostles; is he had said "nor the ten", some people would have had no idea who he was talking about. QUESTION: Was the third verse of "Hosanna" (where Christ urges the crowd to "sing out your songs, but not for me alone") written for the film? I haven't heard it in any other versions and in most foreign versions of the stage play the verse is not included. ANSWER: Yes it was written for the film, and was not used at all before that. The director Norman Jewison asked Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice if they wanted to make some changes to the play before the movie was made, and they agreed by writing that verse, the additional song "Then We Are Decided" and incorporating "Could We Start Again Please" from the Broadway version. However in most stage productions I have seen the additional "Hosanna" verse and "Could We Start Again Please" are included."Then We Are Decided" remains unique to the film. QUESTION: JCS is called a rock opera, and not a musical. What would be the difference? ANSWER: There are very few (if any) speaking parts in an opera, i.e. all of the text is sung and/or accompanied by music. A musical is more like a play interrupted by songs. QUESTION: What does Judas mean when he calls Christ a "jaded Mandarin"? ANSWER: Judas is accusing Jesus of being an worn out public official, someone that perhaps has to be ousted out of office. QUESTION: Now, I may be missing some big symbolic thing here, but what exactly did the tanks and the jets represent, or where they just mistakes or something? ANSWER: There are many "current" images added in to convey an up-to-date parallel of what was happening. The planes & tanks were to show the power of the Roman government. Also the merchants sinning by selling in the temple are selling postcards, prostitution, drugs, & even machine guns in the movie. It was to give something modern for viewers to relate to. The guards carry guns as well as the roman spears of the time. The modern "anything goes" in the sexual area is clear in the modern version of Herod's escapades. "IS THE ROCK OPERA JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR BIBLICAL?" ANSWER: The rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and the movie of the same name, directed by Norman Jewison, tell the story of the final days of Jesus. The opera’s theme deals with fame and how popularity can deceive and corrupt. Superficially at least, Jesus Christ Superstar contains many elements of the biblical narrative: Jesus has disciples, and He teaches. The priests Caiaphas and Annas, out of jealousy and fear, foment a plot to destroy Jesus. Mary Magdalene and other women serve Him. Judas plans to betray Him. Jesus enters Jerusalem amid celebration, cleanses the temple, and eats a meal with His disciples. After He prays in a garden, He is arrested, taken before several officials, and beaten. Peter denies knowing the Lord, and Judas hangs himself. Jesus is crucified. None of this conflicts with the biblical record. Upon closer inspection, however, the biblical failings of Jesus Christ Superstar become apparent. When a story is retold, a certain amount of interpretation is required. The author’s ideas, presuppositions, and opinions are injected. In this retelling of Jesus’ passion, the character and motivations of both Jesus and Judas are re-imagined and reinterpreted. Judas has the first song. In it, he complains that Jesus has been caught up in His own fame and rages over the fact that Jesus won’t listen to him. Judas calls Jesus’ followers “blind,” accuses them of twisting Jesus’ words, and expresses a desire to “strip away the myth from the man.” Considering these words come from Judas, we might be prone to dismiss them as a villain’s distortion. However, the insistence that Jesus is “just a man” is repeated later by Mary Magdalene in one of the opera’s most famous songs, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” In the next scene, Judas objects to Mary’s proximity to Jesus. He warns Jesus of the scandal that will erupt if Jesus is not more careful. Later, when Mary anoints Jesus, Judas objects again, reminding Jesus that their mission is to the poor. Jesus’ response is for Judas to “enjoy the good” while he has it. Throughout this scene, we have the contrast of Mary’s telling Jesus to “close your eyes,” versus Judas’s trying to open His eyes to the needs of society; as Mary sings, “Relax,” Judas urges action on behalf of the poor. No mention is made of Judas’s greed and thievery (John 12:6). When Jesus enters Jerusalem, there is a celebration of His being a “superstar.” Interestingly, Jesus only rides on the donkey for a short time. When he enters the city, He walks with the crowd until he sits down with some children. Also, unlike the biblical account, the praise is not quite spontaneous. Jesus initiates the singing at one point, and He even commands the crowd to “sing me your songs.” He briefly teaches about the Kingdom of God, saying, “You can win it.” The next scene has Jesus surrounded by adoring multitudes. There is a mention of salvation and a belief in God as the crowd offers Him their devotion and a kingdom. Judas looks on in disgust and disbelief. Jesus ends the celebration by speaking of death, which He says can only be conquered by dying. There is no mention of Jesus as the Life and no prediction of His resurrection. In a later scene, Jesus is surrounded by people who need healing. No one is healed; rather, an overwhelmed Jesus cries out, “There’s too many of you. There’s too little of me. Leave me alone!” When Judas meets with the Jewish council to betray Jesus, he makes it clear that he is only trying to “save” Jesus, who has let His own popularity spiral out of control. He takes the money they offer him unwillingly. During the Last Supper, the disciples dream of lasting fame. Jesus bitterly accuses His disciples about not caring about Him: “For all you care, this wine could be my blood! For all you care, this bread could be my body!” He tells them to remember Him when they eat, but then He says, “I must be mad, thinking you’ll remember me!” Judas leaves to complete the betrayal, because Jesus tells him he must. Jesus’ prayer in the garden is very telling. He admits that He has changed, that He is no longer inspired. Now He’s only “sad and tired.” After three years of trying to serve God, Jesus has lost His original vision. Considering becoming a martyr, Jesus selfishly asks, “Will I be more noticed? What will be my reward?” This statement is in direct contrast to Judas’s unselfishness in not wanting a reward for his betrayal. At the end of His prayer, Jesus finally submits to God’s plan—sort of. The song ends with an equivocation: “Take me now, before I change my mind.” When Jesus is arrested, His disciples talk of fighting for Him. Jesus rebukes them with these words: “Stick to fishing from now on.” This is as close to the Great Commission as the opera ever gets. Pilate repeatedly calls Jesus “Someone Christ,” a name which emphasizes the fact that Jesus is a nobody—a fact which Jesus is desperately attempting to change through His martyrdom. Through the various trials, Judas keeps close by, wanting to see what will happen. Judas then returns the money to the priests, again expressing his wish to “save” Jesus. In Pilate’s second interview with Jesus, he asks Jesus if He is a king. Jesus’ answer is fuzzy at best: “I have no kingdom. In this world, I’m through. There may be a kingdom for me somewhere, if you only knew” (see John 18:36-37 for Jesus’ real answer). When the mob cries out for His crucifixion, Pilate delivers a series of accusations against Jesus: “He’s mad, ought to be locked up . . . he’s a sad little man, not a king or god . . . he’s misguided, thinks he’s important . . . a misguided martyr . . . a misguided puppet.” (What Pilate actually said was, “I find no basis for a charge against him” [John 18:38].) After Jesus is whipped, the music immediately (and significantly) shifts into the “Superstar” theme. This is a way of saying that the martyrdom has begun, and Jesus has won His fame. This idea is stressed in Judas’s final song, in which he mentions both Buddha and Mohammed but says that Jesus has more appeal because of how He died. The opera ends with Jesus’ crucifixion. There is no resurrection. To summarize the theme of Jesus Christ Superstar, Jesus was not divine but was a fascinating and magnetic man of good intentions who let things get out of control. Overwhelmed by His own fame, He desired to return to a simpler, more sincere life, but He couldn’t. Of the disciples, only Judas recognized what was happening. He hated what Jesus had become but still loved Him and wanted to help Him. Jesus saw only one way out of His predicament: to die as a martyr; then, perhaps, some of His good teaching might be remembered. Of course, this is not biblical. Jesus is more than just a man; He is the Son of God (John 10:30). Jesus never lost sight of His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), which required His sacrificial death on the cross as payment for our sin (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus did not just die; He rose again (1 Peter 1:3). Jesus Christ Superstar is more than a popular opera that happens to get some facts wrong. It is an attempt to rewrite history. It makes the traitor Judas Iscariot a victim and reduces the Lord Jesus Christ to a burnt-out celebrity who is in over His head. JESUS CHRIST SUPPER STAR In this lesson, discover the Broadway sensation, 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' Explore the characters and the plot and test your understanding with a brief quiz. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Imagine a crowded rock concert. People are cheering, there are lights flashing, music blaring, and there, in the middle of the stage, is Jesus. Yep. That Jesus. The New Testament, the Messiah, you know the guy. Jesus Christ is not generally the central figure we expect in a rock show, but that's exactly what makes the 1970 Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar so entertaining. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Tim Rice, this play is technically classified as a rock opera, in that rock n' roll music is used to tell a theatrical story. So, it's not what you'd expect from Broadway. It's also not really what you'd expect based on the Gospels either, with the story told primarily by Judas Iscariot, the disciple who ultimately betrays Jesus, through the heavy use of 1970s slang. So, it's just unexpected all around. But, much like it's main characters and its writers, this extremely popular play has become something of a superstar itself. Ready to see it? Let's go. MAJOR CHARACTERS Well, we've got a minute before the play starts, so let's go over some of the major characters. Although it's called Jesus Christ Superstar, the story is actually told by Judas, one of the 12 apostles. Judas is becoming concerned that Jesus is taking his message too far, and worried that he will bring the wrath of the Romans down upon the Jews. The other main character, of course, is Jesus Christ. Jesus, in this play, is only about a week away from his crucifixion, and occasionally comes across a little tense and irritated with his apostles. The play centers around the relationship of Jesus and Judas, men who care for each other but are moving down different paths, but other Biblical characters are important as well. Mary Magdalene is the female lead who finds herself falling in love with Jesus. Peter is an apostle of Jesus who follows Christ but denies knowing him to save himself. Simon is another apostle who has a more radical stance and wants Jesus to lead the Jews into battle against the Roman Empire. Those are the supporters of Jesus, but as everyone knows who went through a Christian Sunday School, there's more to the story. The main antagonists, the bad guys, are the Pharisees, the Jewish high priests who persecute Jesus. Their names are Caiaphas and Annas, and they see Jesus as a threat to Israel, which leads them to push for his arrest and execution. We've also got Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, and King Herod, King of Galilee, who are important figures in the crucifixion story but are not portrayed as the main villains here. Now, before the show starts, we should mention a few things about this play. It is roughly based on the Gospels, the accounts of Jesus' life in the New Testament, but most of the dialogue is not biblically founded. Webber and Rice weren't actually trying to make a religious statement here, so that's not the focus, and the reason that so much of the play relies on 1970s-style music, slang, and cultural references. The emphasis is on the relationships between friends, enemies, and followers in a pivotal moment in history as each character discovers something about themselves. And, with that, it looks like it's show time. ACT ONE The play starts with Judas singing a monologue describing his fears that Jesus is becoming too powerful and that the Romans will punish him and the disciples. As Judas tries to convince the apostles not to go to Jerusalem with Jesus, the apostles badger Jesus about the future. Realizing that this is getting on his nerves, Mary Magdalene tries to help Jesus relax. Meanwhile, the Pharisees meet to discuss Jesus' growing popularity. Caiaphas insists that Jesus is dangerous and will bring the wrath of the Romans upon all the Jewish people and rallies the other priests singing that Jesus must die. As this concludes, Jesus and his followers arrive in Jerusalem and are confronted by Caiaphas, who insists that they disband. Simon suggests that Jesus turn his followers into an army and attack Rome. Jesus rejects this idea, sad that his disciples don't understand his message. Meanwhile, Pontius Pilate has a dream that he will be blamed for Jesus' death, as the actual Jesus arrives in the temple in Jerusalem to demand that the moneychangers leave the sacred place. Jesus is soon overwhelmed by the beggars and sick pleading for his help, and he leaves, where Mary Magdalene again helps him rest. Judas becomes jealous of Mary and goes to the high priests, deciding that it is better to turn in Jesus than let Jesus become so powerful that all of the disciples are killed. This being said, Judas feels guilty and is clearly conflicted. RUSSIAN PASTOR ON MISSION TO PROMOTE 'THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST' IN RUSSIA ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA (ANS) -- As The Passion of the Christ film continues to have a worldwide impact, a Russian pastor is on a mission to mobilize churches in his country to bring about a second revolution this time a spiritual one. After attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February, Sergei Timokin, pastor of the Christian City Church in St Petersburg, Russia went to see The Passion of the Christ film on the second day of its release in America. In a radio interview, he said: "It changed my life and I found it so moving I decided to do something about it. As soon as I returned to Russia I contacted ICON productions and Newmarket Films and I told them I wanted to raise awareness of the film. It seemed to me no one was really promoting it here. “ICON sent me some promo material and I tried to put it together to inform people, and I took that to a number of cinemas asking if we could play it before and after the film to show people what it was all about, and help people that had any questions about it. "It was all very last minute and spontaneous and I prayed that the Lord would open some doors, and he did by the way. There are not a lot of copies of the film in Russia, so it can't be shown in thousands of theatres at once or even hundreds of them. So its being shown in St Petersburg and Moscow. Then it’s going to another 40 cities. Pastor Sergei is urging people around the world to pray that churches in Russia will be alert to this significant outreach opportunity. "My big concern was that as I approached churches and pastors they just weren't aware of the film. They were the way I was before I saw the film, thinking it was just another Second Temptation of Christ. But when I saw the movie myself, it just changed me. I felt the heart of Jesus Christ more than just knowing His teachings and laws and I heard a lot of stories of big pastors in America who's ministries had been impacted. Pastor Sergei, was raised during the communistic regime in a family of high-ranking military red army officer. But the turning point in his life came in 1979 when he became a Christian after watching Jesus Christ Superstar. He was given a Bible that had been smuggled into the country by missionaries, and he decided to serve the Lord in the same way. "I was a rock musician and with my friend Valeri Barinov we decided to record our Russian version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and made the rock opera The Trumpet Call. We became the number one underground Christian rock band here in 1982, but because of my ministry I spent two years in prison, and was released when Mikhail Gorbachev came into power. "For the past 15 years I've been pastoring the Christian City Church of St Petersburg, preaching and running bible schools in many countries around the world, sharing my testimony of how God helped me through my time in prison. "I'm also involved in a lot of community outreach, as well as a national prayer breakfast bringing together a number of the country's significant leaders including in the government, just trying to reach them for the Lord. OUR PROTEST OF JESUS CHRIST "SUPERSTAR" Mock Him… like Herod did? Ignore Him… like Pilate did? Make money off of His name… like Judas did? Crucify Him again,… like the crowd did? Just WHO was Jesus? Everybody has their own expectations of Jesus Christ. Pilate expected Jesus to be a King who would fight for control of Palestine. Judas expected a leader who would make him rich. Herod wanted an entertainer. The crowd wanted a rebel. The whole world got it wrong! Even today, most everyone wants a Superstar; a Genie; a Knight in shining armour. But what this world got was a Saviour, who would allow sinful men to hate Him, and kill Him on the cross. Why? Was it all a play, or was it all an unfortunate tragedy? Can it be trivialized by just calling Jesus “a good man who was misunderstood?” Jesus is God Almighty, come down to earth in flesh like any of us. He had no halo, and He felt pain, but He never doubted who He was, and He never hesitated from His mission – to save YOU and ME from hell! Jesus said plainly, “I am the Son of God” John 10:36, and “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38. What Does it Matter? Misunderstanding who Jesus is, is serious business! “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36 “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1John 2:22 What Will You Do With Jesus? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Acts 16:31 . Repent. That means agree with God that you are a sinner, and deserve hell. “All have sinned” Romans 3:23. “God now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30. 2. Believe Jesus Christ is all you need to be saved from hell. Jesus said, “I am the way… no man cometh unto the father, but by me” John 14:6 3. Then you can FREELY accept the gift of salvation - eternal life comes only from Jesus Himself. "The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus died to give you the forgiveness of your sins. Talk to Him in prayer right now, and accept the forgiveness that He offers you for ALL your sins. Don't be so proud to miss this opportunity! Hell is full of people who trusted everything but Christ!

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