'Jesus Christ Superstar' returns to rock roots with West End revival

LONDON — The iconic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar has returned to London’s West End with a new production that stays true to its musical roots, according to composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Created by Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar was first released as a rock opera album in 1970 before making its Broadway debut in 1971. The production opened in London’s West End in 1972, where it ran for eight years.

The latest revival stars musician Sam Ryder as Jesus in his West End debut. The production features a cast of about 30 performers accompanied by a live 19-piece orchestra.

Speaking at the official opening night at the London Palladium on Tuesday, Lloyd Webber said the original success of the album influenced how the musical is best presented.

He said the new production feels more like a staged rock concert than a traditional theater performance, with the band performing on stage alongside the cast.

Seen through the eyes of Judas, the musical follows the final days of Jesus’ life and includes well-known songs such as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Superstar,” and “Gethsemane.”

Lloyd Webber praised Ryder’s performance, calling him “very possibly the best-ever vocalist we ever had as Jesus.”

The role of King Herod is shared by a rotating cast that includes Boy George, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matt Bomer, Richard Armitage, and Omid Djalili.

Djalili, who will perform the role from Dec. 14 to 19, said the rotating schedule allows each actor to bring high energy to every performance without the demands of a lengthy run.

Jesus Christ Superstar will continue its run at the London Palladium through Sept. 5 before transferring to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from Oct. 16 to Jan. 9. 

-Reporting by Hanna Rantala; Editing by Jamie Freed/Reuters