Jesus Christ Superstar: Musical cast

Jesus Christ Superstar cast

Original Broadway Cast: Jesus Christ Superstar (1971).

Principal Cast Members.

• Jesus of Nazareth – Jeff Fenholt
• Judas Iscariot – Ben Vereen
• Mary Magdalene – Yvonne Elliman
• Pontius Pilate – Barry Dennen
• King Herod – Paul Ainsley
• Caiaphas – Bob Bingham
• Annas – Phil Jethro
• Simon Zealotes – Dennis Buckley
• Peter – Michael Jason

Ensemble and Supporting Roles.

• Priests – Steven Bell, Alan Braunstein, Michael Meadows
• Reporters – Robalee Barnes, Ferne Bork, Kay Cole, Pi Douglass, Doug Lucas, Anita Morris, Ted Neeley, Bonnie Schon, Margaret Warncke, Willie Windsor, Samuel E. Wright, Kurt Yaghjian
• Soldiers – Tony Gardner, Tom Stovall, Paul Sylvan, Eddie Barton
• Judas' Tormentors – Eddie Barton, Tony Gardner
• Temple Ladies – Robin Grean, Martha Deering
• Chorus Members – Robert Barnes, Edward Barton, Celia Brin, Dennis Buckley, Charlotte Crossley, Denise Delapenha, Michael Jason, Melvin Laszczynski, Clifford Lipson, Laura Michaels, Nathanial Morris, Janet Powell, Linda Rios, James Sbano, Peter Schlosser, Tom Stovall, Paul Sylvan, Margaret Warncke, Willie Windsor, Samuel Wright, Kurt Yaghjian

Notable Understudies and Replacements.

• Jesus of Nazareth – Dennis Cooley (replacement)
• Mary Magdalene – Kate Dezina, Marta Heflin (replacements)
• Caiaphas – Stephen Klein (replacement)
• Soul Girls – Realinda Farrell, Gail Boggs (replacements)
• Third Priest – William Parry (replacement)
• Apostle Woman / Cured Leper / Reporter / Temple Lady – Martha Deering (replacement)

Production Details.

• Opening Date: October 12, 1971
• Theatre: Mark Hellinger Theatre, New York City
• Director: Tom O’Horgan
• Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Lyrics: Tim Rice
• Set Design: Robin Wagner
• Costume Design: Randy Barcelo
• Lighting Design: Jules Fisher
• Musical Direction: Marc Pressel

Legacy and Impact.

• Performance Run: 711 performances, closing on June 30, 1973
• Awards: Nominated for five Tony Awards; Ben Vereen won a Theatre World Award; Andrew Lloyd Webber received a Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Composer
• Controversy: The production faced criticism from religious groups for its portrayal of biblical figures and themes
• Innovations: One of the first rock operas to be performed on Broadway, noted for its sung-through format and contemporary musical style

Jesus Christ Superstar Lyrics: Song List

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