103-531: Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice . Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion , the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with much of the plot centered on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples. Contemporary attitudes, sensibilities and slang pervade
206-660: A Friday evening in the year that Jesus died, a solar calendar was also used, for instance by the Essene community at Qumran , which always had the Passover feast begin on a Tuesday evening. According to Jaubert, Jesus would have celebrated the Passover on Tuesday, and the Jewish authorities three days later, on Friday. Humphreys has disagreed with Jaubert's proposal on the grounds that the Qumran solar Passover would always fall after
309-533: A Musical but did not win. In 2002, a national tour starred Sebastian Bach as Jesus and Carl 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 leukaemia 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,
412-485: A concert, like an oratorio , rather than enacted, with Jeff Fenholt singing the role of Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas and Elliman repeating as Mary Magdalene. In August 1971, MCA Records executive David Skepner reported that MCA had been investigating and shutting down 21 unauthorised productions in the US to protect the rights of London-based Leeds Music , which owned the musical. The biggest violations Skepner found were
515-698: A description of the bread and wine ritual during the Last Supper, most scholars agree that John 6:58–59 (the Bread of Life Discourse ) has a Eucharistic nature and resonates with the " words of institution " used in the Synoptic Gospels and the Pauline writings on the Last Supper. In Matthew 26:33–35, Mark 14:29–31, Luke 22:33–34 and John 13:36–8, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowledge of him, stating that Peter will disown him three times before
618-502: A dialogue between Caiaphas and Annas, was written for this adaptation. A second adaptation was filmed in 1999 and released around the world on video in 2000 and 2001. It starred Glenn Carter as Jesus, Jérôme Pradon as Judas, Reneé Castle as Mary Magdalene, and Rik Mayall as Herod, and was directed by Gale Edwards and Nick Morris . It was released on video in the UK in October 2000. In
721-527: A jar of water", who would lead them to a house, where they would find "a large upper room furnished and ready". In this upper room they "prepare the Passover". No more specific indication of the location is given in the New Testament, and the "city" referred to may be a suburb of Jerusalem, such as Bethany, rather than Jerusalem itself. A structure on Mount Zion in Jerusalem is currently called
824-559: A live concert version of the show featuring John Legend as Jesus, Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene, Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas, Alice Cooper as King Herod, Norm Lewis as Caiaphas, Ben Daniels as Pilate, Jin Ha as Annas, Erik Grönwall as Simon Zealotes and Jason Tam as Peter. Sung-through Too Many Requests If you report this error to the Wikimedia System Administrators, please include
927-586: A misconstrued enterprise." According to later tradition, the Last Supper took place in what is today called The Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion , just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem , and is traditionally known as The Upper Room. This is based on the account in the Synoptic Gospels that states that Jesus had instructed two disciples (Luke 22:8 specifies that Jesus sent Peter and John) to go to "the city" to meet "a man carrying
1030-593: A new Exodus . Similar views are echoed in more recent works by Catholic biblical scholars such as John P. Meier and Brant Pitre , and by Anglican scholar N.T. Wright . The Last Supper has been a popular subject in Christian art . Such depictions date back to early Christianity and can be seen in the Catacombs of Rome . Byzantine artists frequently focused on the Apostles receiving Communion, rather than
1133-620: A new translation together with the concept for a new staging. This rock opera is very popular in Russia but is the first authorised production to receive the support of the Really Useful Group. The original 1970 concept album was very popular; its 1971 release topped the US Billboard Pop Albums . The 1972 and 1992 Australian cast recordings were also both highly successful. In 1994, a studio recording under
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#17327796979831236-592: A reference to a meal (Sura 5:114) with a table sent down from God to ʿĪsá (i.e., Jesus) and the apostles (Hawariyyin). However, there is nothing in Sura 5:114 to indicate that Jesus was celebrating that meal regarding his impending death, especially as the Quran states that Jesus was never crucified to begin with. Thus, although Sura 5:114 refers to "a meal", there is no indication that it is the Last Supper. However, some scholars believe that Jesus' manner of speech during which
1339-408: A reference to the Last Supper but emphasizes the theological basis rather than giving a detailed description of the event or its background. The overall narrative that is shared in all Gospel accounts that leads to the Last Supper is that after the triumphal entry into Jerusalem early in the week, and encounters with various people and the Jewish elders, Jesus and his disciples share a meal towards
1442-621: A successful Scandinavian tour starred Peter Murphy as Jesus, Kristen Cummings as Mary Magdalene, Jon Boydon née Stokes as Judas, Jérôme Pradon as King Herod and Michael-John Hurney as Pilate. A US tour starring Neeley, reprising his role as Jesus, Corey Glover as Judas, and Christine Rea as Mary, 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. A new production of Jesus Christ Superstar
1545-857: A theatre troupe from Toronto that had crossed the US–Canada border to perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra , with only a few hours prior announcement, and another big production mounted by the Las Vegas Hilton . Other American cities with unauthorised productions included Washington D.C., Boston, Kansas City, Baltimore, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Richmond , Louisville, Cleveland, St. Louis, Memphis, Atlanta, Columbus, Troy, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Brooklyn in New York City and Hollywood, Florida . Court injunctions were obtained in each of these cities to close
1648-537: A time of hope and peace ("Could We Start Again, Please?"). Judas is horrified at Jesus's harsh treatment. He expresses regret to the Pharisees, correctly dreading that he will forever be remembered as a traitor. Caiaphas and Annas assure him that he has done the right thing. Judas throws the money he was given to the floor, and storms out. He curses God for manipulating him, and commits suicide ("Judas' Death"). At Jesus's trial, Pilate attempts to interrogate Jesus, but
1751-614: Is ("Poor Jerusalem"). Pontius Pilate , the governor of Judea, has a dream in which he meets a Galilean and then receives the blame for the man's violent death at the hands of a mob ("Pilate's Dream"). Jesus arrives at the Temple and finds that it is being used as a marketplace; angered by this, he drives everyone out . A group of lepers ask Jesus to heal them. Their number increases, and overwhelmed, Jesus rejects them ("The Temple"). Mary Magdalene sings Jesus to sleep ("Everything's Alright (Reprise)"). While he sleeps, Mary acknowledges that she
1854-509: Is a disputed text which does not appear in some of the early manuscripts of Luke. Some scholars, therefore, believe that it is an interpolation , while others have argued that it is original. A comparison of the accounts given in the Gospels and 1 Corinthians is shown in the table below, with text from the ASV . The disputed text from Luke 22:19b–20 is in italics . Jesus' actions in sharing
1957-513: Is another possible site for the room in which the Last Supper was held, and contains a Christian stone inscription testifying to early reverence for that spot. Certainly the room they have is older than that of the current cenaculum (crusader – 12th century) and as the room is now underground the relative altitude is correct (the streets of 1st century Jerusalem were at least twelve feet (3.7 metres) lower than those of today, so any true building of that time would have even its upper story currently under
2060-505: Is cut off by a bloodthirsty mob which demands that Jesus be crucified . Unnerved, he tells the mob that Jesus has committed no crime and does not deserve to die, but to satisfy the mob he will have Jesus flogged . Pilate pleads with Jesus to defend himself, but Jesus says weakly that everything has been determined by God. The crowd still calls for Jesus's death and finally Pilate reluctantly agrees to crucify Jesus (" Trial Before Pilate (Including The 39 Lashes) "). As Jesus awaits crucifixion,
2163-529: Is described in all four canonical Gospels as having taken place in the week of the Passover . This meal later became known as the Last Supper. The Last Supper was likely a retelling of the events of the last meal of Jesus among the early Christian community , and became a ritual which recounted that meal. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians , which was likely written before the Gospels, includes
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#17327796979832266-419: Is from Galilee, Pilate says that he is not under his jurisdiction and sends him to King Herod (" Pilate and Christ "). The flamboyant King Herod pressures Jesus to prove his divinity by performing miracles, but Jesus ignores him. Herod angrily sends him back to Pilate (" King Herod's Song "). Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the apostles remember when they first began following Jesus, and wish that they could return to
2369-410: Is in love with him, and it frightens her (" I Don't Know How to Love Him "). Conflicted, Judas seeks out the Pharisees and proposes helping them arrest Jesus, believing that Jesus is out of control and that Jesus himself would approve of this action. In exchange for his help, Judas is offered thirty pieces of silver . Judas adamantly refuses, but then accepts upon Caiaphas's suggestion that he could use
2472-614: Is poured out for many. ' " Other Christian groups consider the Bread and Wine remembrance to be a change to the Passover ceremony, as Jesus Christ has become "our Passover, sacrificed for us", and hold that partaking of the Passover Communion (or fellowship) is now the sign of the New Covenant, when properly understood by the practicing believer. These meals evolved into more formal worship services and became codified as
2575-418: Is the farewell of Jesus to his disciples , in which Judas Iscariot is no longer present, having left the supper. The depictions here are generally melancholy, as Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. There are also other, less frequently depicted scenes, such as the washing of the feet of the disciples. The best known depiction of the Last Supper is Leonardo da Vinci 's The Last Supper , which
2678-635: Is the one who will betray Jesus and, saying that he does not understand why Jesus had no plan, leaves ("The Last Supper"). The remaining apostles fall asleep as Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He tells God his doubts about whether his mission has had any success and angrily demands to know why he should continue and suffer the horrible death that awaits him. Receiving no answer, he realizes that he cannot defy God's will, and surrenders to God. ("Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)"). Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on
2781-461: Is this: Love each other as I have loved you", and John 15:17: "This is my command: Love each other." At the Last Supper in the Gospel of John, Jesus gives an extended sermon to his disciples. This discourse resembles farewell speeches called testaments, in which a father or religious leader, often on the deathbed, leaves instructions for his children or followers. This sermon is referred to as
2884-681: The BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards , and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The production returned to the Open Air Theatre as part of the 2017 season, running from 11 August 2017 to 23 September. Additionally, the Lyric Opera of Chicago hosted a run of the production from late April 2018 to late May 2018. before returning to London at
2987-581: The Barbican Centre from 9 July to 24 August 2019 prior to a 50th anniversary US tour from October 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the US tour was temporarily suspended in March 2020. The production returned to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in a socially distanced environment in a concert staging from 14 August to 27 September 2020. The US tour resumed performances on 28 September 2021 at
3090-700: The Farewell Discourse of Jesus, and has historically been considered a source of Christian doctrine , particularly on the subject of Christology . John 17:1–26 is generally known as the Farewell Prayer or the High Priestly Prayer , given that it is an intercession for the coming Church. The prayer begins with Jesus's petition for his glorification by the Father, given that completion of his work and continues to an intercession for
3193-633: The Indigo Girls as Jesus and Mary Magdalene respectively, 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. Alice Cooper sang the role of King Herod on the cast recording but did not play
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3296-548: The Keller Auditorium . On 23 November 2021, James D. Beeks, who played Judas in the tour, was arrested for involvement in the 2021 United States Capitol attack . Beeks, performing in the show under the stage name James T. Justis, is alleged to have been one of those who forced entry into the Capitol and to have paid dues to the far right-wing anti-government militia Oath Keepers . Beeks was immediately suspended from
3399-877: The Mass in the Catholic Church, and as the Divine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church; at these liturgies, Catholics and Eastern Orthodox celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The name "Eucharist" is from the Greek word εὐχαριστία (eucharistia) which means "thanksgiving". Early Christianity observed a ritual meal known as the " agape feast " These "love feasts" were apparently a full meal, with each participant bringing food, and with
3502-646: The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL . Kellum's production ran from 19 April 2017, through 28 May 2017. Two notable Jesuses were Takeshi Kaga , in the 1976 Japanese production, and Camilo Sesto in the 1975 Spanish production. Mary Magdalene was played by 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
3605-588: The rooster crows the next morning. The three Synoptic Gospels mention that after the arrest of Jesus , Peter denied knowing him three times, but after the third denial, heard the rooster crow and recalled the prediction as Jesus turned to look at him. Peter then began to cry bitterly. John 13 includes the account of the washing the feet of the Apostles by Jesus before the meal. In this episode, Apostle Peter objects and does not want to allow Jesus to wash his feet, but Jesus answers him, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me", after which Peter agrees. In
3708-500: The sacrament of the Eucharist become his friends, as those gathered at the table of the Last Supper. For Aquinas, at the Last Supper Christ made the promise to be present in the sacrament of the Eucharist, and to be with those who partake in it, as he was with his disciples at the Last Supper. John Calvin believed only in the two sacraments of Baptism and the "Lord's Supper" (i.e., Eucharist). Thus, his analysis of
3811-662: 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. 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. In 2010, an Australian production presented by Harvest Rain Theatre Company
3914-471: The Cenacle and is purported to be the location of the Last Supper. Bargil Pixner claims the original site is located beneath the current structure of the Cenacle on Mount Zion . The traditional location is in an area that, according to archaeology , had a large Essene community, a point made by scholars who suspect a link between Jesus and the group. Saint Mark's Syrian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem
4017-518: The Cross and by Christians as the "inauguration of the New Covenant ", mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah , fulfilled at the last supper when Jesus "took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, 'Take; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which
4120-492: The Eucharist to have originated in Gentile Christianity . On the other hand, an increasing number of scholars have reasserted the historicity of the institution of the Eucharist, reinterpreting it from a Jewish eschatological point of view: according to Lutheran theologian Joachim Jeremias , for example, the Last Supper should be seen as a climax of a series of Messianic meals held by Jesus in anticipation of
4223-642: The Father before breaking the bread, those who go to the Lord's table to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist must give thanks for the "boundless love of God" and celebrate the sacrament with both joy and thanksgiving. The institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper is remembered by Roman Catholics as one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary , the First Station of a so-called New Way of
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4326-536: The Gospel accounts of the Last Supper was an important part of his entire theology. Calvin related the Synoptic Gospel accounts of the Last Supper with the Bread of Life Discourse in John 6:35 that states: "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." Calvin also believed that the acts of Jesus at the Last Supper should be followed as an example, stating that just as Jesus gave thanks to
4429-451: The Gospel of John, after the departure of Judas from the Last Supper, Jesus tells his remaining disciples that he will be with them for only a short time, then gives them a New Commandment , stating: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." Two similar statements also appear later in John 15:12: "My command
4532-624: The Last Supper and the Cross form the summit of the teaching that wisdom flows from intrinsic grace, rather than external power. For Aquinas, at the Last Supper Christ taught by example, showing the value of humility (as reflected in John's foot washing narrative) and self-sacrifice, rather than by exhibiting external, miraculous powers. Aquinas stated that based on John 15:15 (in the Farewell Discourse), in which Jesus said: "No longer do I call you servants; ...but I have called you friends," those who are followers of Christ and partake in
4635-490: The Last Supper as derived from 1st-century eucharistic practice as described by Paul in the mid-50s. The term "Last Supper" does not appear in the New Testament , but traditionally many Christians refer to such an event. The term "Lord's Supper" refers both to the biblical event and the act of "Holy Communion" and Eucharistic ("thanksgiving") celebration within their liturgy . Evangelical Protestants also use
4738-438: The Last Supper was held on the evening before the crucifixion day (although, strictly speaking, in no Gospel is it unequivocally said that this meal took place on the night before Jesus died). A new approach to resolve this contrast was undertaken in the wake of the excavations at Qumran in the 1950s when Annie Jaubert argued that there were two Passover feast dates: while the official Jewish lunar calendar had Passover begin on
4841-594: The Last Supper. As the earliest elements in the current Passover Seder ( a fortiori the full-fledged ritual, which is first recorded in full only in the ninth century) are a rabbinic enactment instituted in remembrance of the Temple, which was still standing during the Last Supper, the Seder in Jesus' time would have been celebrated quite differently, however. The fifth chapter in the Quran , Al-Ma'ida (the table) contains
4944-557: 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. In 2018, a new production, directed by Michael Hunt was premiered at the Perm Academic Theatre , Russia . Hunt worked closely with The Really Useful Group on
5047-595: The U.S. it was released on VHS and DVD in March 2001, and aired on PBS 's Great Performances series in April 2001. It won the International Emmy Award for Best Performing Arts Film in November 2001. The style of the film is more like the stage version than the location-based 1973 adaptation, and it used many of the ideas from the 1996–1999 UK production. On Easter Sunday, 1 April 2018, NBC aired
5150-595: 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 , who had played Judas in the 1992 Australian arena tour, as Pilate. In 2016, celebrating 45 years since the musical debuted on Broadway, Jesus Christ Superstar returned to London at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre from 15 July to 27 August, directed by Timothy Sheader . The production won
5253-456: The apostles present would betray him. Jesus is described as reiterating, despite each apostle's assertion that he would not betray Jesus, that the betrayer would be one of those who were present, and saying that there would be "woe to the man who betrays the Son of man ! It would be better for him if he had not been born." In Matthew 26:23–25 and John 13:26–27, Judas is specifically identified as
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#17327796979835356-423: The assumption that the chronologies described in the New Testament are historical and based on eyewitness testimony. In doing so, Telford says, Humphreys has built an argument upon unsound premises which "does violence to the nature of the biblical texts, whose mixture of fact and fiction, tradition and redaction, history and myth all make the rigid application of the scientific tool of astronomy to their putative data
5459-457: The bread and wine have been linked with Isaiah 53:12 which refers to a blood sacrifice that, as recounted in Exodus 24:8, Moses offered in order to seal a covenant with God. Some scholars interpret the description of Jesus' action as asking his disciples to consider themselves part of a sacrifice, where Jesus is the one due to physically undergo it. Although the Gospel of John does not include
5562-406: The cheek . When Jesus is brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas and the priests send him to Pilate ("The Arrest"). Meanwhile, Peter is confronted by three witnesses of Jesus's arrest, to each of whom he denies that he knows Jesus. Mary observes that Jesus had predicted this (" Peter's Denial "). Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus answers "that's what you say". Since Jesus
5665-493: The consequences. Thus, Caiaphas concludes that for the greater good, Jesus must be executed (" This Jesus Must Die "). As Jesus and his followers arrive exultantly in Jerusalem, they are confronted by Caiaphas, who demands that Jesus disperse the crowd. Jesus instead greets them ("Hosanna"). Simon the Zealot suggests that Jesus lead his mob in a war against Rome and gain absolute power ("Simon Zealotes"). Jesus rejects this, stating that none of his followers understand what true power
5768-401: The date of the Last Supper as having occurred in the evening of Wednesday, 1 April AD 33, by revising Annie Jaubert's double-Passover theory. Historically, various attempts to reconcile the three synoptic accounts with John have been made, some of which are indicated in the Last Supper by Francis Mershman in the 1912 Catholic Encyclopedia . The Maundy Thursday church tradition assumes that
5871-458: The details below. Request from 172.68.168.226 via cp1108 cp1108, Varnish XID 216426066 Upstream caches: cp1108 int Error: 429, Too Many Requests at Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:41:38 GMT Last Supper The Last Supper is the final meal that, in the Gospel accounts, Jesus shared with his apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion . The Last Supper is commemorated by Christians especially on Holy Thursday . The Last Supper provides
5974-462: The disciples "do this in remembrance of me." This event has been regarded by Christians of most denominations as the institution of the Eucharist. There is recorded celebration of the Eucharist by the early Christian community in Jerusalem . The institution of the Eucharist is recorded in the three Synoptic Gospels and in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians . As noted above, Jesus's words differ slightly in each account. In addition, Luke 22:19b–20
6077-411: The earliest foreign productions was a five-day run in Sweden at Scandinavium in Gothenburg , 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
6180-415: The earth). They also have a revered Icon of the Virgin Mary, reputedly painted from life by St Luke. The Washing of Feet and the Supper, from the Maesta by Duccio , 1308–1311. Peter often displays amazement in feet washing depictions, as in John 13:8. St. Thomas Aquinas viewed The Father , Christ, and the Holy Spirit as teachers and masters who provide lessons, at times by example. For Aquinas,
6283-431: The end of the week. After the meal, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, tried, and then crucified . Key events in the meal are the preparation of the disciples for the departure of Jesus, the predictions about the impending betrayal of Jesus, and the foretelling of the upcoming denial of Jesus by Apostle Peter . In Matthew 26:24–25, Mark 14:18–21, Luke 22:21–23 and John 13:21–30, during the meal, Jesus predicted that one of
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#17327796979836386-409: The feet of the apostles , giving the new commandment "to love one another as I have loved you", and includes the detailed Farewell Discourse by Jesus, calling the apostles who follow his teachings "friends and not servants", as he prepares them for his departure. Some scholars have looked to the Last Supper as the source of early Christian Eucharistic traditions. Others see the account of
6489-409: The first official Australian production (A studio production was made in Australia earlier the same year, but it wasn't officially licensed), at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney , later moving to the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Sharman again directed, and the cast included Trevor White as Jesus, Jon English as Judas, and Michele Fawdon (1972–1973) and Marcia Hines (1973–1974) as Mary Magdalene. Hines
6592-410: The forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." In chapter 22 of the Gospel of Luke, however, the wine is blessed and distributed before the bread, followed by the bread, then by a second, larger cup of wine, as well as somewhat different wordings. Additionally, according to Paul and Luke, he tells
6695-487: The future. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene tries to help Jesus relax. Judas warns Jesus to avoid Mary, because a relationship with a prostitute could be seen as inconsistent with his teachings and be used against him. Jesus scolds Judas, saying he should not judge others unless he is free of sin. Jesus then reproaches the apostles and complains that none of them truly care for him ("What's the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying"). Mary reassures Jesus while anointing him. Judas fumes that
6798-513: The historicity of the Last Supper should be abandoned. Some Jesus Seminar scholars consider the Last Supper to have derived not from Jesus' last supper with the disciples but rather from the gentile tradition of memorial dinners for the dead. In their view, the Last Supper is a tradition associated mainly with the gentile churches that Paul established, rather than with the earlier, Jewish congregations. Such views echo that of 20th century Protestant theologian Rudolf Bultmann , who also believed
6901-587: The meal eaten in a common room. They were held on Sundays, which became known as the Lord's Day , to recall the resurrection, the appearance of Christ to the disciples on the road to Emmaus , the appearance to Thomas and the Pentecost which all took place on Sundays after the Passion. Since the late 20th century, with growing consciousness of the Jewish character of the early church and the improvement of Jewish-Christian relations, it became common among some evangelical groups to borrow Seder customs, like Haggadahs , and incorporated them in new rituals meant to mimic
7004-438: The meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal by one of the apostles present, and foretells that before the next morning, Peter will thrice deny knowing him . The three Synoptic Gospels and the First Epistle to the Corinthians include the account of the institution of the Eucharist in which Jesus takes bread, breaks it and gives it to those present, saying "This is my body given to you". The Gospel of John tells of Jesus washing
7107-433: The money spent on fine oil should have been used to help the poor. Jesus reasons they do not have the resources to end poverty, and that they should treasure what comforts they possess (" Everything's Alright "). Meanwhile, Caiaphas , the High Priest of Israel , assembles the Pharisees and priests. Like Judas, they fear that Jesus's followers will be seen as a threat by the Romans, and that many innocent Jews might suffer
7210-488: The money to help the poor (" Damned for All Time/Blood Money "). Jesus shares a Passover meal with his disciples , where they get drunk and pay little attention to him. He remarks that "for all you care" the wine they are drinking could be his blood and the bread his body. He asks them to remember him, then, frustrated by their lack of understanding, he predicts that Peter will deny him three times that night, and that another one of them will betray him. Judas admits that he
7313-413: 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 authorised American production of the rock opera took place in front of an audience of 13,000 people at Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania's Civic Arena —staged as
7416-509: The musical, beginning at O2 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, "The funny thing is that Jesus Christ Superstar [as a rock concert] is what we actually intended it to be. When it is done in a conventional proscenium theatre production it feels shoe-horned in. That is why I wanted to do this." The tour resumed in March 2013 in
7519-689: The myth of Jewish deicide by showing most of the villains as Jewish ( Caiaphas and the other priests, Herod) and showing the mob in Jerusalem calling for Christ's crucifixion. The musical was banned in South Africa for being " irreligious ", and in the Hungarian People's Republic for "distribution of religious propaganda". 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
7622-584: 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, Frances Ruffelle as Mary Magdalene and Julian Clary as King Herod; this production was re-broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra on 6 August 2016. In May 2018, Aztec Records released a 1973 live recording of the Australian production; previous recordings of that production were released as "bootleg" copies. A film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar
7725-547: The official Jewish lunar Passover. He agrees with the approach of two Passover dates, and argues that the Last Supper took place on the evening of Wednesday 1 April 33, based on his recent discovery of the Essene, Samaritan , and Zealot lunar calendar, which is based on Egyptian reckoning. In a review of Humphreys' book, the Bible scholar William R Telford points out that the non-astronomical parts of his argument are based on
7828-400: The order of the meal. In chapter 26 of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus prays thanks for the bread, divides it, and hands the pieces of bread to his disciples, saying "Take, eat, this is my body." Later in the meal Jesus takes a cup of wine, offers another prayer , and gives it to those present, saying "Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for
7931-496: The production due to his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. This production broke box office records and produced a number 1 soundtrack album. 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 and Emily Saliers of
8034-602: The reclining figures having a meal. By the Renaissance , the Last Supper was a favorite topic in Italian art. There are three major themes in the depictions of the Last Supper: the first is the dramatic and dynamic depiction of Jesus's announcement of his betrayal . The second is the moment of the institution of the tradition of the Eucharist. The depictions here are generally solemn and mystical. The third major theme
8137-581: The record for longest-running West End musical before it was overtaken by Cats in 1989. Judas Iscariot , one of the Twelve Apostles , worries that the followers of Jesus are getting out of control and may be seen as a threat by the Roman Empire , who might harshly suppress them (" Heaven on Their Minds "). The other apostles anticipate entering Jerusalem alongside Jesus and ask him about his plans, but Jesus tells them not to worry about
8240-442: The right man at the right time at the right place." Christians considered such comments to be blasphemous , the character of Judas too sympathetic, and some of his criticisms of Jesus offensive. The musical's lack of allusion to the resurrection of Jesus has resulted in criticism similar to that of fellow musical Godspell , which also did not clearly depict a resurrection. At the same time, some Jews claimed that it bolstered
8343-519: The rock opera's lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. Stage and film productions accordingly contain many intentional anachronisms . Initially unable to get backing for a stage production, the composers released it as a concept album , the success of which led to the show's Broadway on-stage debut in 1971. By 1980, the musical had grossed more than $ 237 million worldwide. Running for over eight years in London between 1972 and 1980, it held
8446-420: 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
8549-533: The role on stage. The production was nominated for an 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
8652-413: The roles that they had sung on the album. Paul Ainsley was Herod. Carl Anderson replaced Vereen when he fell ill, and the two performers later took turns playing the role. The show closed on 30 June 1973 after 711 performances. The production received mixed reviews; the bold casting of African-Americans as Judas was lauded, but reviewer Clive Barnes from The New York Times said, "the real disappointment
8755-455: The scriptural basis for the Eucharist , also known as "Holy Communion" or "The Lord's Supper". The First Epistle to the Corinthians contains the earliest known mention of the Last Supper. The four canonical gospels state that the Last Supper took place in the week of Passover , days after Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem , and before Jesus was crucified on Good Friday . During
8858-1086: The show had its first Broadway revival, running from 23 November 1977 to 12 February 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 included Doug Parkinson as Judas and Marcia Hines (reprising her role as Mary Magdalene). 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,
8961-705: 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 Mary Magdalena was Anne-Marie David . The critics were unimpressed, and the production stopped after 30 performances. In the same year, Noel Pearson produced the show at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin , Republic of Ireland , with Luke Kelly giving a critically acclaimed performance as King Herod and Jim McCann as Petrus. In 1974, first Spanish-language production ran in Mexico with
9064-540: The shows. Producer Robert Stigwood , who was assembling an authorised touring company, called these unsanctioned groups "outright pirates", stressing that he would continue to protect his rights by "relentlessly" pursuing legal action. The musical opened on Broadway on 12 October 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 played
9167-414: The spirit of Judas returns and questions why Jesus chose to arrive in the manner and time that he did, and if it was all part of a divine plan after all (" Superstar "). Jesus is crucified, recites his final words and dies ("The Crucifixion"). Jesus' body is taken down from the cross and buried ("John 19:41"). Act One Act Two The songs were written and conceived as an album musical , before
9270-458: The success of the works of his disciples and the community of his followers. Historians estimate that the date of the crucifixion fell in the range AD 30–36. Isaac Newton and Colin Humphreys have ruled out the years 31, 32, 35, and 36 on astronomical grounds, leaving 7 April AD 30 and 3 April AD 33 as possible crucifixion dates. Humphreys 2011 , pp. 72, 189 proposes narrowing down
9373-417: The table was sent down suggests that it was an affirmation of the apostles' resolves and to strengthen their faiths as the impending trial was about to befall them. According to John P. Meier and E. P. Sanders , Jesus having a final meal with his disciples is almost beyond dispute among scholars, and belongs to the framework of the narrative of Jesus' life. I. Howard Marshall states that any doubt about
9476-435: The term "Lord's Supper", but most do not use the terms "Eucharist" or the word "Holy" with the name "Communion". The Eastern Orthodox use the term "Mystical Supper" which refers both to the biblical event and the act of Eucharistic celebration within liturgy. The Russian Orthodox also use the term "Secret Supper" ( Church Slavonic : "Тайная вечеря" , Taynaya vecherya ). The last meal that Jesus shared with his apostles
9579-830: The title "Jesucristo Super Estrella". Julissa played Mary Magdalen. One year later, the musical was released for the second time in a Spanish-speaking country. It was released in Spain under the title "Jesucristo Superstar" and directed by the Spanish singer and songwriter Camilo Sesto , who also played the title role of Jesus Christ. The musical was seen in 1974 in Peru and Singapore. Robert Stigwood launched two road touring companies in 1971 to cover North America, with Robert Corff and Tom Westerman as Jesus, respectively. The first major US National Tour, however began In 1976, managed by Laura Shapiro Kramer. The tour continued until 1980. In 1977,
9682-549: The tour ended up running for five years. Original cast replacements to this tour included Christine Rea as Mary Magdalene, Jason Raize as Pontius Pilate and Simone as the Maid by the Fire and understudy for Mary. Also in 1992 a touring concert version was stage in Australia starring John Farnham as Jesus, Jon Stevens as Judas and Kate Ceberano as Mary. Anthony Warlow was also originally set to star as Pilate but he had to leave
9785-412: The touring production with the role of Judas assumed by another performer in the cast. On 2 December 2021, Tyrone Huntley , who played Judas in the 2016 London production, was announced to have replaced Beeks. A UK tour began at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from September 2023 featuring comedian Julian Clary as Herod. In 2017, a production featuring an all-Black cast was directed by Ron Kellum at
9888-461: The traitor. In the Gospel of John, when asked about the traitor, Jesus states: "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. The three Synoptic Gospel accounts describe the Last Supper as a Passover meal, disagreeing with John. Each gives somewhat different versions of
9991-580: Was directed by Tim O'Connor . Luke Kennedy appeared as Jesus, Naomi Price as Mary, Tod Strike as Judas, and Steven Tandy as Herod. A 2017 Professional Australian Production was staged at the Arts Centre Melbourne and starred Rob Mills as Jesus. A 2014 production in São Paulo , Brazil starred Igor Rickli as Jesus. Negra Li was Mary Magdalene. A 2014 production in Lima , Peru, at
10094-527: Was directed by Australian Jim Sharman . This production was much more successful than the original production on Broadway, 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
10197-648: 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
10300-419: Was not in the music ... but in the conception." The show was nominated for five Tony Awards , including Best Score, but won none. Lloyd Webber won a Drama Desk Award as "Most Promising Composer", and Vereen won a Theatre World Award . The Broadway show and subsequent productions were condemned by different religious groups. Tim Rice was quoted as saying, "It happens that we don't see Christ as God but simply
10403-463: Was played by Korni Grupa vocalist Zlatko Pejaković , the role of Mary Magdalene by Azra Halinović and the role of Pontius Pilate by Branko Milićević . The premiere was directly broadcast by Radio Television of Belgrade . Bora Đorđević and Srđan Marjanović , at the time little known musicians, also participated as members of the choir. The production was praised by the Yugoslav public. In 1973,
10506-475: Was released in 1973. The film, directed by Norman Jewison , was shot in Israel and other Middle Eastern locations. Ted Neeley , Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman were each nominated for a Golden Globe Award for their portrayals of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene, respectively. Bob Bingham (Caiaphas) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) also reprised their roles. A new song, called "Then We Are Decided" and phrased as
10609-563: Was the first black woman to play the role. Other cast members included Reg Livermore , John Paul Young , Stevie Wright and Rory O'Donoghue as well as Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock who met during the production and subsequently formed the band Air Supply . The production ran until February 1974. In June 1972 the show opened in Belgrade , Yugoslavia , in Atelje 212 theatre, in adaptation by Jovan Ćirilov . The role of Jesus Christ
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