Jesus Christ Superstar is a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started off as a rock opera concept recording before its first staging on Broadway in 1971. The musical is based very loosely on the Gospels’ account of the last week of Jesus’ 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. The resurrection is not included. It therefore largely follows the form of a traditional passion play.
Act I
The apostle Judas Iscariot expresses in musical monologue his concern over Jesus’ rising popularity as a “king” and the negative repercussions that will have. He strongly criticizes Jesus for accepting his followers’ 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’ following will be seen as a threat to the Roman Empire which would then punish both Jesus and his associates. Judas’ warning falls on deaf ears, as Jesus’ 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 Mary, a prostitute. 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’s Alright” while anointing him with oil. 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 once his followers no longer have him, they will lose their path.
