Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Masterful performances impress in modernized rock opera.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
What's the Story?
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE IN CONCERT casts John Legend in the titular role of this classic rock opera that chronicles Jesus' last week of life. At its start, Jesus (Legend) is celebrated by throngs of fans, leading the apostle Judas (Brandon Victor Dixon) to question whether his teacher's new superstar status threatens his works and message of peace. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene (Sara Bareilles) tries to comfort Jesus and urge him to care for his own needs as well as those of his believers. As Jesus prepares for his last meal with his apostles, Judas plots with the high priest Caiaphas (Norm Lewis) to have Jesus arrested, setting in motion his trial, scourging, and ultimately his crucifixion, with fateful roles played by King Herod (Alice Cooper) and Pontius Pilate (Ben Daniels).
Is It Any Good?
Remarkable performances by all of the major players and a modern revamping of the visuals make this live airing of a classic musical a total success. Legend is spectacular as Jesus Christ, impassioned and in complete control of the vocal challenges posed by the story's soundtrack. He's matched by similarly memorable work by the exceptionally talented Dixon and Bareilles, who don't seem motivated to outshine the title character but at times do so anyway. Even the smaller of the main performances are noteworthy, especially the commanding presence of Lewis as the imposing figure Caiaphas, who encourages Judas's betrayal, and Cooper's flashy, scene-stealing Herod.
Historically controversial but beloved by fans, Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar takes some liberty with the biblical account of Jesus' relationships with disciples and his last several days, and that may bother some viewers. It's also a choice to match this ancient story with this performance's decidedly modern slant, with Jesus in tennis shoes and the throngs of followers (and later accusers) in torn jeans and T-shirts. But the very aspects that set apart this telling -- Judas' sympathetic torment, Mary Magdalene's deep love for Jesus, and, most of all, Jesus' humanity -- combine to make this an engrossing watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how celebrity status is assigned. Do you agree with the story's assertion that Jesus was the first superstar? Is it healthy to admire celebrities like we do?
Does Jesus Christ Superstar change your impression of any of the characters in the story of Jesus? What is the purpose of making Judas a sympathetic figure? What, if any, redeeming qualities does he have in this telling?
How effectively does this live performance use minimal costumes and staging to set the scene for the story? Did you find it easy to follow the plot with music alone and all-sung dialogue?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 1, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : June 14, 2018
- Cast : John Legend , Sara Bareilles , Brandon Victor Dixon
- Directors : David Leveaux , Alex Rudzinski
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : NBC Studios
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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