Jesus Christ Superstar

Research pack - Katie Rowley

Lyricist: Tim Rice

Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber

First performance: 12th October 1971

Playwrights: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice

Jesus Christ Superstar

Original Set​

The original set for Jesus Christ Superstar was very simplistic for the majority of the production back in 1971. Two scenes with relatively more staging are Gethsemane and the crucifixion. Gethsemane has Jesus sat on a rock being lifted by the other cast members, with abstract pieces of nature on poles being held up. There is also people walking across a platform, suspended from the top of the ceiling creating different levels. These levels showcase that Jesus is slowly getting less and less important and high up on the hierarchy scale. The crucifixion scene is a lot more elaborate and the set is layered to create the image of Jesus being an angel. The cast are holding a golden sheet from his waist down creating the bottom of the angelic dress and then the back of the stage has levelled platforms for the other cast members, however, they are laid out to make wings, finishing the appearance of the angel.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Original costume

The original costume for Jesus Christ Superstar was very traditional and heavily based on how they would have had dressed in those times. They all wear long dress link outfits with long un cut hair. Jesus wears similar clothing to what the other cast members wear, only he is wearing a bright white colour showcasing his difference. The costume which we are using differs to this as we are contemporary and wearing bohemian and hippie type clothing. This is contrasting as it is nothing similar to what they wore in those times which automatically causes a barrier between what the real story is and what this musical is representing to the audience.

Jesus Christ Superstar

TTA presentation

TTA talked us through each of the aspects of the performance. For costume, we are going to be wearing bohemian costumes with chunky jewellery and combat boots, showing off the modern aspects of the musical.  The make up will be subtle and natural, not over powering with glitter as we are meant to be rustic and as said before bohemians so therefore we don't want to look dressed up overly. The lighting is going to be abstract and will create silhouettes  and follow spots will be used in order to show the main characters within a scene. The staging has fences and levels in order to showcase the up to date version of the play we are doing, it resembles modern day riot scenarios through the use of the fences which show us being caged in.