Editing Jesus Christ Superstar (section)

==Production==
{{main|Jesus Christ Superstar (album)}}
The songs were written and conceived as an [[album musical]], before the musical was created and staged.<ref name=Webber2012>{{cite news|author=Theatre Features |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/9556486/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-interview-the-second-coming-of-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/9556486/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-interview-the-second-coming-of-Jesus-Christ-Superstar.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Andrew Lloyd Webber interview: the second coming of Jesus Christ Superstar |newspaper=Telegraph |access-date=21 November 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On the original album, the part of Jesus was sung by [[Ian Gillan]], with [[Murray Head]] as Judas, [[Mike d'Abo|Michael d'Abo]] as [[Herod Antipas|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 (Pittsburgh)|Civic Arena]]—staged as a concert, like an [[oratorio]], rather than enacted, with [[Jeff Fenholt]] singing the role of Jesus, [[Carl Anderson (singer)|Carl Anderson]] as Judas and Elliman repeating as Mary Magdalene.<ref>''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', 19 July 1996</ref>

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 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.|Washington D.C.]], [[Boston]], [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Baltimore]], [[San Francisco]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Cleveland]], [[St. Louis]], [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Atlanta]], [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], [[Troy, New York|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 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72664441/chasing-rock-opera-pirates/ |title=Chasing Rock Opera Pirates |date=15 August 1971 |last=Taylor |first=Robert |newspaper=[[Oakland Tribune]] |page=117 }}</ref>

=== Original Broadway production ===
{{see also|Jesus Christ Superstar (original Broadway cast recording)}}
<!-- INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT HOW THE ALBUM WAS TURNED INTO A ROCK MUSICAL, AND SOME BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRE-BROADWAY TRYOUT(S), IF ANY. -->
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 the roles that they had sung on the album. Paul Ainsley was Herod.<ref name=Watt19711013>{{Cite news |title='Jesus Christ Superstar' Is Full Of Life, Vibrant With Reverence |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/464709711/ |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |last=Watt |first=Douglas |author-link=Douglas Watt (critic) |date=13 October 1971 |page=88 |volume=53 |issue=94 |edition=Final}}</ref> 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 was not in the music ... but in the conception."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://religionnews.com/2018/03/29/the-splainer-the-stormy-surprising-history-of-jesus-christ-superstar/ |title=The 'Splainer: The stormy, surprising history of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' - Religion News ServiceReligion News Service |publisher=Religionnews.com |date=29 March 2018 |access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1971/10/13/90698168.html?pageNumber=40 |title=TimesMachine: Theater: Christ's Passion Transported to the Stage in Guise of Serious Pop; ' Jesus Christ Superstar' Billed as Rock Opera Music's Vitality Asset to O'Horgan Work - NYTimes.com |work=The New York Times |access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>  The show was nominated for five [[Tony Award]]s, including Best Score, but won none. Lloyd Webber won a [[Drama Desk Award]] as "Most Promising Composer", and Vereen won a [[Theatre World Award]].

=== Controversy ===
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 the right man at the right time at the right place."<ref>''Time'' magazine', 9 November 1970. Rice went on to say "we are basically trying to tell the story of Christ as a man. I think he increases in stature by looking at him as a man."</ref><ref>''Life'' magazine, 28 May 1971</ref> [[Christians]] considered such comments to be [[blasphemy|blasphemous]], the character of Judas too sympathetic, and some of his criticisms of Jesus offensive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freepres.org/pamphlet_details.asp?superstar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143744/http://www.freepres.org/pamphlet_details.asp?superstar|title=Free Presbyterian Church – Online Pamphlet |publisher=Freepres.org |archive-date=13 April 2014}}</ref> 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 [[Jew]]s claimed that it bolstered 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.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9904E3DD103DE63ABC4053DFBE668388669EDE Superstar Film Renews Disputes: Jewish Groups Say Opening Could Stir Anti-Semitism Reasons Given Company Issues Statement], ''The New York Times''</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0345,winter,48380,6.html |title=Mel Gibson's Jesus Christ Pose |author=Jessica Winter |publisher=village voice |date=4 November 2003 |access-date=21 November 2013 |archive-date=15 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615134249/http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0345,winter,48380,6.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The characterization of Mary Magdalene as a former prostitute is inaccurate and frowned upon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagocatholic.com/other-authors/-/article/2018/04/25/reclaiming-mary-magdalene-in-jesus-christ-superstar- |title=Reclaiming Mary Magdalene in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' }}</ref> The conflation of Magdalene's past is believed to be originate from a sermon given by Pope Gregory I (c. 540-604) in which he connects Mary Magdalene to "She whom Luke calls the sinful woman, whom John calls Mary, we believe to be the Mary from whom seven devils were ejected according to Mark." <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-mary-magdalene-119565482/#ixzz2PdkNRoyp |title=Who Was Mary Magdalene? }}</ref>

The musical was banned in [[South Africa]] for being "[[Irreligion|irreligious]]",<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/jesus/facts.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011163830/http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/jesus/facts.htm|url-status=dead|title=Jesus Christ Superstar: Show facts and figures|archive-date=11 October 2008}}</ref> and in the [[Hungarian People's Republic]] for "distribution of religious propaganda".<ref>{{cite book |last=Miklós |first=Tibor |year=2002 |title=Musical! |language=hu |location=Budapest |publisher=Novella Könyvkiadó |isbn=963-9442-04-6 |page=9}}</ref>

=== Other 1970s and 1980s productions ===
[[File:Paul Nicholas Allan Warren.jpg|thumb|Paul Nicholas in ''Jesus Christ Superstar'']]
''Superstar'' opened at the [[Palace Theatre, London|Palace Theatre]] in London in 1972, starring [[Paul Nicholas]] as Jesus, [[Stephen Tate]] as Judas and [[Dana Gillespie]] as Mary Magdalene. It was directed by Australian [[Jim Sharman]] and based on his 'stripped back' production staged in Australia soon after the Broadway production opened. This version was deemed by the creators to be more efficient than the New York show, hence its use as a template for London and other subsequent productions. 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/andrew-lloyd-webber-stephen-sondheim-birthdays-coveney_37413.html|title=Michael Coveney: Happy birthday to the grand old men of musical theatre &#124; WhatsOnStage|website=www.whatsonstage.com|date=19 March 2015 }}</ref>

One of the earliest foreign productions was [[Jesus Christ Superstar (Swedish version 1972)|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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/16683 |title=AusStage |publisher=AusStage |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref> This was followed in May by the first official Australian production (A studio production was made in Australia earlier the same year, but it wasn't officially licensed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jay |title=First Australian Cast (1972) |url=http://www.jesuschristsuperstarzone.com/discography/first-australian-cast-1972/ |access-date=28 June 2022 |website=Jesus Christ Superstar Zone |language=en-US}}</ref>), at the [[Capitol Theatre, Sydney]], later moving to the [[Palais Theatre]] in Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milesago.com/stage/superstar.htm |title=1972 Australian production |publisher=Milesago.com |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref> 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 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.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} In June 1972 the show opened in [[Belgrade]], [[SFRY|Yugoslavia]], in [[Atelje 212]] theatre, in adaptation by [[Jovan Ćirilov]].<ref name="yugopapir">{{Cite web|url=http://www.yugopapir.com/2016/05/rock-opera-isus-hristos-superstar-u.html|title=Rock opera "Isus Hristos Superstar" u Ateljeu 212: Zlatko Pejaković - Isus, Branko Milićević - Pilat}}</ref> The role of Jesus Christ 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]].<ref name="yugopapir"/> The premiere was directly broadcast by [[Radio Television of Belgrade]].<ref name="yugopapir"/> [[Bora Đorđević]] and [[Srđan Marjanović]], at the time little known musicians, also participated as members of the choir.<ref name="janjatović191">{{cite book|last=Janjatović|first=Petar|title= EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960-2006|year=2007|publisher=self-released|location=Belgrade|page=191}}</ref><ref name="janjatović142">{{cite book|last=Janjatović|first=Petar|title= EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960-2006|year=2007|publisher=self-released|location=Belgrade|page=142}}</ref> The production was praised by the Yugoslav public.<ref name="yugopapir"/>

In 1973, the show opened in Paris at the [[Théâtre national de Chaillot|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.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} In the same year, [[Noel Pearson (producer)|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 (musician)|Jim McCann]] as Petrus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jacobinmag.com/2018/03/luke-kelly-ireland-folk-rare-ould-times-socialism |title=Ireland's Red Troubadour |last=Burtenshaw |first=Ronan |date=17 March 2018 |website=[[Jacobin (magazine)|Jacobin]] |access-date=17 March 2018}}</ref> In 1974, first Spanish-language production ran in Mexico with the title "Jesucristo Super Estrella". [[Julissa]] played Mary Magdalen.{{Cn|date=February 2024}} 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blay |first=Arturo |date=2 April 2021 |title=Cuando Camilo Sesto fue el Jesucristo español |url=https://cadenaser.com/emisora/2021/04/02/radio_valencia/1617352019_581404.html |access-date=28 February 2024 |website=Cadena SER |language=es-ES}}</ref> The musical was seen in 1974 in Peru and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alumni.sas.edu.sg/?Dec07featclasses|title=Featured Classes|author=Singapore American School Alumni Community|year=2007|access-date=1 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211043823/http://alumni.sas.edu.sg/?Dec07featclasses|archive-date=11 February 2015}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2024}}

[[Robert Stigwood]] launched two road touring companies in 1971 to cover North America, with [[Robert Corff]] and Tom Westerman as Jesus, respectively.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} The first major US National Tour, however began In 1976, managed by Laura Shapiro Kramer. The tour continued until 1980. In 1977, 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=4030|title=Jesus Christ Superstar – Broadway Musical – 1977 Revival &#124; IBDB}}</ref> Regional productions followed.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}

In 1981, Emilio de Soto directed an English-language version in Venezuela, with 163 actors.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} 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).{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}

=== 1990s and 2000s ===
The [[North America]]n touring revival of ''Superstar'' in 1992 starred Neeley and Anderson reprising their respective Broadway and [[Jesus Christ Superstar (film)|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, 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 (actress)|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 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, Texas|Austin]] and [[Seattle]] featuring [[Amy Ray]] and [[Emily Saliers]] of 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, London|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 the role on stage. The production was nominated for an [[Laurence Olivier Award|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 [[Foxwoods Theatre|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.<ref>{{cite web| author=The Broadway League |url=http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=12491 |title=Jesus Christ Superstar &#124; IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information |publisher=IBDB |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref> It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of 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 (singer)|James Fox]] as Judas. In 2005, 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 music|heavy metal]] version has played annually in [[Santiago]] since 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesucristometalstar.cl|title=Jesucristo Metal Star – 10 Años!|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112124119/http://www.jesucristometalstar.cl/|archive-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> In Boston, [[Gary Cherone]] portrayed Jesus in productions in 1994, 1996 and 2003 and Judas in 2000.

===2010s and 2020s===
A new production of ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' was mounted at the [[Stratford Shakespeare Festival]], in [[Stratford, Ontario]], in 2011. Directed by [[Des McAnuff]], the cast starred [[Paul Alexander Nolan|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 (actor)|Tom Hewitt]] taking over the role of Pilate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://broadwayworld.com/article/Its-Official-JESUS-CHRIST-SUPERSTAR-to-Open-on-Broadway-March-2012-20111004 |title=It's Official! ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' to Open on Broadway March 2012! |publisher=Broadwayworld.com |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref> Reviews were mixed.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://entertainment.time.com/2012/04/10/jesus-christ-superstar-and-evita-one-sings-the-other-doesnt/|title=''Jesus Christ Superstar'' and ''Evita'': One Sings, the Other Doesn't| author-link=Richard Zoglin|first=Richard|last=Zoglin|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=10 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jesus Christ Superstar|url=http://www.curtaincritic.com/Shows/JESUS_CHRIST_SUPERSTAR_REVIEWS-122.html|publisher=Curtain Critic| access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref> The revival was nominated for two Tonys: Best Revival and, for Young, Best Actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://playbill.com/news/article/165460-2012-Tony-Awards-Nominations-Announced-Once-Earns-11-Nominations |title=Tony Awards Nominations Announced; ''Once'' Earns 11 Nominations |last=Gans |first=Andrew |author2=Jones, Kenneth |author3=Hetrick, Adam |date=1 May 2012 |work=[[Playbill]] |access-date=2 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507221255/http://playbill.com/news/article/165460-2012-Tony-Awards-Nominations-Announced-Once-Earns-11-Nominations |archive-date= 7 May 2012 }}</ref> Neither award was won, but Young won a [[Theatre World Award]]. The revival closed after 116 performances and 24 previews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://playbill.com/news/article/167599-It-Is-Finished-Jesus-Christ-Superstar-Revival-Closes-On-Broadway-July-1|title="It Is Finished": Jesus Christ Superstar Revival Closes On Broadway July 1|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=1 July 2012|work=[[Playbill]]|access-date=1 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702111342/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/167599-It-Is-Finished-Jesus-Christ-Superstar-Revival-Closes-On-Broadway-July-1|archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref>

Through a 2012 [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] competition TV show called ''[[Superstar (UK TV series)|Superstar]]'', produced by [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]], the UK public chose [[Ben Forster (actor)|Ben Forster]] for the role of Jesus in an [[arena]] tour of the musical, beginning at [[The O2 Arena|O2]] in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s207/superstar/news/a395358/ben-forster-crowned-as-jesus-in-itvs-superstar.html |title=Ben Forster crowned as Jesus in ITV's 'Superstar' |website=Digital Spy |date=25 July 2012}}</ref><ref name=Webber2012/> The production also starred [[Tim Minchin]] as Judas, [[Melanie C]] as Mary Magdalene and [[Chris Moyles]] as King Herod.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesuschristsuperstar.com/2012/05/16/jesus-christ-superstar-arena-tour-2/ |title=Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520133814/http://www.jesuschristsuperstar.com/2012/05/16/jesus-christ-superstar-arena-tour-2/ |archive-date=20 May 2012 }}</ref> 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."<ref name=Webber2012/> The tour resumed in March 2013 in the UK, and an Australian leg of the tour commenced in Perth in May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off in Perth| url=http://www.watoday.com.au/entertainment/about-town/australian-tour-of-jesus-christ-superstar-kicks-off-in-perth-20130227-2f5il.html| publisher=Faifax Media|access-date=1 June 2013|author=Caitlin Irving|date=27 February 2013}}</ref> [[Andrew O'Keefe]] played King Herod in Australia, with [[Jon Stevens]], who had played Judas in the 1992 Australian arena tour, as Pilate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jesus Christ Superstar – Australian tour|url=http://theblurb.com.au/reviews/2013/05/jesus-christ-superstar-australian-tour/|publisher=the blurb magazine|access-date=1 June 2013|date=15 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226022605/http://theblurb.com.au/reviews/2013/05/jesus-christ-superstar-australian-tour/|archive-date=26 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jesus Christ Superstar songs shine with Tim Minchin, Melanie C|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/stage/jesus-christ-superstar-songs-shine-with-tim-minchin-melanie-c/story-fn9d344c-1226654954771|work=[[The Australian]]|access-date=1 June 2013|author=Deborah Jones|date=1 June 2013}}</ref>

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 the [[BBC Radio 2]] Audience Award for Best Musical at the [[Evening Standard Theatre Awards]],<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/evening-standard-theatre-awards-2016-billie-piper-and-ralph-fiennes-take-home-top-acting-prizes-a3393611.html|title=The winners for the 62nd London Evening Standard Theatre Awards Announced|newspaper=Evening Standard}}</ref> and a [[Laurence Olivier Award]] for Best Musical Revival.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/olivier-awards-2017-winners-nominees-time/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/olivier-awards-2017-winners-nominees-time/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Olivier Awards 2017: the full list of winners and nominees|newspaper=Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The production returned to the Open Air Theatre as part of the 2017 season, running from 11 August 2017 to 23 September.<ref>{{cite web|author=Will Longman |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/tyrone-huntley-declan-bennet-jesus-christ-superstar_43508.html |title=whatsonstage.com |publisher=whatsonstage.com |date=4 May 2017 |access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>  Additionally, the [[Lyric Opera of Chicago]] hosted a run of the production from late April 2018 to late May 2018.<ref>LyricOpera.com</ref> before returning to London at the [[Barbican Centre]] from 9 July to 24 August 2019 prior to a 50th anniversary US tour from October 2019.<ref>{{cite web|author=Nathan Skethway |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/first-look-at-jesus-christ-superstar-at-londons-barbican-theatre |title=playbill.com |publisher=playbill.com |date=9 July 2019|access-date=15 July 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wiegand|first=Chris|date=15 July 2020|title=Regent's Park Open Air theatre to reopen with Jesus Christ Superstar|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/jul/15/regents-park-open-air-theatre-jesus-christ-superstar|access-date=19 July 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>  The US tour resumed performances on 28 September 2021 at 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]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Merrit Kennedy |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/11/24/1058935783/michael-jackson-jacket-capitol-rioter-jan-6-actor-james-beeks-oath-keepers |title=A Michael Jackson jacket helped the FBI identify a suspected Capitol rioter |publisher=NPR |date=24 November 2021|access-date=26 November 2021}}</ref>  Beeks was immediately suspended from the touring production with the role of Judas assumed by another performer in the cast.<ref>{{cite web|author=Brent Lang |url=https://variety.com/2021/legit/news/jesus-christ-superstar-actor-charges-capitol-siege-james-d-beeks-1235119082/ |title='Jesus Christ Superstar' Tour Suspends James D. Beeks After Actor Is Charged With U.S. Capitol Siege |publisher=Variety.com |date=24 November 2021|access-date=26 November 2021}}</ref>  On 2 December 2021, [[Tyrone Huntley]], who played Judas in the 2016 London production, was announced to have replaced Beeks.<ref>{{cite web|author=BWW Staff |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tyrone-Huntley-Joins-JESUS-CHRIST-SUPERSTAR-Tour-as-Judas-20211202 |title=Tyrone Huntley Joins JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tour as Judas |publisher=BroadwayWorld.com |date=2 December 2021|access-date=5 December 2021}}</ref> A UK tour began at the [[Palace Theatre, Manchester]] from September 2023 featuring comedian [[Julian Clary]] as Herod.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=16 February 2023 |title=Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a UK tour in 2023/2024 |url=https://www.londontheatre1.com/theatre-news/jesus-christ-superstar-will-embark-on-a-uk-tour-in-2023-2024/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=LondonTheatre1 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jesus Christ Superstar UK tour – Julian Clary to play Herod {{!}} WestEndTheatre.com|date=29 June 2023 |url=https://www.westendtheatre.com/178683/news/jesus-christ-superstar-uk-tour-julian-clary-to-play-herod/ |access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref>

In 2017, a production featuring an all-Black cast was directed by [[Ron Kellum]] at the [[Paramount Theatre (Aurora, Illinois)|Paramount Theatre]] in [[Aurora, Illinois|Aurora, IL]]. Kellum's production ran from 19 April 2017, through 28 May 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jesus Christ Superstar {{!}} 19 April 2017 – 28 May 2017 |url=https://paramountaurora.com/events/jesus-christ-superstar/ |website=Paramount Theatre |access-date=29 June 2021 |date=28 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jesus Christ Superstar |url=https://www.hofmannlightingdesign.com/jesus-christ-superstar |website=Hofmann Design |access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref>

===Notable international productions===
[[File:Project JCS.JPG|thumb|2013 production in Rotterdam, Netherlands]]

Two notable Jesuses were [[Takeshi Kaga]], in the 1976 Japanese production, and [[Camilo Sesto]] in the 1975 Spanish production.{{why|date=May 2018}} Mary Magdalene was played by [[Rocío Banquells]] in a 1981 production in Mexico. 

An Australian arena tour launched in 1992, with an all-star line-up. Headline stars John Farnham (Jesus), Jon Stevens (Judas) and Kate Ceberano (Mary) lead this star-studded cast, including John Waters (Pilate) and Angry Anderson (Herod).

A Czech version premiered in 1994 in [[Prague]]'s Spirála Theatre and ran until 1998, with 1288 performances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kultura.zpravy.idnes.cz/devadesata-leta-prekreslila-divadelni-mapu-fkd-/divadlo.aspx?c=A001213_114114_divadlo_kne|title=Devadesátá léta překreslila divadelní mapu|date=13 December 2000}}</ref> In 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.<ref>[http://www.musicalvienna.at/index.php/en/spielplan_en/production/176960/content "''Jesus Christ Superstar'' 2015"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929161152/http://www.musicalvienna.at/index.php/en/spielplan_en/production/176960/content |date=29 September 2015 }}, Musical Vienna, accessed 19 September 2015</ref>

A 2014 production in [[São Paulo]], Brazil starred [[Igor Rickli]] as Jesus. [[Negra Li]] was Mary Magdalene.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://guia.uol.com.br/sao-paulo/teatro/noticias/2014/01/23/com-negra-li-musical-rock-jesus-cristo-superstar-tem-ingressos-a-venda.htm|title=Com Negra Li, musical rock "Jesus Cristo Superstar" tem ingressos à venda}}</ref> A 2014 production in [[Lima]], Peru, at the Sarita Colonia prison, as part of a rehabilitation program for inmates, received some press.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bracken|first=Matt|title=Prison inmates in Peru perform 'Jesus Christ Superstar'|url=http://darkroom.baltimoresun.com/2014/04/prison-inmates-in-peru-perform-jesus-christ-superstar/|access-date=17 April 2014|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|department=The Dark Room|date=16 April 2014|agency=Reuters|location=Baltimore, Maryland|archive-date=27 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427232233/http://darkroom.baltimoresun.com/2014/04/prison-inmates-in-peru-perform-jesus-christ-superstar/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Eighty prisoners mounted the production, directed by inmate Freddy Battifora, who also played the role of Jesus.<ref name=bbc>{{Cite news|title=In pictures: Peru inmates stage Jesus Christ Superstar musical|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-27058946|access-date=17 April 2014 |publisher=BBC News|date=16 April 2014|agency=Reuters}}</ref> The Catholic Church approved of the production.<ref name=bbc/>

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 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.