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Jesus Christ Superstar The Musical

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Book & lyrics by Tim Rice

JCS Recommended Resources

JCS Plot Summary & Audition Tips

List of Characters in Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar Accompaniment CD

Jesus Christ Superstar Sheet Music (Vocal Selections)

Jesus Christ Superstar Original London Concept Recording

Jesus Christ Superstar Original Broadway Cast Recording

Jesus Christ Superstar 1996 London Cast

Jesus Christ Superstar Film Version on DVD

Although musicals based on biblical topics are not uncommon, Jesus Christ Superstar was considered contraversal when it first opened in 1970s. While audiences had no objection to a rock opera, they did object to having the last seven days of Jesus' life shown through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas. This musical takes advantage of the fact that Jesus was considered a rebel in his time, portraying his followers as flower children and activists from the 1960s. Rock music is an appropriate choice, since rock & roll was also born a rebel.

Audition Preparation Suggestions for
Jesus Christ Superstar

Because this is a rock musical, a song from another pop/rock musical is your best audition choice. Here is a list of other rock musicals.

While the singing portion of the audition will likely be the deciding factor for this show, the ability to move well is a definite asset.

Judas (Rock Tenor, low D to high E)
A tortured soul, angry, bitter, and wildly emotional. He is tortured by his role in this drama, disappointed in Jesus. Judas sings with a raw emotionally charged passion. This is a major singing role.
Jesus (Rock Tenor, low Bb to high E, optional high G)
His righteous anger and acceptance of all His people are his main traits. The Jesus of this piece is a little less delicate and more rough-hewn character. He is strong willed, a rock and roll "wailer" and, of course, a Superstar.
Peter (Tenor/Baritone)
The head apostle and Jesus' right hand man. He is loyal and loving and in awe of Jesus, yet conflicted as he does deny Him and criticizes Jesus for His relationship with Mary.
Mary Magdalene (Folk/R&B Mezzo/Alto, low G# to B, optional high A)
Mary is the leading lady of the piece. She is very attached to Jesus and very much in love with him. She is His protector, caretaker and soother, quite nurturing and very grateful for His attention.
Pontius Pilate (Tenor/Baritone, low A to Bb)
Pilate is given the case of Jesus and is eager to pass it on to someone else yet he is given the decision back. He is stern and puzzled at the same time. He plays his role but is reluctant to put Jesus to death himself.
Herod (Tenor/Baritone, low B to high B)
The eccentric to whom Jesus is presented. Herod is unimpressed yet quite impressive in his own way.
Annas (Tenor, low F to C#) & Caiaphas (Bass, very low C to middle F)
The officials who negotiate with Judas for information regarding Jesus whereabouts to aid in His arrest. These men are worried that Jesus presence will hurt their power. They are devious, covert, stern and slimy.
Simon Zealotes (Alto/Tenor)
Soul Sisters (3, R & B Soprano/Alto, dance)
10 apostles, 5 high priests, lepers, merchants, tormentors, reporters

Related Websites

Audition Preparation Materials

List of Songs in Jesus Christ Superstar (Click the song title to download digital sheet music)

Jesus Christ Superstar
A page with the lyrics.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Brief history and summary of the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
Jesus Christ Superstar Anniversary Page
A page with lots of info on the anniversary tour in the US. Also has lots of good links.
  • Overture
  • Heaven On Their Minds
  • What's the Buzz
  • Strange Thing Mystifying
  • Everything's Alright
  • This Jesus Must Die
  • Hosanna
  • Simon Zealots/Poor Jerusalem
  • Pilate's Dream Audition Pick
  • The Temple 
  • Everything's Alright Reprise
  • I don't know how to love him (Mary) Audition Pick
  • Damned For All Time
  • Blood Money
  • The Last Supper
  • Gethsemane (I only want to say)
  • The Arrest
  • Peter's Denial
  • Pilate and Christ
  • King Herod's song (Try it and see)
  • Judas's Death
  • Trial before Pilate (including The 39 lashes)
  • Superstar
  • Crucifixion
  • John Nineteen Forty-one
  • Then We Are Decided
  • Try Not to Think
  • The Lepers
  • The Poor Mandarin
  • The Treason

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