Search - Original Broadway Cast :: Jesus Christ Superstar (Japan)

Superb

Stephen | London England | 09/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is well documented that Andrew Lloyd Webber hated the original Broadway production of Superstar and later said it was the worst production of any of his work that he had ever seen. By all accounts it was brash, tacky and vulgar, there is, however, precious little evidence of this on the recording. As it turns out, this is probably the best English language Superstar I have ever heard, both the vocalists and the orchestra are fantastic and try very successfully to push the score onto a different level to other versions. The recording is both more theatrical and characterfull than the original British concept album and rockier than the 1972 London cast recording and finds a fine balance between a rock and theatre sound. More modern albums of Superstar are fine but are invariably too slick, smooth and polished for the material. This recording captures the rawness, the rough edges and the energy of a cast who were in at the start of something new and were changing the face of the modern musical. The album also has the funniest version of Herod's song I have ever heard! Highly recommended."

Brilliant but wanting!

Ramon Grupe Cacho | Makati, Metro Manila, The Philippines | 06/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A superb cast no doubt; but, what we're not told is that it is a "Selections from" album, and that's why I can't possibly give it a full five-star rating. The sound quality is, of course, impeccable --leave it to the Japanese to make CDs always in high definition. The performances are brilliant, and it is definitely a must for any JCS enthusiast. Grab a copy while it's still available, like right now! This CD has positively a terrific resale value too."

Worth the price

Crash and Burn | Florida | 11/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an amazing recording with equally amazing vocals (even Yvonne Elliman is fantastic on this CD) Jeff Fenholt is a powerful, emotional Jesus. Ben Vereen's Judas is very impressive. Barry Dennon's back as the best Pilate ever, and Elliman is once again Mary. I would have given this CD 5 stars, but the version of JEsus Must Die" on this CD is really cheesey. I really like this CD though and think it's worth the high import price, so if it's within your budget to get this one, go for it."