Everything You Need To Know About Jesus Christ Superstar

Few musicals have left a mark on the world like Jesus Christ Superstar. First released as a rock opera album in 1970 before hitting the stage, the rock opera - written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber- sparked conversation, controversy, and a revolution in musical theatre. This isn’t your ordinary Bible retelling. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering it for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about Jesus Christ Superstar…

What is Jesus Christ Superstar based on?

Jesus Christ Superstar is loosely based on the gospels of the Bible, ‘loosely’ being the operative word! It’s no secret that the Bible served as the ‘genesis’ for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show, but the pair did use some poetic license to elevate the plot from text to stage.  

The musical is a more dramatic retelling of the last days of Jesus Christ’s life, homing in on his personal conflicts. Most notably, JCS is told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Judas, a once-loyal disciple of Jesus, has become frustrated with his leader’s growing fame whilst the plight of Jerusalem’s less fortunate remains ignored.  

But why exactly did the pair decide to tell this story from the perspective of Judas? Tim Rice was initially inspired by Bob Dylan’s lyric “Did Judas Iscariot have God on his side?”.  

In Andrew’s own words: “Rather than telling the story of the last six days of the life of Jesus Christ, one is actually trying to examine why it was that Judas betrayed somebody that he clearly loved.”

So with that as the inspiration for Jesus Christ Superstar, how did it all begin?

The Origins of JCS

Jesus Christ Superstar began not as a stage production, but as a concept album. In the late 1960s, Tim and Andrew were young, ambitious, and eager to tell a story through the lens of modern music. Traditional theatre producers initially balked at the idea of a rock musical about the final days of Jesus. SoSo, the duo did something radical: they recorded it first.

The 1970 concept album, with Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan as Jesus, quickly became a global sensation. With no visual cues Andrew and Tim had to rely solely on the music to tell this story, so, unlike other musicals at the time the show is almost entirely sung-through. There’s no traditional dialogue: just driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and unforgettable riffs.

What type of music do we hear in JCS?

Jesus Christ Superstar is a groundbreaking example of the rock opera genre: blending elements of rock and musical theatre. At a time when musical theatre was dominated by traditional orchestrations, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fusion of rock, soul, gospel, and symphonic elements turned the genre on its head. From electric guitars and pounding drums to strings and choral arrangements, the score is as complex as it is catchy. This wasn’t just theatre music—it was radio-ready rock.

The music of Jesus Christ Superstar is nothing short of revolutionary. The score pulses with energy, emotion, and invention, with each song advancing the story and revealing the inner lives of its characters.

The main characters you will get to know during the show

Jesus is the charismatic leader with an increasingly adoring set of supporters, whilst Judas is his loyal follower. His internal conflicts between remaining an apostle or betraying Jesus propels the plot and incorporates several other significant characters along the way.

Mary Magdalene is perhaps Jesus’s most devoted follower and, unlike in the Bible, her deep love and care for Jesus is depicted as potentially romantic.  

Next, there’s Caiaphas, a high priest who views Jesus as a rebel, threatening religious and political order.  

There’s also Pontius Pilate, a Roman governor who must decide Jesus’s fate.

Last but not least, there’s the notorious King Herod, a powerful ruler who is usually depicted sinisterly in the show!

What are the key themes in Jesus Christ Superstar?

Power: Jesus’s growing popularity affects the relationships and dynamics of those around him, often negatively. JCS examines the value of questioning those in power, rather than following them mindlessly.

Faith: We also see the true extent the people in Jesus’s life will go to keep their faith and, through the exploration of the character Judas, what happens when that faith is lost.  

Betrayal: Judas’s internal struggle deciding whether to stay loyal to Jesus or betray him is central to the story and this plight is explored throughout the show.  

Revolution: In Tim and Andrew’s retelling, Jesus Christ is depicted as a rebel who is trying to revolutionise the status quo.  

A Lasting Musical Legacy

The success of the concept album led to the opening of the first Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971. Decades later, Jesus Christ Superstar’s score remains one of the most celebrated in musical theatre history. To date, the music of JCS has been streamed more than 250 million times.