A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”

Originally released as a concept album, the show opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.

Jesus Christ Superstar has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut.

Two film adaptations have been made: the first released in 1973 with Ted Neely, Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman, and the other released in 2000 starring Glenn Carter as Jesus and Jérôme Pradon as Judas.

Music By Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics By Tim Rice
Original Direction By Tom O’Horgan
Opened 12 October 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, New York
Olivier Awards
1 award for Best Musical Revival
Evening Standard Awards
2 awards, including Best Musical
Drama Desk Awards
1 award

Music Releases

Jesus Christ Superstar

Original Concept Album – 50th Anniversary / Deluxe
(2021)

Unmasked: The Platinum Collection

Deluxe Edition
(2019)

Jesus Christ Superstar

London Cast
(1996)

TV & Movies

Jesus Christ Superstar (Live in Concert)

2018

Masterpiece

2002

Royal Albert Hall Celebration

1998

Jesus Christ Superstar (Live Arena Tour)

2013

Jesus Christ Superstar

2000

Jesus Christ Superstar (Original)

1973

Licensing Jesus Christ Superstar

Want to put on a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar? Good news! The show is available to academic schools, colleges and universities in the UK and Eire. The show is also available to academic and amateur groups in North America and in some other territories.

To find out if you may be eligible to stage your own production of Jesus Christ Superstar, please head to our specialist licensing website below.