Carl Anderson, Judas In 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Dies

wftv.com ^ | 02/24/2004 | staff

[evets]

Carl Anderson told Sebastian Bach (former lead singer of 'Skid Row')
to 'take a hike' in April '03, due to the Bach's 'curtain call' antics,
ie. playing 'air' guitar, high-fiving fans, and stage-diving.
Jesus Christ 'rock' star?

[EllaMinnow]

Have you seen the DVD of the 1996 London production. It is incredible!

The Jesus (Glenn Carter) and the Judas (Jerome Pradon) are better in the roles than Neely and Anderson - though I've always liked the 70's version, and like you, I watch it every year during Lent.
The only weakness in the new one is the Pontius Pilate, who seems to have gone to the Billy Jack school of acting.

[cyncooper]

Another shock. I have this movie on tape. I love it and he was terrific in it.

[Junior]

I thought the Pilate in the 70s version (I have the video tape) was kind of screechy. I must admit, a bit guiltily, that my favorite scene in the movie is Jesus' visit to Herod.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

how 'bout the scene with the Jewish priests pounding their hands and singing "this Jesus must, Jesus must, Jesus must die" - I don't recall any great outcry of "anti-semitism" about the original show or movie

I had the same thought last week while reading about all the hubbub surrounding Mel Gibson's new film.

I guess we live in different times.

[Junior]

The only weakness in the new one is the Pontius Pilate, who seems to have gone to the Billy Jack school of acting.

"I'm going to take these hands and wash them of your blood. And you know something? There's not a damned thing you can do about it."

[cyncooper]

My absolute favorite song from JCS is Simon Zealotes

There must be over 50,000.
screaming love and more for You
and every one of 50,000
would do whatever You asked him to.

I like so many of the songs. And right up there is Judas, "My mind is clearer now".

[EllaMinnow]

"Prove to me that you're divine, change my water into wine!"

No need to feel guilty - Josh Mostel is fantastic in that scene. That was the first JCS song that my daughter memorized.

[BoomerBob]

Actually I believe the DVD is from 2000 or 2001. Pradon's acting was great but could not touch Anderson's vocals. Carter was okay but left me a little blah. I wasn't a big fan of Neely's vocals in the movie but when I saw a revival show with him a few years ago he blew me away--his voice was deeper, more raspy and extremely powerful (especially given his timid sound from the movie). I will say this about the recent DVD version, the actor who played Caiphas (don't know his name) was awesome! The actor who played Peter had a much stronger voice than is usually delegated to the role, too.

[marty60]

I found a copy of Jesus Christ Superstar the other day. I bought it but can't bring myself to see it again. Every time I see it I feel drained. Ted Neely's is heart wrenching in the Gethsemane song. If you want anti-semetic try the scene of Herod and his "court". Especially the crack about John The Baptists head.

[Happygal]

Agreed.

And the part of Judas in JCS is one of the most difficult vocal roles out there, IMO.

May he rest in peace.

[EllaMinnow]

My favorite song of all is in the movie, but wasn't on the original soundtrack album:

I've been living to see you
Dying to see you, but it shouldn't be like this.
This was unexpected, what do I do now?
Oh, could we start again, please...

[Happygal]

Nothing really tops 'Gethsemane' from that show though, IMO.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I queue up my copy of the original album every year at Easter time.

When the final song, "John Nineteen: Forty One" comes on...I am reduced to tears.

[BoomerBob]

Bummer ping, Ernie...

[Junior]

And the part of Judas in JCS is one of the most difficult vocal roles out there, IMO.

Judas is the central character in the movie. I had a religion teacher in high school refer to the movie as "The Gospel According to Judas." It's about as apt a description as any I've come across.

[Happygal]

Yeah, I know that much of the narration is through Judas' eyes (particularly the crucifixation, where he sings at Jesus with the backing of the Soul Girls)

But I wouldn't say that the part of Judas overwhelms that of Jesus in the show either.

I was in an amateur production of it about four years ago. I must say it was one of the most spiritual and emotional experiences I've ever had on stage.

[Happygal]

This is a pic from the dress rehearsal of the amateur show I was in. That's the pic of Jesus with Pilate, after he received the lashes.

[cyncooper]

I love that song, too!

[cyncooper]

The only weakness in the new one is the Pontius Pilate, who seems to have gone to the Billy Jack school of acting.

I remember you telling me about that production but I've never seen/heard it. Along the same lines, I prefer the singing and arrangement of "Herod" from the original Broadway cast to the portrayal in the movie.