IN SELECTED CINEMAS WORLDWIDE FROM OCTOBER 29
AFTER CRITICS HAIL THE OPENING OF ITS RUN AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS
“Lloyd Webber’s new generation of superstars hits all the right notes.”
The Times
“A work of conceptual genius”
Daily Telegraph
“Restored to its heavy metal rock origins.”
The Independent
“An almighty success!” Daily Star Sunday
“Blows away tradition.” Daily Mail
Following a triumphant opening weekend at London’s 02 Arena, Universal Pictures is delighted to announce that the 21st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be filmed on 4th and 5th October and shown in selected cinemas worldwide prior to a UK DVD and Blu-Ray release on November 19th.
It will be broadcast to select U.S. cinemas nationwide on Monday, Oct. 29 and again on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. local time and to 60 Australian screens from November 8th for one week only.
In the US, “Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular” tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 575 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I have waited 42 years for Jesus Christ Superstar to play arenas in the UK, and it is great to finally see the show as it was originally intended, as an arena rock opera. I’m thrilled that Universal will be filming the new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar for cinema release, which allows us to capture this amazing production and share it with the world!”
The 21-date arena tour, the first ever in the UK, features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian, Australia’s own Tim Minchin – also the co-writer of West End smash musical Matilda – in the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’; pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as ‘Mary Magdalene’; radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as ‘King Herod’; and the winner of the UK’s primetime ITV show ‘Superstar’, Ben Forster, who was chosen by the British public to take on the title role of ‘Jesus’.
An award-winning creative team has been assembled to transform this legendary rock musical into a unique, contemporary, state-of-the-art spectacular. Director Laurence Connor, known for his work on the 25th anniversary performances and concerts for Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera, works alongside Mark Fisher, the acclaimed world-leading set designer responsible for the staging of the Diamond Jubilee music concert in front of Buckingham Palace, and Patrick Woodroffe who worked on the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, to create a conceptual masterpiece.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a worldwide phenomenon, portraying the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of ‘Judas Iscariot’, and featuring hit songs such as ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, ‘Heaven On Their Minds’ and ‘Hosanna’. Over 40 different cast recordings have been released in 19 different languages.
The first production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was a US arena tour in 1971. It then debuted on Broadway, and, in 1972, UK fans finally got their chance to see this landmark show when it arrived at London’s Palace Theatre – its run of eight years and over 3,000 performances smashed all box office records. Since then, Jesus Christ Superstar has rarely left the stage, with professional productions in 42 countries around the world and with around 300 amateur productions officially licensed each year.
Universal Pictures filmed two nights of the 21-date arena tour, the first ever in the UK, for worldwide broadcasts to cinemas as well as DVD and Blu-ray™ release in early 2013 internationally, with the exception of the UK which will release in time for Christmas on November 19, 2012. To pre-order your copy click here.
20 thoughts on “Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour to be filmed”
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Went to the show 5th October at the NIA Birmingham. Had perfect seats centre stage second row back. I’ve never seen such a fantastic performance. I love musicals and teh West End but this really topped my favourite of all time.
Amazing cast and superb singing. I can’t wait for the DVD. Well done to all on stage and back stage tremendous. Thank you all
OMG I was in the audience then in the NIA Birmingham UK when they were filming whoop whoo.
Phenomenal Arena tour!! Jesus Christ Superstar as Andrew Lloyd Webber intended experienced as the ultimate and very moving Rock Show. As a die-hard fan (owning several versions of the album and movie and knowing almost every single word of every single song) I was blown away.
The music was truly nerve tingling it reached into my very soul. The musicians were the true stars of the show with the cast complimenting every note. Tim completely fulfilled his role as Judas, Mel’s songs were touching and Ben shone. The whole cast and crew should be praised.
I was swaying to the beat, singing along to every song tapping my feet I wanted to jump out of my seat and join in the dancing and tumbling, fist-punch the air everything one would do at a rock concert. So ‘What’s the Buzz’, what happened to the Birmingham audience Friday 5th October? They seemed impassive, unenthused I didn’t see any swaying, head bobbing, finger or foot tapping was I alone? When the spotlights shone around the arena it was like everyone was frozen in time. Oh yes they did clap after the songs and clap very loudly but during the singing what happened? Did these people not feel the music?
All I can think of is that they were AWE-STRUCK? The experience simply stunned them into silence hardly daring to breathe in case they missed a beat. The show was and always will be truly PHENOMENAL I am looking forward now to owning the DVD. Thanks to everyone for an exceptionally memorable evening.
Hope you all enjoy the cinema version shame they don’t seem to be doing that in the UK have fun and keep smiling
after being such a massive fan of this show, album and film i was so excited to have tickets for the NIA on the 5th . I agree totally with your review…. but in reply to your “frozen” comment, it may have had something to do with the miserable crowd (well a few)My two friends and Ieven weren’t allowed to speak nevermind singing along or joining in ! We were told very rudely by a steward that we to loud even though we on ly whispered to one another because apperently some people had complained ! God forbid the people who did never go to a rock gig or concert . I can also assure the people who moaned if i had sang along to every song that would of been worse as my singing especially loudly is er… rather flat . So poo and pants to the miserable guys in front of me who were so stiff they probably were frozen!
Agree with everything you say, we saw the show in Mancester, 30th Sept & loved it so much we went again 7th Oct, would love to see again & will definitely be buying the video
I’am now an old man but I used to listen to JC Superstar when I was 4. I had many records even back then, 45′s but the only two cassettes I owned were the Jungle book and JC Superstar. This current version is outstanding with great visuals that are not only current but tell a modern day tale. Tim Minchin is great as Judas, but for me Mel C stole the show. To top Yvonne Marianne Elliman is no mean feet, but Mel put a tear to my eye and I felt four years old all over again. Her passion for the song everything’s alright shone through. Can’t wait for the film. I wish I had the time to go to Dublin to see the show again. My other half was gobsmacked after the show. It was her first musical. She was also totally in awe of how I knew nearly every word to every song!! Haven’t stopped singing for the past two days and I can’t even sing that well!!
I went to the show last night (Oct 12th) in Dublin. It was absolutely brilliant. Fantastic production and performances. I’m just sorry I don’t have tickets again for tonight. I can’t wait for the DVD.
Going to the Echo Arena tonight – can’t express how excited I am and even more now after reading these reviews!
Tonight (October 16th) I watched the show at the Echo arena in Liverpool. There aren’t enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this show. It was an absolute phenomenon!
I was already aware before I saw the show that it was going to be released on DVD & Blu ray, but was very surprised and more than a little disappointed that there seems to be no plans for a studio album (or even a performance recording) of this new exciting production featuring the new cast!
There’s no way, considering the popularity of this tour, that the demand isn’t there.
Please tell me there are plans, somewhere down the line, to release a new cast recording!
just cart wait till Friday. got 1 more show on wensday to see
Wow!!! What a fantastic show….we saw it last night at Wembley arena, and at the end Andrew Lloyd Webber came on stage, it was very emotional, with a lovely speech from him saying how proud he was of everyone. Boy, he should be proud, everyone was fantastic!!!!
Have to agree with Richard G. you Must must must bring out a cast recording!! I have the re mastered, purchased thinking it was this cast..but I also have my Australian version which is played to death. Absolutely LOVED the show. Went to the 1st Dublin performance, sat centre 2nd row…could see everything & was blown away. Tim was phenomenal. Can’t wait for the dvd. But would really love a cd!! Come on ALW!, give us fans a smashing Christmas pressie!!
Yay! Show’s Over 4 another season. Catch y’all NEXT TIMME!! Was terrific, no doubt. Oops!
Just back from seeing the show in Sheffield and am still high as a kite! I’ve loved JCS since I first saw the London production way back when so was a bit concerned about the modern day angle. Silly me, it worked beautifully!! The power and emotional impact of the show was truly amazing (as always) and the performances immense. Well done everyone involved, can’t wait to get the DVD!
Wow wow wow what more can I say Sheffield on 21/10 was amazing. Fantastic modern rework made me have so many emotions throughout the show. Can’t wait for the DVD to come out. Just wondering if there will be a cd of this cast recording.
I went with my fella on Fri night to the FM Capital Arena Nottingham – words fail me it was spectacular, took a little getting used to looking at the screen and the stage (we were in the gods) but wow. It was fast moving and action packed and ALL the singers were superb. I voted for Ben and since the tele shows he has improved so much which is saying a lot and his acting skills are second to none, Mel C great, Chris – laughs when needed, but oh Tim – I really didnt expect that where has he been all my life lol. – fantastic job guys and well worth every penny.
as a little girl I used to have JC Superstar (Glenn Carter version) on VHS and used to watch it on repeat, knew all of the words and would always sing them around the house, my dad told me 3 days before we were going that he’d got us tickets for the afternoon showing at London o2 on 22nd October, he tried to get tickets for the friday night but unfortunately due to it being the first showing the prices were through the roof, but nevertheless I was thrilled to be going full stop let alone to see it at the o2 arena! had a minor technical fault when Judas was supposed to come down on the cross and they had to leave the stage to fix it (which caused a few grumblers complaints but hey it’s live!) but what a fantastic show! I’ve pre ordered the DVD and am hoping to take my mum to see it very soon! Another fabulous production Andrew Lloyd Webber!
I just saw this masterpiece. It took me back to when I was 12 and saw it for the first time. I Knew every word from my mother playing the record hundreds of times.
I loved it! The cast are amazing. I want to take my kids this time.
Saw the movie in Perth WA. Congratulations exellent show.
Will there be a CD of the production? I absolutely love this version of the musical and haven’t stopped watching the DVD and I can’t get hold of the songs anywhere!?
Definitely need a cast recording of this! Tim Minchin totally blew me away! And Brn Forster was amazing!