Gethsemane

How Jesus Christ Superstar Changed My Life

In the summer of my ninth or tenth year, my brothers and I were at our family holiday home in the mountains. I come from an entertainment industry family, and my mother had the Broadway soundtrack of this very controversial new musical, Jesus Christ Suoerstar.

I was not raised in a practicing Christian environment and did not know the story. Same with my brothers who were 11 and 14. We were enthralled with the story. It was a special edition double album with a full book of the musical and lyrics.

We spent that summer lip synching and staging reenactments of the musical. I was the only girl in the summer group of kids, so guess who I played all summer long?

I was too young to understand the nuances of how Magdalene was portrayed as a repentant sinner. All I saw was the love between her and Jesus. I truly believe it prepared me for my future in some ways.

Then the film came out and my mom took us to see it. Although I had nightmares about the flagellation for years afterward, I was so in love with this story that it came alive in my cells.

Ted Neeley brought a humanity to Jesus which has been impacting lives for 50 years, as did Carl Anderson and his portrayal of Judas. I’ve been blessed to spend time with members of the cast over the years, specifically Ted, Carl, Yvonne, and Barry. I gave them a first edition of TEO (Carl passed before it was published, sadly). These are very special humans. They embodied these roles, and took some of the spirit of these characters into them.

This is my favorite musical vocal performance of all time. It literally changed my life. My kids have been raised on it as well. It brought Jesus and his last night on earth to life for all of us.

Blessed Holy Thursday to all. Enjoy Ted

Love, K x