American singer John Legend is set to play the role of Jesus in NBC’s new show tagged “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”.
“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” is an upcoming live television special, scheduled to broadcast on NBC on April 1, 2018 on Easter Sunday. The show follows other NBC “Live!” musical adaptations for television including The Sound of Music Live, “The Wiz Live,” and “Hairspray Live.”
Speaking on his casting, Legend said:
“I’m thrilled to join the cast of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. It’s such a powerful, meaningful musical and I’m humbled to be part of this performance.
“We’ve already formed an incredible team, and, as we finish casting, I’m certain we will put together some of the greatest talents around to do this work justices”.
Jesus Christ Superstar started as a concept album, released in 1970, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. That album hit number one on the Billboard charts and in October of 1971, the Broadway musical made its debut. The show became a hit, garnering five Tony nominations and winning a Drama Desk Award for Lloyd Webber.
