Jesus Christ Superstar at the Eccles

I was able to see the Broadway touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley as Jesus and Corey Glover (lead singer of the band Living Colour) as Judas with my friend Dana several years ago.  The experience of seeing the show was more memorable than the show itself because my friend, who is quite a bit older than me, had a massive crush on Ted Neeley and I was completely starstruck by Corey Glover (I loved Living Colour) so we were both a bit giddy!  Luckily, I had the chance to see it again, this time the 50th Anniversary Tour, at the Eccles Theatre last night and I loved it!  This is a rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.  It tells the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Judas as he grows dissatisfied with Jesus' popularity and fears that his cult of personality is taking away from his mission to help the less fortunate.  The show features contemporary sensibilities and Jesus is portrayed as a sort of rock star with a guitar and microphone.  This particular production has been completely reimagined with new sets, costumes, and choreography and I literally could not take my eyes off the stage because it is so dynamic!  The set features multi-level steel towers, that look a bit like scaffolding, on either side of a large platform in the shape of a cross.  It is very dramatic!  The costumes are very contemporary and quite subdued (except for King Herod's) in different shades of gray.  The choreography is absolutely amazing and almost seems frenetic with synchronized movement and dazzling light displays.  I especially loved how "Hosanna" incorporates stylized palm leaves and how "The Temple" uses glitter.  The three leads, Aaron LaVigne as Jesus, Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas, and Jenna Rubah as Mary Magdalene, are outstanding and have beautiful voices.  I particularly enjoyed Rubah's rendition of "I Don't Know How to Love Him" (my favorite song in the show) and LaVigne's version of "Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)."  Lopez-Cepero does a very good job in portraying Judas' psychological torment, especially in "Damned For All Eternity/ Blood Money."  I found the whole show to be exhilarating and very moving but it might not be for everyone because "Trial By Pilate/ 39 Lashes" and "Crucifixion" are difficult to watch.  It runs at the Eccles Theatre through May 15 (go here for tickets).