Dec. 19 (UPI) — Grammy-winning singer John Legend will star in a live NBC staging of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
The network announced in a news release Tuesday that Legend will play Jesus Christ in its forthcoming production of “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!”
“We’re all overjoyed to have world-class musical artist and producer John Legend starring as Jesus,” NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said. “This score demands a singer with an amazing range and an actor with great depth, and there isn’t anyone better to bring this story to a new audience.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a rock opera from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that originally debuted on Broadway in 1971. The musical is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life.
“John Legend is a superstar,” Rice lauded. “As a performer, his voice is infectious and effortless. As an actor, he is believable and honest. I’m thrilled he will be able to share his portrayal of Jesus with the world.”
Legend, a 10-time Grammy winner who last released the album “Darkness and Light” in December 2016, said he’s “thrilled” to star in the production. He joins rock star Alice Cooper, who will play King Herod.
“I’m thrilled to join the cast of this production,” Legend said. “It’s such a powerful, meaningful musical and I’m humbled to be a part of this performance.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!” will air on Easter Sunday, April 1.
