Attention NBC: More 'In Concert' Musicals, Please | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Attention NBC: More 'In Concert' Musicals, Please

Because "Jesus Christ Superstar" was incredible and I'm here for it.

29
Attention NBC: More 'In Concert' Musicals, Please
NBC Universal

Unless you're living under a rock, chances are, you've heard that "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" premiered on NBC on April 1st. The superstar cast, featuring John Legend as Jesus Christ, Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene, and Alice Cooper as King Herod, outshone every live musical that NBC has produced to date.

It had everything that a live musical would have, minus the acting, including breakout stars, "Hamilton's" Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas, most notably. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air to actually see people who were actually musical theatre affiliates do their thing, instead of seeing Hollywood elite attempt it.

A live in concert production is probably a more in-depth musical theatre experience than most. You have to know the story of the show in order to truly enjoy the concert because an in concert musical experience entails all singing, all the time. As I said before, there is a set, there is a lighting design, there are costumes, and choreography, but not much else beyond a live band and voice. A story like "Jesus Christ Superstar" was a perfect pick for NBC's first live musical because the crucifixion is a well-known story, regardless if a person is of Christian faith.

More popular musicals would also benefit from an in concert experience as the story is well known to musical theatre followers. A musical with a lesser known storyline probably wouldn't benefit as well to those who aren't devout musical theatre fans because, in some cases, it's often hard to catch a story from just the cast recording.

The set and lighting design help the story greatly, and in an in-concert experience, they have the opportunity to make or break the show. In this case, they were a beautiful storytelling element. The scenic design made sure to take the cross into account at any given moment, while the lighting design supplemented the emotion of the scene. Along with the incredible band and ensemble singers, this show was incredibly moving.

In my opinion, I think that "Jesus Christ Superstar" has opened the door for NBC to embrace more in concert experiences. It was breathtaking! The ensemble truly stole the show, showing the rawness of how Jesus' followers turned on him in an instant. Brandon Victor Dixon and John Legend showed us the complicated relationship between Judas and Jesus, and each showed heart-wrenching emotion when facing their fates. There was nothing that left me wanting more because NBC had chosen an excellent group of storytellers. It's up to NBC to continue to follow the in-concert experience path.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

A Year At JMU As Told By 'Bob's Burgers'

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

567
Bob's Burgers
collegian.com

A year at JMU promises many great adventures. The journey of becoming a duke and learning what being a duke is all about is really exciting and a lot of fun. Of course, we all know that James Madison University is the greatest university in Virginia (perhaps even the entire country). There are many events and moments at JMU that are cherished and remembered by all dukes.

Keep Reading...Show less
birthday party

My birthday has never been my favorite holiday. I've found that I'm more excited to celebrate my friends' and family members' birthdays more than my own. I don't like being the center of attention, so I usually celebrate over dinner with a small group of family and friends. This way, I can enjoy myself naturally without feeling like I have to entertain everyone and make sure they are satisfied. In the past when I've had large parties, I was so nervous that people weren't perfectly content that I didn't enjoy myself at my own celebration.

Keep Reading...Show less
thinking
College Informations

Most of us have already started the spring semester, and for those of you who haven't started yet, you suck.

It seems like coming back from winter break wouldn't really be a break all things considered, since we all come back to school and pick up right where we left off. We know exactly what to expect, yet we're unprepared every single time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Dear Future Me, Life Is Tough But Please Remember These 14 Things

You can forget to breathe OR to buy fruit OR to even pet a dog but you cannot forget these things!!

230
Dear Future Me, Life Is Tough But Please Remember These 14 Things
Distractify

Dear Future Me,

I know you still overthink everything and you care too much, but I hope you're loving life regardless of what you're going through. Trust me the ups and downs in life are helping you and shaping you remember that. I know that you think you are wiser and "cooler" than me now but I hope you remember these 14 things that have taught you so much already.

Keep Reading...Show less
I'm serious

There are tons of unisex names that are popular: Taylor, Alex, Bailey, etc. There are also numerous names that are used for both sexes, but they’re not seen as “unisex” yet. People are slowly becoming accustomed to the dual use of these names, but for the most part, in their minds they associate certain names with certain sexes. And that leaves those of us with these names in many awkward situations.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments