What's The Buzz? Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar:
By Eronn Cantu
When I was 4 years old my parents took me to see the musical movie, Jesus Christ Superstar. I was immediately hooked. There is a picture of me wearing earphones the size of my head, singing along to the album and following along in a book, with glossy pictures of Judas' sweaty body and priests with phallic hats shaped like torpedoes on their heads. When I was twelve, my Mother and I took my Grandmother to see the live play starring the only Jesus I know, Ted Nealy. Instead of noting my Grandmother's reaction to Judas' black skin, I was overpowered by the music and dancing on stage and once again reminded of how much this show meant to me. When I was twenty something, I purchased the movie and anxiously tried to convince all my friends to see the light, by watching the movie over and over with me and trying to get a sing along. I was continually disappointed by their lack of interest or enthusiasm. I eventually decided I was alone in my fascination and that I should cherish this movie/music solely. Then when I was thirty six I went to see a live rock and roll show at a local bar. A group of many musicians had decided to play and sing all of the songs from the musical Jesus Christ on stage in the order that they play out in the movie. I was awed! I pushed my way up front and joined in "Everything's All right, Yes, everything's fine" sang by a male Mary Mandeline. As I began to sing my heart out, I noticed all around me people, tears in their eyes, belting out the lyrics like they meant something amazing to each of them. I had found them, I knew they existed. The ones that "got it." They seemed to recognize me as well. I wanted to invite them all over to my house for a reenactment. Instead, I sang with them and shared my enthusiasm for this musical. My husband and friends still don't understand my fascination with this music and movie, but that's okay now. For I know you are out there, my fellow disciples.
