woodygoodnight I think people forget the movie version came out 45 years ago. So many other things have been remade 5 times in that span. I am not sure why folks complain about not hearing over the audience. I am guessing they are on TV's that came out 45 years ago. You can change the sound setting on the new TV's to play quality music. I had no trouble. I enjoyed seeing Legend interact with the audience. The "Hosanna" song where he got them all clapping was amazing. That is what theater is all about. As far as people saying he was miscast as Christ, well we all know those are veiled prejudicial statements. Legend is a classically trained musician. He was excepted into Harvard and Georgetown on his music merits. He was a child prodigy on the piano and vocals. He was a music director by his junior year. He never missed a single note or word in any song. He has an Oscar, a Tony and multiple Grammy's. Rice and Webber worked with him on every song. His tone and pitch were perfect. He is an amazing talent. If he earns an Emmy with this performance, he will be a very select few to earn an EGOT. As far as the perception of being miscast, Jesus (A name he never heard once during his time on earth) was born Jewish, died Jewish, and was resurrected Jewish. He will return Jewish as well. All of those "J" words and not one J in the Hebrew alphabet. His name was actually Yeshua or Immanuel. The Bible does not give many descriptions of his appearance, but it does give several key ones. His skin was bronze, and his hair was like wool. It also said he looked like a son of Judah. He looked Jewish. He would have had a long beard, sideburns, and probably dark skin and hair. The Nazarene's came over from Greece. He would have probably worn a yamika as well. He also warned against preachers wearing white robes. His robes were probably natural linens or wool. Bleaching was only for the very wealthy. Legend stepped into some big shoes. He comes from a preacher family in the Mid West in a country Jesus never heard of or stepped foot in. But I think he would have smiled at this performance. It was beautifully done and moved people.

Michael Fargo For me the most memorable rendering of this material was the National touring company at the original album's release. It was a static chorus where soloist performed (in street clothes) on the apron of the stage with a symphony orchestra and rock band. Simple, pure and emotionally cathartic. The later film and stage versions never took hold for me because they needed to elaborate the material, and I don't think it needs it. Filming a musical/opera in natural settings makes the whole thing ridiculous to me. Bursting into song belongs on a stage with a live audience. When NBC announced a "concert version" I was hopeful there would be a return to the simple presentation I first experienced. And indeed, I think NBC accomplished something that let us experience the "old, old story" in a way that made it fresh, in a context of rebellion that organized religion minimizes, that the 1970's composition intended. While the commercial interruptions were jarring and tedious, it is a commercial enterprise that we can forgive because it gave us so much: a great cast (performing live and unedited), imaginative sets, costumes and choreography, with a powerful finale that often misses in previous versions. And in this case, whoever conceived of the rendering of the crucifixion should be honored for their imagination, restraint and restoring faith in the power of commercial television. Both John Legend's unique vocal style and lack of stage performing expertise worked to set him aside as something "new and compelling" for Jesus. There was a purity and innocence as well as a preordained knowing in his performance. It was subtle-very risky-and paid off. In contrast, Brandon Victor Dixon's considerable performing experience grounded the show, as various misses in vocalizing and dancing reflected the character's hesitation in the role of betrayal he's given. And Sara Bareilles was perfection.I thought the cast of dancers and chorus brought enthusiasm and clarity to their job of hero worship and how that can turn into persecution. They were very well rehearsed, but it appeared heartfelt. And the realization of what had happened as the shadow of the man they've crucified moves across their faces was surprisingly moving. As for the audience in the Brooklyn Armory, I can understand why there are complaints about their intrusion into the action onstage. But I think it added to the point being made. The kind of hysteria we give to 'superstars' can lead to very unpredictable results. In this case it gave the world a savior, but it can also lead to destroying what we hold dear. So I won't fault the noise they added to the production, I think it gave it a kind of energy that we should give serious consideration. For instance, was Alice Cooper deserving of the reception he got? Or was it about something else?I understand that NBC intends "Rent" as their next project. I hope they involve the same production crew in developing it, because the group who imagined this "Jesus Christ Superstar" knew what they were doing and should be given another opportunity.

maarten_kos I'm sorry but the funny faces John Legend makes trying to sing clean, has lack of acting skills and his not so strong and raspy voice ruined this production for me.

steviemorton I truly loved this production, atmospheric set, great character portrayal and the singing stunning. If you moaned about this then you are difficult to please. I watched it without adverts so cannot comment on that. Sara Bareilles -10/10 was wonderful, Brandon Victor Dixon 11/10 simply brilliant, John Legend 9/10 - great performance but a little one dimensional as an actor. If you love JCS and you are not a wannabe critic who likes to disseminate and rip apart every element, you will LOVE this production!