Today's Entertainment

2 • April 1 - 7, 2018 • Brainerd Dispatch By K.A. Taylor TV Media I n the late 1960s, musical theater was getting a complete make- over. For years, the genre did its best to avoid serious subjects, keeping joy and whimsy in the forefront. While it seemed for a time that interest in this form of theater was waning, a new breed of musical theater would resurrect the genre. Rock was woven into the pages of fresh, new takes on biblical narratives and, in 1970, "Jesus Christ Superstar" was born. On Sunday, April 1, NBC brings this legendary rock musical to audi- ences across North America, when "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" takes over prime time. Initially a concept album, "Je- sus Christ Superstar" delves into the last days of Jesus Christ, with particular focus on the relation- ships between Jesus and some well-known biblical figures, in- cluding Judas, Mary Magdalene and King Herod. The show plays fast and loose with depictions of these figures, as the musical's cre- ators, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, look to humanize them and make them relatable. The lines between God and man are blurred, with Jesus unafraid to confront modern-day social issues. While the musical has no doubt been performed in countless high schools and independent theaters around the globe, its professional runs have been consistent since the concept album's creation, with more than 19 productions, includ- ing four on Broadway. For NBC's live, prime-time ad- aptation, some major star power has been recruited. In the titular role of Jesus Christ is singer, song- writer and actor John Legend ("La La Land," 2016). Not only is Leg- end the star of the production, he is also co-producer. When asked by The Paley Center for Media to ex- press why he was intrigued by the opportunity, Legend's answer was amusingly simple: "Bottom line is, they offered me the chance to play Jesus Christ ... I was like, let's do it." While this is Legend's first lead- ing role in a televised musical, it's not his first screen gig — he played the role of Keith in the mul- tiple award-winning feature musi- cal film "La La Land" in 2016. He also co-wrote and recorded a song with the film, "Start a Fire," enjoy- ing a rare opportunity to contrib- ute to a musical's score. Joining Legend onstage — and on screen — is singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene, a notable follower of Jesus, ac- cording to biblical records. Sadly, she was known less for her wit- nessing of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection and more so for her profession as a sex worker, a de- piction not entirely present in the gospels or other biblical texts. An- other key player in the musical, one well familiar with its story and lyrical content, is legendary rocker Alice Cooper. Cooper takes on the role of King Herod, a ruler who lives for excess and decadence and fails to see the divinity of Christ, declaring him a liar. This isn't Cooper's first time in the role: a 1996 cast recording of "Jesus Christ Superstar" also fea- tured him as the king. Sitting at The Paley Center's discussion on this anticipated televised produc- tion with his fellow cast and crew, Cooper expressed his feelings about returning to the role. Ac- cording to Cooper, Tim Rice is an "old friend of [his]," and it was Rice who long believed Cooper had the "[cynicism] and danger- ous" nature required for the part. Despite finding the same ap- peal as Legend with regard to be- ing cast as Jesus, Cooper admits that "[he] never gets cast as Je- sus," though he's not surprised and fairly certain he knows why. His stage persona as a rock musi- cian doesn't really give that Christ-like vibe. This all-new, one-time produc- tion of "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" is not the first televi- sion special of its kind. Many viewers may be familiar with re- cent small-screen live adaptations of other musicals by NBC, includ- ing "The Sound of Music Live," "The Wiz Live," "Hairspray Live!" and "Grease: Live." While these offerings may seem to be a recent phenomenon, NBC is no stranger to the teleplay. Both 1955 and 1956 found the musical adaptation of J. M. Barrie's classic "Peter Pan" making waves on TVs across America — notably the first time that a Broadway musical had ever been televised as a complete production, at that time also in- cluding almost the entire stage cast. Fittingly, "Peter Pan Live!" was also a recent NBC production, with the adaptation airing Dec. 4, 2014. "Jesus Christ Superstar" made a name for itself in the early '70s for its infusion of rock 'n' roll with the Bible's foremost narrative. At once daring and mesmerizing, the production, which also received cinematic treatment in 1973, wasn't afraid to challenge precon- ceived notions and depictions of Christ and the figures that sur- rounded him. At its core, though, much like the variability of the characters portrayed and the depths of their personas, Legend sees the produc- tion's music as not merely one- note. To him, the musical is "kind of a genre-bending and expanding piece," one that, "for those ... who love music and those ... who love to perform," does not have "as many boundaries as some would suggest." Take a break from the quiet con- templation of Easter weekend and rejoice, for a renowned rock musi- cal is about to shake up prime time. Catch John Legend, Sarah Bareilles and Alice Cooper as they're joined by an incredible cast for "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert," airing Sunday, April 1, on NBC. Sunday's son: 'Jesus Christ Superstar' gets Legend-ary treatment Cover Story this week Sara Bareilles stars in "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" Conan Today, Pizza Hut introduced a pair of athletic shoes that have a button that orders pizza. When they heard about it, fans of Pizza Hut said, "What are athletic shoes?" Some Republicans are really angry about a joke at last night's Oscars made about Mike Pence. My advice to those Republicans: don't watch the Tonys. The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon Last night's Oscars broadcast was over three and a half hours long. To put that in perspective, that's longer than most jobs last in the White House. I read that President Trump is on a diet and has been trying to eat more salad. When he first ordered one at the White House, the kitchen was excited 'cause they thought the Obamas were back. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Of 24 awards, women won only six. What happened? Did the women blow all their lady points on the first female Colonel Sanders this year? I mean, it's a milestone, but still. The Late Late Show With James Corden Did everyone watch the Oscars last night? If you watched, Jimmy Kimmel did an amazing job hosting. If you didn't watch, I'm proud to report "Peter Rabbit" won everything. Frances McDormand, who won best actress for her role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," briefly had her Oscar stolen, but the thief was stopped by Wolfgang Puck's photographer. And the weirdest part of this story is that Wolfgang Puck has a photographer. Late Laughs 001704066r1 www.advantageseamlessgutters.com www.advantageseamlessgutters.com BAXTER • ALEXANDRIA • PERHAM • CROSSLAKE 7419 Forthun Rd. Baxter, MN 56425 218-270-2663 Protecting Your Home. 7419 Forthun Rd. 7419 Forthun Rd. 10% OFF Full Home Valor System *See dealer for details and mention this ad 001692358r1

• Cover