John Legend to Star in NBC's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Live Musical
Oscar, Tony and 10-time Grammy winner, R&B crooner John Legend joins the cast of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!
The musical will air on Easter Sunday on April 1. This won't be Legend's first time acting; he's appeared on "Curb Your Enthusiaism," "Soul Men" and "Underground," and had a supporting role in "La La Land."
"We're all overjoyed to have world-class musical artist and producer John Legend starring as Jesus," NBC Entertainment chairman Rwill air on Easter Sunday, April 1. obert Greenblatt said in a statement. "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. His casting is also groundbreaking as the traditional image of Christ will be seen in a new way."
The musical's lyricist Tim Rice added, "John Legend is a superstar. 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."
Meanwhile, Legend said, "I'm thrilled to join the cast of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! It's such a powerful, meaningful musical and I'm humbled to be part of this performance. We've already formed an incredible team, and, as we finish casting, I'm certain we will put together some of the greatest talents around to do this work justice."
Rocker Alice Cooper was previously announced to play the role of King Herod. "Jesus Christ Superstar" is a fully-sung musical, and is based on the Gospels' accounts of the last week of Jesus' life, ending with the crucifixion but also focusing on political and personal struggles between Jesus and Judas Iscariot that are not part of Biblical teachings.
Tags : john legend Alice Cooper jesus christ superstar live musical john legend news
Hot Trends
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bryan & Katie Torwalt's "Clean Heart"
-
Bethel Music Announces New Single, "Holy Song (Live)," Feat. Brooke Ligertwood
-
Leanna Crawford Releases "Still Waters (Psalm 23);" New Album Out July 19
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Hillsong's Reuben Morgan Opens Up About What Darlene Zschech Taught Him About Worship
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Listen to the Nelons' “Three Nails Instead” From their Upcoming Final Album
-
Dallas Jenkins, Creator of "The Chosen," Launches Production Company with New Projects Coming
-
Jon Foreman's "In Bloom" is a Heartfelt Meditation On Mortality
-
Influencers Sazan and Stevie Hendrix Share the Secret of Cultivating a Life of Joy with New Book
-
Hollyn Announces She is Pregnant
-
What John Piper Thinks of Hillsong Worship's "What a Beautiful Name"
Most Popular
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bryan & Katie Torwalt's "Clean Heart"
-
Bethel Music Announces New Single, "Holy Song (Live)," Feat. Brooke Ligertwood
-
Leanna Crawford Releases "Still Waters (Psalm 23);" New Album Out July 19
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Hillsong's Reuben Morgan Opens Up About What Darlene Zschech Taught Him About Worship
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Listen to the Nelons' “Three Nails Instead” From their Upcoming Final Album
-
Dallas Jenkins, Creator of "The Chosen," Launches Production Company with New Projects Coming
-
Jon Foreman's "In Bloom" is a Heartfelt Meditation On Mortality
-
Influencers Sazan and Stevie Hendrix Share the Secret of Cultivating a Life of Joy with New Book
-
Hollyn Announces She is Pregnant
-
What John Piper Thinks of Hillsong Worship's "What a Beautiful Name"