Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most lauded musicals composers ever, is bringing his musicals to the home. His new YouTube channel, The Show Must Go On!, will allow fans to watch a new musical every week. Just in time for Easter, Lloyd Webber has brought some iconic musicals to the small screen.
The first show to be released on the channel was the 2000 adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, starring Donny Osmond in the title role.
This version also starred Maria Friedman, Richard Attenborough and Joan Collins.
Alongside the performance, other videos including interviews with the composer himself, cast, and behind the scenes clips were featured on the channel.
However, fans had to act fast, as the musical was only live on the channel for 48 hours.
This will be the way in which each show is released: one show a week will be uploaded for a 48-hour period for free to enjoy from living rooms all over the world.
This week’s show is Jesus Christ Superstar, which will be made available on Good Friday, that is April 10, at 7pm.
The version of Jesus Christ Superstar to be added is the arena version, which starred Tim Minchin, Chris Moyles and Melanie C.
In a video uploaded to the channel to welcome fans, Lloyd Webber said: “Hi everybody, I’m Andrew Lloyd Webber and I’m here to tell you that Universal has come with up with the idea of a whole series called The Show Must Go On! which is about musicals going from stage to screen.”
What is Jesus Christ Superstar?
Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera from 1970, chronicling the last week of Jesus’ life, loosely based on biblical accounts.
In this version, differently to the narrative in the Gospel accounts, the musical considers the relationship between Jesus and Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrays him to the authorities.
As well as that, Mary Magdalene has a greater character, and finds herself falling in love with Jesus.
Needless to say, the story was controversial when it first came out, as it was seen as blasphemous by many religious groups.
As well as that, the musical depicted up until Jesus’ crucifixion, which makes it an ideal musical to watch on Good Friday, though some were frustrated not to see Jesus’ resurrection depicted.
A similar musical by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, called Godspell, debuted the following year, and similarly only depicted Jesus’ crucifixion, gaining similar anger from some groups.
Despite this, the original Broadway show was nominated for five Tony Awards and has gained many awards and nominations through its various revivals.
Jesus Christ Superstar will be made available on Good Friday at 7pm on The Show Must Go On! YouTube channel
