I just watched the 1992 concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar with John Farnham as Jesus, and I don't really know what I think of it.
As I have previously said, I like it when productions make Choices, and this version definitely does. I like the fact that they changed the music. I was not a superfan of what the result was all the time, but it was very cool and brave to do, and I think more versions should do something like that. I'm neutral to the costumes, I don't think they added or took something away from me (Except that all the Pharisees look like Vanilla Ice, I found that quite funny).
The main vocal performances are completely insane of course. I like the changes to the melody. I have listened to the album a bit, and I was a little surprised that the supporting performances were so different in the live version. I actually really like King Herod's Song here, but I found both Herod and Pilatus "shout-y" live. Something that almost always bothers me is Kaiaphas. Why do productions insist on casting singers who barely can hit the low notes? And if they are able to make it on pitch, they never enunciate clearly or have a good tone. I understand that it is a hard part, and I'm no singer at all, but you would never cast a Christine Daae in Phantom who could not hit the notes.
I accept the lack of acting and chemistry between the characters because it's a concert version. I find it a little funny that one of the gayest looking Judas' has the least amount of chemistry with Jesus. I like Farnham's and Stevens' non-acting-acting. I even felt a little moved during the crucifixion, just by his vocal choices.
None of these opinions are set in stone for me, and I wanted to make this post because I haven't seen this version been talked about at all here, and I wonder what you guys think if you have seen/heard it?
