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
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Earnest Pugh Scores Fifth No. 1 with “Don’t Give Up”
-
Amy Grant's "Be Still and Know... Hymns & Faith" Turns 10!
-
Deitrick Haddon Reimagines A Classic With Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and John P. Kee
-
Katy Nichole Announces Sophomore Album, "Honest Conversations," Releases Aug. 15
-
The Gaither Vocal Band Says Farewell to Two Members
-
Amy Grant Tweets 'Fighting Breast Cancer Today And Every Day By Drinking Pink With Athena Water'
-
Kalamity Kills Returns with Fiery New Single "Afraid"
-
Charity Gayle Announces the Birth of Her Baby
-
Abbie Parker Leaves I AM THEY Band
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Lauren Daigle Announces Return to the Road in May
-
Samuel R. Blakes Talks About His Godly Heritage, Leading Worship & His New Album "I Survived"
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
Most Popular
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Earnest Pugh Scores Fifth No. 1 with “Don’t Give Up”
-
Amy Grant's "Be Still and Know... Hymns & Faith" Turns 10!
-
Deitrick Haddon Reimagines A Classic With Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and John P. Kee
-
Katy Nichole Announces Sophomore Album, "Honest Conversations," Releases Aug. 15
-
The Gaither Vocal Band Says Farewell to Two Members
-
Amy Grant Tweets 'Fighting Breast Cancer Today And Every Day By Drinking Pink With Athena Water'
-
Kalamity Kills Returns with Fiery New Single "Afraid"
-
Charity Gayle Announces the Birth of Her Baby
-
Abbie Parker Leaves I AM THEY Band
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Lauren Daigle Announces Return to the Road in May
-
Samuel R. Blakes Talks About His Godly Heritage, Leading Worship & His New Album "I Survived"
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup