Next year, NBC will mark the resurrection of Jesus with a live musical that has in the past generated controversy for its depiction of him.
The network announced Wednesday it will air a live version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” next Easter, with creators Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice set to executive produce.
Casting is underway, and NBC president Robert Greenblatt said in a statement the network is hoping to cast “as many recording artists as possible to give proper voice to what is the original rock opera score.”
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the team behind NBC’s previous live musicals, are also part of the creative team, as is Marc Platt.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” first debuted on the stage in 1971 and chronicles the last week of Jesus’ life.
The production and subsequent 1973 film starring Ted Neeley were denounced by some religious organizations. Jewish groups called it anti-Semitic, and Catholic and Protestant organizations felt it was blasphemous.
The stage production, meanwhile, earned five Tony Awards. It has also become somewhat of a stalwart among theater groups across the world, having been performed in 20 countries and translated into 18 languages.
“Jesus Chris Superstar” will be the first live musical from NBC that does not air in December.
NBC’s previous live musicals have been “Sound of Music Live,” “Peter Pan Live,” “The Wiz Live” and “Hairspray Live.”
“Bye Bye Birdie Live!,” starring Jennifer Lopez, is set to air in December 2017.
