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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TV / Religion / Theater Finding Jesus: The Reality Show

Posted by Paul Constant on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 11:20 AM

Carl Anderson: Best. Judas. Ever.

I have to admit, this is kind of a genius idea for a reality show:

After collaborating with the BBC on four talent search shows, stage impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber is teaming with ITV for Superstar. The reality musical show’s winner will be crowned with the title role in an arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar later this year. Auditions are to take place in February and March in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. A judging panel will select candidates who will then be mentored before the final live shows. The entire series is to air on ITV1 this summer, although the number of episodes has yet to be determined. The public will vote on the outcome. Lloyd Webber will act as a judge with 3 other names to be announced soon. A show host announcement is also pending. The casting of Mary and Judas for the rock opera’s tour will not be part of the ITV Studios-produced TV show.

I would totally watch that show. Hopefully, they'll stick something controversial in there—Gay Jesus vs. Muslim Jesus! The mind boggles!—to get the evangelicals all up in a tizzy.

Comments (14) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment

Nothing good can come of anything hyping that most epically shit musical ever.

Posted by gloomy gus on January 18, 2012 at 11:28 AM

Lady Jesus would be amazing. They need to do all of these things and more.

Posted by MacCrocodile on January 18, 2012 at 11:34 AM

@1 god gus yes.. actually it might be watchable if they were casting 'cats' instead..wait.. do i smell a fucking series ?
*slaps forehead repeatedly and with great vigor*

Posted by reverend dr dj riz on January 18, 2012 at 11:43 AM

@2- my first thought was "Girl Jesus!!!"

Posted by Stacy in Austin on January 18, 2012 at 11:49 AM

@3: Too late

I'd Do Anything and

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Posted by Cracker Jack on January 18, 2012 at 11:53 AM

@5 - I believe there was also "You're the One That I Want", casting for the revival of Grease. I did not watch it... for more than a few episodes.

Posted by MacCrocodile on January 18, 2012 at 11:56 AM

I have a name for the US version:

American Idolatry

Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe

on January 18, 2012 at 12:32 PM

no, gus, no no no. lloyd webber peaked with JCS. nothing he did after that was anywhere near as good. as a child of the '70s, i listened to the original album, saw the movie (teddy neely was NOT the best jesus ever, ian gillan was), and saw the london production (the 40 lashes scene was very artfully staged). this truly was a rock musical. everything else he did was blah and bland. but thank you, paul, for posting this video. it made my day!

Posted by scary tyler moore

on January 18, 2012 at 1:02 PM

African lesbian AIDS-infected Muslim Jesus: the fundy world explodes.

Posted by Banna

on January 18, 2012 at 1:04 PM

"We found your performance a strange thing, mystifying. You are NOT the buzz. You are NOT what's a-happening."

Posted by Monty on January 18, 2012 at 1:43 PM

Yeah, but crucifying someone EVERY WEEK in lieu of sending them home is bound to get boring after a while.

Posted by Pope Buck I on January 18, 2012 at 8:01 PM

At least it's for the purpose of casting one of the lesser singing roles - really, it is Judas's show and more hangs on the talent of the actor in that role. Jesus is basically just a set piece who wanders around and looks sad.

@5 you left off the Search for Joseph (& his amazing technicolor dreamcoat) show as well (the name of it escapes me).

Posted by Hyzenthlayk9