NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! has finally found its Jesus—a superstar in his own right.
The network revealed Tuesday on Today that Oscar and Grammy award-winning artist John Legend will take up the mantle of Jesus Christ in the live production, fitting with NBC’s vision to properly perform the music in Jesus Christ Superstar by “fill[ing] out this classic show with as many recording artists as possible.”
Bless up. I'm playing Jesus Christ in #JesusChristSuperstar Live! coming to @NBC this April! pic.twitter.com/CMdD4TPN7h
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 19, 2017
“I’m thrilled to join the cast of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!,” Legend said in a statement. “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.”
So far, Alice Cooper, who will play King Herod in the live musical, is the other main cast member confirmed for the live performance. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who are responsible for creating the original production of the musical, are also involved in the live event as executive producers.
In a statement praising the casting, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt noted the groundbreaking nature of casting Legend in the role.
“We’re all overjoyed to have world-class musical artist and producer John Legend starring as Jesus,” Greenblatt said. “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 ground-breaking as the traditional image of Christ will be seen in a new way.”
After the casting was revealed, Chrissy Teigen had a more pressing question for Legend, though it apparently is something that Legend thought through beforehand.
How are they gonna fit u in the manger
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) December 19, 2017
One of the many baby John Legends will be in the manger https://t.co/mc2IJfcLgm
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 19, 2017
Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! will April 1, Easter Sunday itself.