John Legend is Jesus Christ!
At least in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar he is. The network announced the news Tuesday.
“We’re all overjoyed to have world-class musical artist and producer John Legend starring as Jesus,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment. “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.”
Legend is joining Alice Cooper who’s playing King Herrod.
“I’m thrilled to join the cast of this production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,’” Legend said. “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.”
The musical was created in 1971 in 1971 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It tells the story of Jesus’ last week of life.
Jesus Christ Superstar could put John Legend at EGOT status. He already has 10 Grammys, an Oscar for the song “Glory” in the 2014 drama “Selma”, and a Tony as a producer of “Jitney,” the August Wilson revival.
The rock musical will air live Sunday April 1 from the Marcy Armory in Brooklyn.
