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Heaven On Their Minds

Growing up I must have listened the the original cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar hundreds, if not thousands, of times. In fact, I actually remember wearing out my mother’s original copy and her getting me a replacement for a birthday present one year (likely age 7 or 8). It remains one of my favorite albums of all time. I still know every single word and can sing it, every part, from beginning to end.

The film version is also brilliant. Directed by Norman Jewison and staring Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Judas. Two more perfect actors could not have been found for these roles. Judas especially as the Broadway production started Ben Vereen in the role (for which he won a Tony). I believe Carl Anderson to be the better singer for this particular role that calls for a mixture of fear, anger, and love in the tone. I love too the film’s unspoken opening premise of a bunch of hippies getting off of a bus in the middle of Israel to stage a modern day passion play.

Seriously, I could go on for a very long time about this musical. My mother is an actress and director so I grew up with a deep love and respect for musicals in general and this one particularly. It excels on just about every level one can measure. For now, the video above I hope is evidence enough for you to see the film if you have not already. In my opinion, one can never have too much heaven on their minds.

(via Mr. Mann, who managed to point out a piano gaffe I had not ever noticed before but now will not ever be able to un-hear.)