FLASHBACK: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

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Yvonne Elliman, Mary Magdalene in “Jesus Christ Superstar”

To begin with, Yvonne Elliman’s vocal stylings have appeared on albums that have sold 50 million units. The singer was discovered by Andrew Lloyd Webber for his seminal “Jesus Christ Superstar” rock opera (approximately 10 million albums sold), portraying Mary Magdelene, and also had a monster hit – “If I Can’t Have You” – on the legendary “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack (40 million sold).

The effusive Ms. Elliman was 17 years old, and singing in a London club in the late 1960s, when composer Andrew Lloyd Webber heard her ethereal voice, and signed her to portray Mary Magdalene in his new rock opera. The album of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was released in 1969, and took off like a rocket. Later, she joined the original Broadway cast of Superstar in 1971 in the same role, and finally completed the cycle as Mary M. with the 1973 film version, directed by Norman Jewison.

Yvonne Elliman, Mary Magdalene in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ circa 2013
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

In a 2013 Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com (the interviewer having a touch of laryngitis) singer Yvonne Elliman talks about her roots in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Josh Mostel (King Herod) & Barry Dennen (Pontius Pilate) in “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Josh Mostel as King Herod and Barry Dennen as Pontius Pilate in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Photo credit: Universal Studios Home Video



Josh Mostel not only practically stole the JCS film in his ten minute appearance, memorably singing and dancing “King Herod’s Song,” he also has a long and diverse career in show business. Born in New York City, he is the son of stage icon and comic actor Zero Mostel.


Barry Dennen, who passed away in 2017, was not only the first boyfriend of Barbra Streisand … when they were struggling actors in early 1960s New York City … but found the right timing when he moved to Britain later in the decade. He originated the role of the “MC” in the London stage version of “Cabaret,” and then sang the role of Pontius Pilate in the 1970 rock opera version of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” after meeting composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice. He went on to play the Pilate role on Broadway, and was instrumental in tipping off eventual film director Norman Jewison that “Superstar” existed, and was rewarded with his familiar Pilate role in the film.

Josh Mostel and Barry Dennen in 2013
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com


The laryngitis interviewer is back! Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com talks to Josh Mostel (first voice) and Barry Dennen on their “Superstar” memories (Note: Obscured second question to Barry is about his portrayal of Pilate) …

2013 Reunion Exclusive Photo of the Cast in “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Superstars: Barry Dennen, Yvonne Elliman, Ted Neeley and Josh Mostel
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

On Page Three, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on the KICKING THE SEAT Vodcast and discusses the 50th Anniversary of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and its impact …