Celebrating Gethsemane
In the world of musicals, there is one show that stands above all others. One show to rule them all. The fact that it isn't actually called a musical but a rock opera is proof of its transcendence out of mediocrity.
That phenomenon is called Jesus Christ Superstar.
Although I went to Christian-inspired schools, I was not raised religious, and I still am not. The story of this rock opera doesn't require you to be; it's just the music (by Andrew Lloyd Webber with texts from Tim Rice) that got to me in a special way.
One of the great pieces from this show is the song Gethsemane, the extremely emotional part almost halfway through the story where Jesus tries—pleads—to prevent his approaching death in any way possible, but accepts his fate in the end.
Gethsemane has been sung by many artists over the years, but was initiated by Ian Gillan (the Deep Purple singer) on the original Jesus Christ Superstar album. The most popular rendition is probably from the 1973 motion picture, where the legendary Ted Neeley plays the role of Jesus:
Later, many other actors and singers tried to identify themselves with The Son, but in my opinion never as good as Neeley (who actually still played the part up to a few years ago, approaching the age of 80, maybe aided by a little auto-tune here and there). The Dutch Eurovision entry from a few years ago, Jeangu Macrooy, came very close though during last year's theater tour of the show.
Anyway, on this second day of Easter (which is a thing here in The Netherlands), I just want to say: keep your eye out for when this show starts touring in your country. Whoever is in the cast, this is a musical story you just have to see at least once in your life. You won't regret it.