Arena Tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Starring John Lydon Canceled
A little more than a week before it was set to begin, a made-for-arenas version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' has canceled its entire two-month U.S. tour. No reason was given for the decision.
When the production of the 'Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular' tour was first announced back in April, a great deal of attention was given to its unusual cast. Ben Forster had won the lead role through a televised singing competition in the U.K. The supporting cast featured Brandon Boyd of Incubus as Judas Iscariot, JC Chasez of N'Sync as Pontius Pilate and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child as Mary Magdalene. But most shocking was the odd, but still somewhat inspired, choice of former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon -- who famously wrote and sang the lyric, "I am the anti-Christ" -- as King Herod.
The New York Times reports that upon hearing the news, Forster tweeted, "My heart is broken. My beautiful talented cast and company I adore. This wonderful show & opportunity is over. I'm so sorry I am devastated."
The tour was scheduled to begin on June 9 in New Orleans. Full refunds will be given.