John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!

By Cassie Carpenter For Dailymail.com
Published: 10:39 EST, 19 December 2017 | Updated: 11:07 EST, 19 December 2017
John Legend has landed the title role in NBC's three-hour event, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!
The Grammy-winning musician, 38, said in a statement released on Tuesday he is 'thrilled' to be starring in and executive producing the show at Brooklyn's Marcy Armory alongside original composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice.
'It's such a powerful, meaningful musical and I'm humbled to be part of this performance,' the La La Land actor gushed.
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Airing Easter Sunday! On Tuesday, John Legend was cast as in the title role in NBC's three-hour live event Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!
'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.'
British theatre director David Leveaux will helm the seventies rock opera with goth rocker Alice Cooper playing the tyrannical King Herod, with the show airing on Easter Sunday (April 1).
'John Legend is a superstar,' Rice said.
'As a performer, his voice is infectious and effortless. As an actor, he is believable and honest. I'm thrilled he will be able to share his portrayal of Jesus with the world.'
'It's a good day!' The Ohio-born R&B belter – turning 39 next week – was 'thrilled' to be starring in and executive producing the staging at Brooklyn's Marcy Armory alongside original composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice
'Excited to join the cast!' British theatre director David Leveaux will helm the seventies rock opera with goth rocker Alice Cooper (pictured) playing the tyrannical King Herod
First staged in Pittsburgh 1971: Jesus Christ Superstar is loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the final week of Jesus's life, and the album topped the Billboard charts
In 20 different countries! It was last staged on Broadway in 2012 at the Neil Simon Theatre, and there have been two film adaptations – Norman Jewison's version in 1973 (pictured) and Gale Edwards' version in 2000
Jesus Christ Superstar – first staged in Pittsburgh 1971 – is loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the final week of Jesus's life, and the album topped the Billboard charts.
It was last staged on Broadway in 2012 at the Neil Simon Theatre, and there have been two film adaptations – Norman Jewison's version in 1973 and Gale Edwards' version in 2000.
John – who's an Emmy away from EGOT status – is currently in Manhattan with his pregnant wife Chrissy Teigen and their 20-month-old daughter Luna.
Family matters: John – who's an Emmy away from EGOT status – is currently in Manhattan with his pregnant wife Chrissy Teigen and their 20-month-old daughter Luna (pictured Saturday)
It's a boy! Legend (born Stephens) and his 32-year-old All of Me muse are likely having a son since she tweeted that was 'the embryo we have left' back on January 30
Legend (born Stephens) and his 32-year-old All of Me muse are likely having a son since she tweeted that was 'the embryo we have left' back on January 30.
Catch more of the wisecracking presenter providing 'color commentary' in the fourth season of Lip Sync Battle, which premieres January 18 on the Paramount Network (formerly Spike TV).
And the Penthouse Floor crooner is next scheduled to perform March 10 at Asia World Expo in Hong Kong.
Premieres January 18! Catch more of the wisecracking presenter providing 'color commentary' in the fourth season of Lip Sync Battle on the Paramount Network (formerly Spike TV)
Love me now: And the Penthouse Floor crooner is next scheduled to perform March 10 at Asia World Expo in Hong Kong
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