“Jesus Christ Superstar,” the renowned rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, has returned to London’s West End with a fresh production that emphasizes its origins as a concert-style performance. The show officially opened Tuesday at the London Palladium.

Originally released as a concept album in 1970, “Jesus Christ Superstar” was followed by its Broadway debut in 1971 and a London transfer in 1972. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, now 78, explained that the production intentionally mirrors the album’s rock concert feel rather than conventional theatrical staging. “It’s always been really at its best when it’s like a concert, because we never got the chance to work on it specifically for the theater,” he said. Lloyd Webber also highlighted the prominent role of the live band, which is integrated visibly on stage. “What’s great about this production is you’ve a band in vision, and it’s much, much more like a very highly staged rock concert than it’s like a theater show,” he added.

The revival features a cast of around 30 performers alongside a live 19-piece orchestra. Taking on the title role of Jesus is Sam Ryder, known for finishing as runner-up in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, marking his West End debut. Lloyd Webber praised Ryder’s vocal abilities, calling him “very possibly the best-ever vocalist we ever had as Jesus.”

The role of King Herod is shared among several notable actors, including Boy George, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matt Bomer, and Richard Armitage, who perform in a rotating schedule. This approach allows for diverse interpretations of the character throughout the run.

The new staging of “Jesus Christ Superstar” aims to reconnect audiences with the original rock opera’s music and energy, focusing on live performance and musicianship within a theatrical framework.