Jesus Christ Superstar

Act 1: The Last Supper and Jesus’ Rise to Fame

Main Characters:

• Jesus Christ:

  • Initial Outfit:
    • Jesus’ costume is simple and humble, reflecting his role as a spiritual leader. His attire is typically a long robe in neutral colors like beige, brown, or white, often with a rope belt to indicate modesty.
    • Accessories: A crown of thorns (for specific scenes), sandals, and long, flowing hair to reflect his portrayal as the Son of God.

• Judas Iscariot:

  • Outfit:
    • Judas’ costume is typically darker and more dramatic than that of the other disciples. He may wear a tunic in shades of black, dark red, or brown to emphasize his role as the betrayer.
    • Accessories: A dark cloak or cape, often symbolizing his inner turmoil and eventual betrayal of Jesus. His hair and makeup are usually styled to make him appear more brooding or conflicted.

• Mary Magdalene:

  • Outfit:
    • Mary’s costume is often a flowing, form-fitting dress in warm colors like red, gold, or purple to reflect her passionate and emotional connection to Jesus.
    • Accessories: Simple jewelry, long flowing hair, and bare feet, symbolizing her love and devotion to Jesus.

• Peter:

  • Outfit:
    • Peter’s costume typically consists of a simple tunic or robe in muted tones like brown or gray, reflecting his role as a disciple who later denies Jesus.
    • Accessories: Sandals, a belt, and a simple head covering (if necessary).

• The Disciples:

  • Outfit:
    • The costumes of the other disciples are relatively simple and uniform, usually in earthy, neutral tones to reflect their humble lifestyles and religious devotion.
    • Accessories: Some may wear sandals or simple headscarves, with robes or tunics that reflect their roles as followers of Jesus.

• Pontius Pilate:

  • Outfit:
    • Pontius Pilate’s costume is more regal and authoritative, with a military-inspired outfit. His attire is often more elaborate than that of the other characters, symbolizing his political power.
    • Accessories: A red or purple robe with golden accents, a crown or headpiece (in some versions), and a confident, commanding posture.

• King Herod:

  • Outfit:
    • Herod’s costume is flamboyant, theatrical, and extravagant, reflecting his decadent personality and his role as a ruler in the story.
    • Accessories: A lavish crown, robes with luxurious patterns and textures (often in gold and red), and over-the-top jewelry to symbolize his opulence and excess.

Ensemble (Romans, Townspeople, and Soldiers):

• Romans and Soldiers:
  • Roman soldiers typically wear military armor, such as breastplates, helmets, and tunics, reflecting their status and authority.
  • Accessories: Shields, swords, and helmets that give them an intimidating appearance. The costumes are designed to highlight their roles as oppressors of the people.
• Townspeople:
  • The costumes of the townspeople vary, but they tend to be simpler and more utilitarian. Women wear dresses in muted tones, while men may wear tunics or simple robes.
  • Accessories: Some may carry baskets, simple headscarves, or wear sandals to reflect the everyday lives of the common folk in the biblical era.

Act 2: The Betrayal, Crucifixion, and Resurrection

Main Characters (Continued):

• Jesus Christ:

  • Outfit (Post-Betrayal):
    • Jesus' costume in Act 2 is similar to Act 1, though it may appear more tattered or distressed after his arrest and suffering. The robe may be torn or stained to reflect his impending crucifixion.
    • Accessories: A crown of thorns is typically used for his final scenes to symbolize the physical and emotional pain he endures.

• Judas Iscariot:

  • Costume Change:
    • Judas’ costume may change as he grapples with the guilt of his betrayal. His clothing might become more disheveled or darker to reflect his inner turmoil.
    • Accessories: A dagger or other symbolic items may appear to represent his act of betrayal.

• Mary Magdalene:

  • Outfit Change:
    • As the emotional anchor of the story, Mary’s costume could become slightly more somber or muted in color in Act 2, reflecting her mourning and grief.
    • Accessories: She may wear simple jewelry or carry a symbolic item like a cloth to show her support and sorrow during the events of the crucifixion.

• Pontius Pilate:

  • Outfit Change:
    • Pilate’s costume may become more formal and oppressive in Act 2 as he takes charge of the trial. His robes might be darker in tone, with more emphasis on gold accents to emphasize his power.
    • Accessories: A more pronounced crown or ceremonial accessories to reflect his elevated role.

• King Herod:

  • Outfit Change:
    • Herod’s costume remains grand and extravagant, continuing to contrast with the humility of Jesus. In some versions, his outfit might evolve to show his indulgence as he mocks the situation.
    • Accessories: Elaborate crowns, flowing robes, and jewels, reinforcing his theatrical and cruel character.

Ensemble (Soldiers, Crowd, Disciples, and Witnesses):

• Roman Soldiers:

  • The Roman soldiers wear their usual armor, but in Act 2, it is used to convey more authority and cruelty as they carry out the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
  • Accessories: Swords, shields, and helmets, with more emphasis on the oppressive nature of their role.

• Disciples:

  • The disciples wear simpler costumes, but in Act 2, they may appear more ragged or distressed, reflecting their fear and abandonment of Jesus during the trial.
  • Accessories: Simple head coverings, belts, and sandals.

• Crowd and Witnesses:

  • The crowd in Act 2 is often dressed in darker, more somber clothing, reflecting the grief and sorrow surrounding the crucifixion.
  • Accessories: Simple items like shawls, hats, and cloths to represent their grief and the emotional weight of the moment.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:

  • Act 1: Earthy tones (brown, beige, and gray) dominate to reflect the humble setting and time period. Jesus’ and the disciples’ robes are simple and modest, while Judas and Pilate’s costumes have darker undertones.
  • Act 2: Darker, more somber colors such as black, deep red, and gray are used to symbolize the descent into suffering, betrayal, and death. Jesus’ costume may look more distressed to reflect his physical and emotional pain.

• Fabric Choices:

  • Act 1: Simple, natural fabrics such as wool, linen, and cotton to reflect the biblical era and humble status of the characters.
  • Act 2: More rugged, worn fabrics for Jesus and the disciples, symbolizing their suffering. Roman soldiers and Pilate may wear more luxurious fabrics like velvet or satin to reflect their higher status.