Religion: Jesus Will Be Blond, Judas Black

CASTING a Crucifixion drama has sometimes been more dramatic than the Passion play itself. Nikos Kazantzakis, for one, even made the ritual into a powerful tragic novel. But in Manhattan, the casting for the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (TIME, Nov. 9) has been mostly showbiz. Long lines of hopefuls crowded outside the Mark Hellinger Theater last week to read for parts in a touring concert company that goes on the road July 12. Jesus will be Shawn Phillips (left), a blond, bearded Texan with silky hair almost to his waist. Yvonne Elliman, star of the Decca recording, will play Mary Magdalene. Judas will be played by black, talented Carl Anderson, a good bet to graduate to the Broadway production next fall. Some of the country’s Jesus revolutionists—and Billy Graham—have complained that the rock opera asks who Christ is rather than affirming his divinity. Despite such qualms, the tour is already booked through October.