Act I Summary
Act I
The play begins with the actors arriving in a desert, burdened with their
costumes and props. In the film version, a battered bus slowly makes its way
through the desert into the foreground. The actors prepare by donning their
costumes and getting into character, ready to perform the last seven days of
Christ's life, both for their own fulfillment and the audience's enjoyment. The
heaviest and most cumbersome item to unload is a large wooden cross. Judas
watches these preparations from a distance, already feeling uneasy and detached
from the group.
Act I: Heaven on Their Minds
As Judas observes the others, he starts to articulate his concerns about Jesus:
his rising fame and transition from a messenger of God's word to a spectacle.
The followers believe they have found a new Messiah, and Judas fears their
reaction when they realize Jesus is merely a man. Meanwhile, Jesus shares his
peaceful message with an adoring crowd.
Act I: What’s the Buzz
At Simon the Leper's house, the apostles press a weary Jesus to reveal their
next steps in starting a political and religious revolution, asking, "When do
we ride into Jerusalem?" The apostles fail to see that Jesus needs rest, but
Mary Magdalene offers comfort, saying, "Let me try to cool down your face a
bit." Jesus remarks that only Mary understands what he needs.
Act I: Strange Thing Mystifying
Judas is upset that Jesus allows a former prostitute ("a woman of her kind") to
attend to him, but Jesus retorts, "If your slate is clean, then you can throw
stones / If your slate is not, then leave her alone." Mary sings "Everything’s
Alright," but Judas continues to criticize, arguing that the money spent on her
"fine ointments . . . could have been saved for the poor." Jesus admonishes
Judas and the apostles not to waste their time, knowing he won't be with them
much longer.
Act I: This Jesus Must Die / Hosanna
The next morning, the Jewish Priests gather to decide on a course of action
against the "rabble-rouser" whose followers can be heard singing "Hosanna!
Superstar!" in the background. Annas, father-in-law of the High Priest
Caiaphas, highlights the danger, pointing out that the Romans, who occupy their
land, will likely punish all Jews for the rebellious actions of one man and his
followers. Caiaphas concludes that "like John before him, this Jesus must die."
Jesus addresses Caiaphas and the priests calmly, stating that "nothing can be
done to stop the shouting," while his ecstatic followers wave palms and eagerly
anticipate their triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Act I: Simon Zealotes
The now sizable crowd moves in a synchronized dance with Jesus, seeking his
touch, a kiss, or even just his acknowledgment. Simon recognizes the political
potential of this massive group, which he estimates at ‘‘over fifty thousand.’’
He advises Jesus to ‘‘keep them yelling their devotion,’’ but to also ‘‘add a
touch of hate at Rome,’’ hoping they might drive out the Romans and reclaim
their land. Jesus responds with a peaceful gesture.
Act I: Poor Jerusalem
As Jesus begins his song, the crowd quiets down and forms a circle around him.
His song reveals his concern that although his followers chant their adoration,
they do not truly grasp the concepts of power and glory. Toward the end of the
song, he turns inward, realizing and explaining that ‘‘to conquer death you
only have to die.’’
Act I: Pilate’s Dream
Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, is troubled by a dream in which a Galilean is martyred and he, Pilate, is held responsible. Normally confident...
(This entire section contains 769 words.)
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in his power and position, Pilate finds himself deeply unsettled by this vision.
Act I: The Temple
The temple has been overrun by moneylenders, prostitutes, and sellers of wine,
goats, and carpets. Christ approaches them and angrily overturns their tables,
proclaiming, ‘‘My temple should be a house of prayer.’’ After demanding that
the ‘‘den of thieves’’ ‘‘get out,’’ Jesus reflects on his three years on earth.
However, even in this private moment, he is swarmed by the sick and poor, who
press upon him until he cries out, ‘‘Heal yourselves!’’
Act I: Everything’s Alright (Reprise) & I Don’t Know How to Love
Him
Mary Magdalene once again calms Jesus to sleep and then reflects on her own
conflicting feelings for him, which are both platonic and romantic.
Act I: Damned for All Time
Meanwhile, Judas, tormented yet resolute, agrees to betray Jesus’s location to
the priests, receiving thirty pieces of silver in return. The priests plan to
have Jesus arrested and handed over to the Romans for execution.