"Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert" - Simply Thrilling

Brandon Victor Dixon as "Judas"

Thrilling. Simply thrilling.

NBC's presentation of Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert last night absolutely knocked me out.

Brandon Victor Dixon killed it as "Judas." Powerful, focused and authentic in his passion. And his arms!

Sara Bareilles was inspired casting as "Mary Magdalene."

John Legend took the role of "Jesus" and made it his own. His calm countenance was a great balance for "Judas."

Norm Lewis was excellent as "Caiaphas" as was Jason Tam as "Peter."

I thought Alice Cooper was terrific as "King Herod." What a great casting idea and he handled it well.

The overriding dynamic for me was seeing the actors trusting their material. They let it do the work.

The direction, choreography and design were off the charts. Mad props to stage director David Leveaux, TV director Alex Rudzinski,
choreographer Camille A. Brown and the design team of set designer Jason Ardizzone-West, costume designer Paul Tazewell, and lighting designer Al Gurdon.

THIS is how Superstar needs to be done.

And the last few minutes, visually, were transcendent.

If you missed it, you can find most of the performances on NBC's YouTube here.

Watch below as Brandon Victor Dixon steps into the spotlight for"Heaven on Their Minds" and "Superstar."

And Sara Bareilles' "I Don't Know How To Love Him."

Give BVD an Emmy Award right now.