“NBC’s live production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was pitched to audiences as a ‘Live in Concert’ version, which led some to expect a straightforward performance of the songs,” Matt Zoller Seitz writes in his review of the production for Vulture. “It turned out to be an inventively staged production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock-and-roll gospel, so passionately imagined that it set a new standard for this type of event.”

The production, which aired on Easter Sunday, attracted 9.4 million viewers along with a 2.3 average rating in the key 18-49 demo, lifting NBC to a ratings win for the night.

“The production fittingly gave rock-star entrances and exits to John Legend’s Jesus, introducing him in a burst of white light (like the bottom of the mothership opening up in Close Encounters) as he entered the story at ground level, then raising him to the heavens at the end,” Zoller Seitz notes, adding: “Jesus’ ascension goes on a short list of the most visually astonishing final images I’ve seen in anything.”

We encourage readers to click on the link above to Vulture to read the full review.