Andrew Lloyd Webber Unfazed by Superstar Criticism from Tim Rice

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has responded to public criticism about his newly announced Jesus Christ Superstar reality casting show, Superstar, from his collaborator Tim Rice.

Rice, who called the television search for a lead in a revival of Webber-Rice rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar “tacky,” said his qualms lay in the particular show being cast in that format. “Andrew wants to rehash things all the time, but I really don’t think Superstar needs that tasteless reality television treatment,” Rice said. “Those shows are relentlessly downmarket, which is fine if the show is a lightweight bit of fluff."

When asked by Entertainment Weekly for a response to Rice's criticism, Lloyd Webber was diplomatic. “Well, I think we just say look, we won an international Emmy for the first show [The Sound of Music casting show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?],” Lloyd Webber said. “And the fact that one of the girls has just been cast by the National Theatre in a leading role—that’s the answer to that.”

Superstar will be Lloyd Webber’s fifth foray into the reality casting world. He has previously found stars for West End productions of The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver! and The Wizard of Oz. No official air date for the new show has been announced, but auditions will take place across the U.K. during February and March.