The Playgoer: J#s*s C%r@st S#pr$tr  Custom Search  Friday, April
25, 2008   Yet another sign of how marginalized and ostracized
theatre culture is with "America":  Carly Smithson might be the
first “American Idol” contestant to be voted off the show for
blasphemy.  Online chat boards devoted to “American Idol” have
been abuzz since Ms. Smithson performed the title song from
“Jesus Christ Superstar” — the 1970 rock opera, which many
Christians consider offensive — on Tuesday’s episode. Ms.
Smithson received the fewest votes of the six remaining
contestants following her Tuesday performance. Her elimination
was announced on Wednesday night’s episode. The week’s
performances were drawn from the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber,
who wrote “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Tim Rice.  Since its
debut, and particularly following the release of the 1973 film
version, “Jesus Christ Superstar” has been railed against by
some Christians for its portrayal of Jesus as confused and at
times unwilling to accept his role, and becaus