Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" New Arena Production Rocks Cinemas This Fall

Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" New Arena Production Rocks Cinemas This Fall

NCM^®Fathom Events, Omniverse Vision and The Broadway League Present Rock Opera to Select U.S. Movie Theaters

CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Following a triumphant opening weekend at London's 02 Arena, the 21st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" will be broadcast to select U.S. cinemas nationwideon Monday, Oct. 29 and again on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. local time. Presented by NCM^® Fathom Events, Omniverse Vision and The Broadway League, "Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular" was pre-recorded by Universal Pictures on Oct. 4 and 5 at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England. The event features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin - also the co-writer of West End smash musical "Matilda" - in the role of 'Judas Iscariot;' pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as 'Mary Magdalene;' radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as 'King Herod;' the winner of the UK's primetime ITV show "Superstar," Ben Forster, who was chosen by the British public to take on the title role of 'Jesus;' and Alexander Hanson as 'Pontius Pilate' who was recently seen on Broadway in A Little Night Music."Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular" will include a special historical retrospective, as well as interviews with cast members past and present.

"Jesus Christ Superstar UK Rock Spectacular" tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 575 select movie theaters across the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

"I have waited 42 years for 'Jesus Christ Superstar' to play arenas in the UK, and it is great to finally see the show as it was originally intended, as an arena rock opera," said Lloyd Webber. "I'm thrilled that Universal will be filming the new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar for DVD and cinema release, which allows us to capture this amazing production and share it with the world!"

"Jesus Christ Superstar" is a worldwide phenomenon, portraying the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of 'Judas Iscariot,' and featuring hit songs such as "Superstar," "I Don't Know How To Love Him," "Heaven On Their Minds" and "Hosanna." Over 40 different cast recordings have been released in 19 different languages.

The first production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was a U.S. arena tour in 1971. It then debuted on Broadway, and in 1972, UK fans finally got their chance to see this landmark show when it arrived at London's Palace Theatre - its run of eight years and over 3,000 performances smashed all box office records. Since then, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has rarely left the stage, with professional productions in 42 countries around the world and with around 300 amateur productions officially licensed each year.

"Fans have enjoyed this amazing musical for 40 years, but the 'Jesus Christ Superstar UK Spectacular' event promises to put a whole new spin on a time-honored classic," said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. "Movie theaters will be turned into concert arenas as this spectacular event rocks fans nationwide."

Universal Pictures filmed two nights of the 21-date arena tour, the first ever in the UK, for worldwide broadcasts to cinemas as well as DVD and Blu-ray™ release in early 2013 internationally, with the exception of the UK which will release in time for Christmas on November 19, 2012.

About National CineMedia (NCM)

NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYS: CNK) , Regal Entertainment Group (NYS: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 181 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 19,000 screens (approximately 18,100 digital). During 2011, approximately 680 million patrons (on an annualized basis) attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network ("DBN") is comprised of over 700 locations in 170 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 42 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NAS: NCMI) owns a 48.6% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.

About Omniverse Vision

Omniverse Vision is headquartered in London and produces and distributes unique, entertainment-related content for all media platforms with a particular focus on alternative cinema. Omniverse Vision is dedicated to bringing special events to screens around the world that are equipped with state of the art technology including digital platforms and 3D. Omniverse Vision enables the turnkey broadcast of shows as diverse as music concerts, sports and other special events. For more information, visit www.omniversevision.com, or www.cinerock.net.

About The Broadway League

The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. Download the free ILoveNYTheater app and free IBDB app for iPhone, iPad,and iTouch on iTunes. Broadway theatres are filled with an exciting array of new and classic musicals and plays, providing the perfect experience for every audience. Great seats are available at every price point and are easy to buy online, by phone, or in person at theatre box offices. It's always the perfect time to see a show. Broadway performs every day of the week at multiple curtain times to accommodate every schedule.

For artwork/photos related to Jesus Christ Superstar UK Spectacular, click here.

NCM Fathom Events
Michelle Portillo, 303-792-8651
michelle.portillo@ncm.com
or
Scoop Marketing for NCM Fathom Events
Erik Stein, 818-761-6100
estein@solters.com
or
Boneau/Bryan-Brown for Omniverse Vision
Adrian Bryan-Brown / Jackie Green / Michael Strassheim
212-575-3030
abrown@bbbway.com / jgreen@bbbway.com / mstrassheim@bbbway.com

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