Lyricist Tim Rice is well-known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, including EVITA, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and THE WIZARD OF OZ, among many other projects.
Rice describes Lloyd Webber's latest project, however, as "tasteless": a reality TV search for the next 'Jesus' in a SUPERSTAR arena tour.
"Andrew wants to rehash things all the time," Rice told The Telegraph, "but I really don't think Superstar needs that tasteless reality television treatment."
Rice also wrote a letter to ITV expressing his feelings on the show - although, as he states, "I've had several meetings with Andrew and said that I don't want this done, but now it appears it's been signed and sealed."
The reality show will reportedly tell hopefuls "You could be Jesus," which Rice describes as "ill-advised." "It's just possible that it might be the most sophisticated, tasteful show hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, but I doubt it," he says. "It sounds tacky and I really don't think Andrew should do it."
If the show does go through - which at this point seems quite likely - Rice is fully prepared to disallow the winning contestant from performing in the tour, should the winner not meet his expectations: "They can't cast the show without my approval," he contends. "I have the right to veto casting."
Last week, Lloyd Webber said in a statement that "ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new, British Superstar." He has not yet responded to Rice's remarks regarding the show.
