“But it is Ciarán McCarthy as Judas who most impresses in this production. Judas is easily the most complicated role in the show, and McCarthy takes Judas through all his emotions, from anger and self-righteousness through uncertainty, dismay, and despair to the final ironic derision of the title song. McCarthy’s tenor is strong and perfect for rock, capable of displaying defiance, pain, and ridicule, as the situation warrants.”
–The Nashville Free Press
“McCarthy’s Judas is broodingly sexy, sung with a mixture of bravado and sensitivity. With his Judas, McCarthy gives a tour de force performance that is at once robustly athletic and achingly tortured (perhaps best exemplified by “Damned for All Time/Blood Money” and his dramatic death scene)—it’s impossible not to be moved by him. His performance of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is one of the production’s best moments.”
-Jeffrey Ellis, Broadwayworld.com
“Ciarán McCarthy is a brooding, anxious and soulful-looking Judas, and in his misdeeds he is every bit the show’s co-star. He acts credibly, including hanging himself with dramatic flair…”
–Martin Brady, Nashville Scene
“Meanwhile McCarthy-fresh off the 1st National Tour of The Wedding Singer- plays Judas with true rock star appeal. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.”
-Amy Stumpfl, Nashville City Paper