Ok ok ok so I'm watching the Austrian production of JCS because I couldn't resist the siren song of Drew Sarich (The Vampire Chronicles was my first-ever true special interest and I needed to hear Armand voice as Judas). I need to compile all my favorite bits:
His little "sh-sh-sh" when someone tries to interrupt him mid-callout of Jesus
Sort of trying-to-get-between each other action when Mary arrives
The addition of a pointed, angry, frustrated 'Jesus' in "People who are hungry, Jesus- people who are starving-"
After Jesus does the "when I'm gone" line, Judas holds on to his hand for so so long
I was looking for Judas in the crowd in Hosanna, but no, he gets sitting-next-to-Jesus privileges
Singing "there is not one of you that cannot win the Kingdom' AT Judas? With HAND KISS?
What is with Annas aggressive little fan chase?! It's so funny.
Making sure the cup is with Judas on the "this is my blood you drink" line and him seeming to hesitate a second before downing a gulp.
I've rarely heard the "Christ" in "Christ you deserve it" hit quite that angrily, with a little growl/scream
"Jesus, please" and then a blink, his face shifting as if he's just seen/realized something in Jesus' expression. I'm normal. I'm so normal about this.
Little hair stroke before The Kiss
I am not immune to using the fan to lift Judas' chin
Pilate making the most of that swishy cape
I've seen productions where Judas is angel-coded in Superstar, and ones where he's demon-coded. This seems to go for angel wings but red and black color theming.
Blowing a little kiss is A Choice. On the fence for how I feel about it but it felt worth mentioning.
It's not perfect (no version is) but it has rocketed near the top for me, personally.