Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opens in Melbourne tonight at the Princess Theatre, with performances running until 22 June. The Gala Opening Night will be held on Thursday 20 March.
Sydney and Perth audiences were captivated by JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, with standing ovations and high praise from critics. The Scoop said the production, “dazzles audiences with explosively energetic vocal mastery and raw energy. It is visually stunning, and brings the iconic rock opera to life in an electrifying way.”
In the title role of Jesus is international recording artist Michael Paynter. Michael is a member of classic Australian band Icehouse. He is also the guitarist and vocalist in Australian icon Jimmy Barnes’ band. Michael performs live with Bachelor Girl, Killing Heidi, Delta Goodrem, Reece Mastin and many others.
Javon King, who astounded audiences as Seaweed in the Australian tour of Hairspray, plays Judas. Powerhouse soul and blues vocalist Mahalia Barnes is taking on her first stage role as Mary. Mahalia and her band The Soul Mates play to capacity crowds around the country. They also tour internationally alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Roots, Mavis Staples, Joe Bonamassa, Bryan Adams and Tom Jones.
Internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye is Herod. Hailing from Melbourne, Reuben has captivated global audiences with his electrifying performances and unapologetically bold persona. Pilate is played by Peter Murphy, who has performed in major shows and live concerts throughout Australia and internationally. Roles include Galileo in We Will Rock You (London and Japan), Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (Scandinavian tour), Nick Piazza in Fame, Featured Vocalist in Thriller – Live and Burn the Floor, and the Australian tours of Les Misérables, Rent and Shout!.
Caiaphas is played by Elliot Baker, recently seen as Don Attilio inThe Phantom of the Opera at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne. Annas is John O’Hara, who portrayed Phil Spector in the Australian tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
A talented group of artists comprise the ensemble and swings. They include: Joshua Dormor, Darcey Eagle, Josh Gates, Samuel Harmon, Melanie Hawkins, Marie Ikonomou, Graeme Isaako, Ethan Jones, Tana Laga’aia, Bella Massey, Danielle Matthews, Calista Nelmes, Gus Noakes, Stellar Perry, Nathan Pinnell, Clay Roberts, Henry Rollo, Josh Spiniello, Bree Tipoki, Jordan Tomljenovic and Nic Van Lits.
Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live, on behalf of his co-producers, said:
“This award-winning production, led by Michael, Javon, Mahalia, Reuben and Peter, is a special experience for people who remember the cherished concept album or past Australian productions, or audiences new to the show. Get your tickets now while you still can, as the demand for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much loved rock operaJESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been overwhelming.”
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’s iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971. The original Australian production opened in Sydney in May 1972, followed by seasons at the Palais Theatre, Melbourne and other cities, playing for more than 700 performances. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance. It includes a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus for an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut. An Australian arena tour featuring John Farnham, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Angry Anderson, Russell Morris and John Waters toured Australia in 1992 to sell-out performances.
This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. It sold out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version in 2020.
Jesus Christ Superstar begins performances tonight at the Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne. The season runs until 22 June 2025.
It then transfers to Brisbane from 29 June.
Tickets: https://jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au/tickets/melbourne/
Website: http://www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/jesuschristsuperstarau/
Photo credits: Jeff Busby
Produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live, in association with Work Light Productions. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR features lyrics and music by EGOT winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated. It is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Design is by Tom Scutt, lighting design is by Lee Curran. Sound design is by Nick Lidster and music supervision is by Tom Deering.
