Musicals are endlessly recycled and that’s not always a good thing. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ Superstar is cause for celebration.
Do we hear an Amen? Damn straight we do. This classic rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is coming to QPAC’s newly refurbished Lyric Theatre from June 29, with final performances now on sale. It may be worth going just to test drive the Lyric’s new seating.
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. The songs are iconic and the story, well, as Hollywood once testified … it’s the greatest story ever told. Many modern musicals pale in comparison.
Five talented Queenslanders are included in the stellar cast of this classic rock musical. In the starring role of Pilate is Brisbane local,Peter Murphy, who has performed in major shows and live concerts throughout Australia and across the globe for more than 20 years.
Caiaphas is played by Elliot Baker from the Gold Coast, most recently seen as Don Attilio in The Phantom of the Opera at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne. The ensemble cast includes Graeme Isaako, Ethan Jones and Nic van Lits, all from the Gold Coast, and Bree Tipoki from Brisbane.
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Javon King, Michael Paynter and Mahalia Barnes will star in Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo: Juliet Taylor
In the title role of Jesus is international recording artist Michael Paynter. A member of classic Australian band Icehouse, as well as the guitarist and vocalist in Australian icon Jimmy Barnes’ band, Paynter performs live with Bachelor Girl, Killing Heidi, Delta Goodrem, Reece Mastin and others.
Javon King, who astounded audiences last year for his role 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 Magdalene, the role that famously helped put Marcia Hines on the map in the 1970s.
Internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye plays Herod while high priest Annas is played by John O’Hara, who portrayed Phil Spector in the Australian tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
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Producer John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers, says he is “delighted at the overwhelming audience and critical praise of this bold new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar”.
“Our powerhouse cast led by Michael, Javon, Mahalia, Reuben and Peter are receiving a standing ovation every performance. Brisbane, get your tickets now before it sells out!” says Frost.
Producers always say that, but this time it’s fair enough.
This production of Jesus Christ Superstar won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival
This global phenomenon has wowed audiences for decades. The 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album in 1970. The album’s success quickly led to a Broadway production in 1971 and a film adaptation in 1973.
The original Australian production opened at the Capitol Theatre, 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 more than eight years. By the time it closed after 3358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
This production of Jesus Christ Superstar won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017.
In Australia, a 2012 Arena production starred Tim Minchin as Judas. In the original Australian production, the late great Jon English was Judas while Trevor White played Jesus and Marcia Hines was Mary Magdalene (1973-74) and Reg Livermore was King Herod in 1973.
This production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where it originated, and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, original sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.
Jesus Christ Superstar plays the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, June 29 to August 10, qpac.com.au