Jesus Christ! The messiah will return to rock the Melbourne stage when Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical Jesus Christ Superstar arrives in Melbourne in early 2025, following huge acclaim and sold-out seasons in London, as well as an extensive North American tour. The Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of this celebrated rock musical will land at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in March 2025, as part of a national tour.
With an iconic 1970s rock score that was originally released as a concept album, this global musical phenomenon has been wowing audiences for decades. Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, and went on to become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time when it transferred to London.
The original Australian production opened at Sydney’s Capitol in May 1972, followed by seasons at the Palais Theatre and other cities, playing for more than 700 performances. Many people will also remember the iconic sell-out Australian arena tour in 1992, which starred John Farnham, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Angry Anderson, Russell Morris and John Waters.
Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, 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. This musical is not so much about preaching the word of the Bible, but it’s more of a subversive interpretation of the psychology of the good book’s characters, with Judas expressing dissatisfaction with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
The majority of the cast for the upcoming Australian tour has now been announced. Michael Paynter will play Jesus, with Javon King as Judas and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker, John O’Hara will portray Annas, Reuben Kaye has been announced as King Herod and Peter Murphy as Pilate.
Produced in Australia by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live, in association with Work Light Productions, this new 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.
Tickets start from $69 and you can get yours via this link.
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