The iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar has opened in Australia with a mesmerising new production that has garnered unprecedented reviews and accolades as it has toured US and UK. 

Featuring lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show 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. The legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar. 

This must-see musical will feature one of Australia’s most well-respected musicians and acclaimed recording artist, Michael Paynter (Sydney and Melbourne) and international stage sensation Robert Tripolino (Perth), as Jesus. Joining them are the dynamic musical theatre star Javon King as Judas and soul and blues powerhouse, Mahalia Barnes, as Mary. Globally renowned comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye will play Herod and rock theatrical star Peter Murphy will portray Pilate (Sydney and Perth).

The producers have announced a Perth season of the production from February at Crown Theatre, a Melbourne season at the Princess Theatre from March and a Brisbane run at the QPAC from June. 

It is currently on in Sydney season at the Capitol Theatre, with performances up until 29th December.

In the title role of Jesus will be international recording artist Michael Paynter. Michael is a member of classic Australian band Icehouse, as well as the guitarist and vocalist in Australian icon Jimmy Barnes’ band, and performs live with Bachelor Girl, Killing Heidi, Delta Goodrem, Reece Mastin and many others. He has toured extensively in Australia and internationally, sharing arena and stadium stages with artists such as John Farnham, 5 Seconds of Summer, Miley Cyrus, Seal, Hall and Oates, and The Script.

Javon King, who astounded audiences last year for his role as Seaweed J. Stubbs in the Australian tour of Hairspray, will play Judas. His theatre credits include The Inheritance at fortyfivedownstairs and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Chapel off Chapel, for which he won a Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actor, and Javon toured the USA and internationally as Angel in the 20th and 25th Anniversary tours of Rent.

Powerhouse soul and blues vocalist Mahalia Barnes will take on her first stage role as Mary. Mahalia and her band The Soul Mates play to capacity crowds around the country, touring nationally and internationally alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Roots, Mavis Staples, Joe Bonamassa, Bryan Adams and Tom Jones. She has recorded, toured and collaborated with the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Liam Gallagher, Beth Hart, and George Benson.

Producer John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers, said: “I am delighted that Michael, Javon and Mahalia are joining the cast of this award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Superstar is a loved and cherished rock opera, and they are all extraordinary singers and musicians who will bring their unique experience and talent to these roles. I’m so looking forward to hearing them singing in rehearsals those classic songs like Heaven On Their Minds, What’s the Buzz and I Don’t Know How To Love Him.”

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Superstar’s iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971. 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 over eight years.

Tickets at jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au.

TOUR DATES

06 NOV – 12 JAN Sydney NSW

13 FEB – 02 MAR Perth WA

16 MAR – 11 MAY Melbourne VIC

From JUNE Brisbane QLD