#Sydney REVIEW - Jesus Christ Superstar - what a rockstar performance at the media night of Jesus Christ Superstar last night! Not knowing what to expect, I was quickly pulled into the iconic aspects of this show and well known biblical story, with many in the audience singing along.
I’ll avoid spoilers and focus on the standout performers instead. Michael Paynter’s portrayal of Jesus was nothing short of powerful, his solos showcasing a voice that left us all in awe. Javon King brought depth and strength to Judas, his vocals leaving a lasting impression. Mahalia Barnes was nothing short of angelic, her voice soothing and captivating. Reuben Kaye lit up the stage as Herod, bringing boldness to both his costume and his role. The trio of Peter Murphy, Elliot Baker, and John O’Hara exuded charisma on stage, and a special mention goes to Adam Noviello and the amazing Ensemble who kept the energy alive.
The staging, costumes, makeup, and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice were all flawlessly executed by the musicians on the night. The performance closed with a well-deserved standing ovation, a true testament to the talent on stage.
My theatre friend who joined me shared the rich legacy of this musical with me, from iconic performances by Ben Forster, Melanie C, and Tim Minchin in 2012 to the unforgettable 1992 cast with John Farnham, Kate Ceberano, and Jon Stevens.
@jesuschristsuperstarau is running at the @capitoltheatresydney until January 26, 2025 - don’t miss it, this is a show that will rock your human existence! Ages 10 years+ with some violence, adult themes and concert level music.
Photos by @busycitykids and production images supplied. #hosted #invited
Event Details:
Dates: 6th November 2024 to 26th January 2025
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Show times are subject to change.
Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and older. All persons aged 16 and under must be accompanied and sit next to the accompanying adult. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
Warning: Contains adult themes.
Location: Capitol Theatre - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
Notes: Please visit the cast page for cast information. The Producers of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and leave arrangements.
Notes: FAQ here.
Note: This post contains an affiliate link above. It doesn’t cost you extra however we get a small fee from your booking which goes towards supporting our website’s costs to bring you our FREE What’s On Sydney listing full of events!
Update 6th November 2024 - Due to huge demand, an extra final week of performances in Sydney will be released next week, with presales from Monday 11 November and general public sales from 15 November. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR must close in Sydney on 26 January, to transfer to Perth’s Crown Theatre from 13 February, then the Princess Theatre, Melbourne from 16 March, and the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 29 June.
Update 11th August 2024 - Additional cast members for the Australian tour of the award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR have been revealed today.
Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker, most recently seen as Don Attilio in The Phantom of the Opera for Opera Australia and Really Useful Group at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, while Annas will be played by John O'Hara who portrayed Phil Spector in the Australian tour of Tina The Tina Turner Musical. Australian star of the UK production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Robert Tripolino, will return to play the role of Jesus during the Perth season (Michael Paynter will play Jesus in Sydney and Melbourne). Robert has numerous UK and Australian theatre credits including Marius in Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), Roger in Rent (Sydney Opera House), Omar in Aladdin (Australian tour), Chino in West Side Story (Arts Centre Melbourne) and Jamie in The Last Five Years (La Boite).
The talented group of artists who comprise the ensemble and swings are 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, Adam Noviello, Stellar Perry, Nathan Pinnell, Daniel Raso, Clay Roberts, Josh Spiniello, Bree Tipoki and Liam Wigney.
These talented artists join Michael Paynter as Jesus (in Sydney and Melbourne), Javon King as Judas and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. The performers playing the roles of Pilate and Herod will be announced at a later date.
Due to huge demand, new tickets for performances in Sydney have been released for sale. The Sydney season at the Capitol Theatre will now run from 6 November through until 12 January. Tickets for the Melbourne season at the Princess Theatre went on sale last week.
Update 23rd September 2024 - Two principal cast members for the Australian tour of the award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR have been revealed today.
Internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye will play Herod. Hailing from Melbourne, Reuben has captivated global audiences with his electrifying performances and unapologetically bold persona. His standout shows, The Butch is Back, Live and Intimidating and EnGORGEd, backed by an 18-piece orchestra, have all received critical acclaim and solidified his status as a major name in comedy and cabaret across the globe.
The role of Pilate will be played by Peter Murphy in Sydney and Perth. Peter has performed in major shows and live concerts throughout Australia and the world for over 20 years. Highlights include starring as 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!.
These talented artists join Michael Paynter (in Sydney and Melbourne) and Robert Tripolino (in Perth) as Jesus, Javon King as Judas and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker and Annas by John O'Hara. The talented group of artists who comprise the ensemble and swings are 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, Adam Noviello, Stellar Perry, Nathan Pinnell, Daniel Raso, Clay Roberts, Josh Spiniello, Bree Tipoki and Liam Wigney.
Update 5th August 2024 - See Jesus Christ Superstar this Summer! Holiday perfromances are now on sale for the iconic global phenomenon which will star one of Australia’s most respected musicians, Michael Paynter, musical theatre star Javon King and soul & blues powerhouse Mahalia Barnes. Don’t miss this Tim Rice and Andrew Llyod Webber rock masterpiece! NEW performances for the 1st to 12th July now available for purchase via presale. For tickets head here.
THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR IS COMING TO AUSTRALIA
Following huge acclaim and sold-out seasons in London as well as an extensive tour of North America, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will arrive in Australia later this year.
Produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live, in association with Work Light Productions, this celebrated rock musical will open in November 2024 at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, where the original Australian production began in 1972, ahead of a national tour. Waitlist now at www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au to be first in line to buy tickets. Auditions for the cast will begin shortly.
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, 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, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.
Producer John Frost said: “I am thrilled to be bringing this award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much loved musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR to Australia this year. Australia has deep affection for this show, from the original concept album which was played in every household, to the original production starring Trevor White and Jon English, through to the sold out-arena performances starring John Farnham as Jesus.
“Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has created a fresh and bold new version of a beloved classic which will enthrall both longtime fans of the show and delight those seeing it for the very first time.”
“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.” - The Guardian
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”- The Daily Telegraph
Event Details:
Dates: 6th November 2024 to 26th January 2025
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Show times are subject to change.
Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and older. All persons aged 16 and under must be accompanied and sit next to the accompanying adult. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
Warning: Contains adult themes.
Location: Capitol Theatre - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
Notes: Please visit the cast page for cast information. The Producers of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and leave arrangements.
Notes: FAQ here.
Note: This post contains an affiliate link above. It doesn’t cost you extra however we get a small fee from your booking which goes towards supporting our website’s costs to bring you our FREE What’s On Sydney listing full of events!