The latest incarnation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is an emotional powerhouse.
Originally written as a rock opera, director Timothy Sheader returns it to its rock opera roots. This reimagining is less a theatrical experience and more a rock concert that recounts the last days of Jesus Christ.
The choreography by Drew McOnie is also central to the storytelling and adds to the emotion. The ensemble do an incredible job of creating slick movements and adding to the harmonies and backing the rock score.
Robert Tripolino as Jesus is electric. His rendition of Gethsemane redefined this musical theatre classic. Regarded as one of the hardest tunes to sing, Tripolino delivered this emotional version whist playing the guitar. This allowed him to add further passion to his performance.
Javon King as Judas is a powerhouse of vocals. His commanding performance is charismatic and pure rock and roll. His solos are electrifying as he draws the audience into his storytelling.
Mahalia Barnes as Mary delivers a heartfelt and raw performance. Her versions of I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Could we Start Again Please were emotional and formidable.
Reuben Kaye as Herod is flamboyant and humorous. His costume complete with a sweeping gold train of material and sequined codpiece is ostentatious and a revelation of colour.
Peter Murphy’s performance as Pilate was controlled and delivered with maturity and composure. You could feel his compassion for Jesus and frustration at a crowd demanding Jesus be put to death.
Elliot Baker as Caiaphas, John O’Hara as Annas and Joshua Dormor, Ethan Jones and Henry Rollo as the three priests’ performance is polished and poised. Their voices blended in a wonderful haunting harmony as they plot to have Jesus put to death. Their movements are well choregraphed as they perform and swing sceptres with precision.
The last supper is clever as the cast create artistic tableaus, reminiscent of the great masters’ paintings. The scene is performed around a giant cross that is the centre piece throughout the performance.
The set by Tom Scutt is simple, yet manages to add to the dynamics of the production. The lighting design by Lee Curran is dramatic and at times haunting.
The use of instruments, by the cast, adds to the rock concert. Microphones, mic stands and musical instruments form part of the set and the productions narrative.
Jesus Christ Superstar is a powerful, magnetic reimaging that will rock your soul!
Jesus Christ Superstar
Crown Theatre, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood (Perth)
Performance: Sunday 16 February 2025
Season continues to 8 March 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Following the Perth season, Jesus Christ Superstar will play Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 16 March, and Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre – QPAC from 29 June 2025. For more information, visit: www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au for details.
Images: Robert Tripolino as Jesus with the Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar – photo by Jeff Busby | Javon King as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar – photo by Jeff Busby | Mahalia Barnes as Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar – photo by Jeff Busby
Review: Craig Dalglish