Due to huge demand, new performances up until 11 May 2025 have been released for the Melbourne season of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, which will play at the Princess Theatre from 16 March 2025.
Leading the cast in this classic rock opera are international recording artist Michael Paynter as Jesus, Javon King, who astounded audiences last year for his role as Seaweed J. Stubbs in the Australian tour of Hairspray, as Judas, and powerhouse soul and blues vocalist Mahalia Barnes as Mary.
Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker, who was 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, most recently seen playing Phil Spector in the Australian tour of Tina The Tina Turner Musical.
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.
“I am delighted at the overwhelming response to the news that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much loved rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is heading to Melbourne,” said Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live, on behalf of his co-producers.
“This award-winning production, led by Michael, Javon and Mahalia, will be a very special experience for people who remember the cherished concept album or past Australian productions, or audiences new to the show. Get your tickets now while you still can.”
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.
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. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.
Produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live, in association with Work Light Productions, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR features 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.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will play Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from 6 November 2024, before playing the Crown Theatre Perth from 13 February and Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 16 March 2025. For more information, visit: www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Javon King, Michael Paynter and Mahalia Barnes star in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – photo by Juliet Taylor