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 is coming to Australia – and will be the Princess Theatre in Melbourne from March 2025.
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 in Sydney where the original Australian production began in 1972, ahead of a national tour.
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.
The lead cast for the Australian tour of has also been revealed.
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.
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.
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.
Producer John Frost said he’s delighted the three stars are joining the cast.
“Jesus Christ 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,” he said.
“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.”
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.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, its 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. By the time it closed after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
If you’re looking to attend in Melbourne, get on the waitlist to find out when tickets become available.
