Jesus Christ Superstar

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 has arrived at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre where Australia fist fell in love with the show in 1972. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is playing in Sydney until 26 January, then heads to Perth’s Crown Theatre from February, Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from March and the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from June. 

In the title role of Jesus in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is 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. 

Robert Tripolino, Australian star of the UK production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, will return to play the role of Jesus during the Perth season. 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) and Chino in West Side Story (Arts Centre Melbourne). 

Javon King, who astounded audiences last year for his role as Seaweed J. Stubbs in the Australian tour of Hairspray, is 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 is taking 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, George Benson, Robert Jon + The Wreck, Birds of Tokyo, Diesel, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes and David Campbell to name a few. 

Internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye plays 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, who 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!. 

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, plays Caiaphas while Annas is John O'Hara who portrayed 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 and Bree Tipoki. 

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 on behalf of his co-producers, “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. 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 and Kate Ceberano. 

“I am absolutely delighted to have Michael, Robert, Javon and Mahalia in the leading roles supported by some of the most dynamic, talented performers in Australia. We have an extraordinary cast to bring to life this fresh and bold new version. It will enthrall both longtime fans of the show and delight those seeing it for the very first time.” 

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST 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. By the time it closed after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. 

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus for an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut. An Australian arena tour featuring John Farnham, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Angry Anderson, Russell Morris and John Waters toured Australia in 1992 to sell-out performances. 

A galaxy of stars around the world have played lead roles in the musical, including Joanna Ampil, Sara Bareilles, Melanie C, Irene Cara, Brent Carver, Julian Clary, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Ben Daniels, Brandon Victor Dixon, Yvonne Elliman, Agnetha Fältskog (from ABBA), Marcia Hines, Paul Jabara, Ramin Karimloo, Jay Laga'aia, John Legend, Telly Leung, Norm Lewis, Reg Livermore, Rik Mayall, Tim Minchin, Paul Nicholas, Rory O'Donoghue, Doug Parkinson, Frances Ruffelle, Ben Vereen, Trevor White, Stevie Wright and John Paul Young. 

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. 

“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.” - The Guardian “Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”- The Daily Telegraph 

Produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live and 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. 

The Australian creative team comprises Associate Director Shaun Rennie, Musical Director Laura Tipoki, Resident Choreographer Bree Tipoki, Associate Lighting Designer Gavan Swift and Associate Sound Designer Michael Waters.