JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Begins Its Australian Tour Tonight

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The long awaited return to Australia of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has arrived. The award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of this audience favourite begins its Australian tour tonight at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre where it first opened in 1972.

In the title role of Jesus for the Sydney season 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. Javon King, who astounded audiences last year for his role as Seaweed in the Australian tour of Hairspray, will play Judas. 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.

Internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye is Herod. Hailing from Melbourne, Reuben has captivated global audiences with his electrifying performances and unapologetically bold persona. In the role of Pilate is Peter Murphy who has performed in major shows and live concerts throughout Australia and the world for over 20 years, including Galileo in We Will Rock You, Nick Piazza in Fame and the Australian tours of Les Misérables, Rent and Shout!.

Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker, most recently seen as Don Attilio in The Phantom of the Opera at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, 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, Bree Tipoki and Liam Wigney.

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.

Producer John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers, said: “I am delighted to be bringing Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR back to Australia, playing in its original home at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Australia has a deep love for SUPERSTAR, 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, Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano in the 1990s.

“We have an extraordinary powerhouse cast to bring to life this fresh and bold new version, led by Michael, Javon and Mahalia. They have almost blown the roof off the theatre during our dress rehearsals, and I can’t wait for Sydney audiences to experience the show at the first performance tonight. It will thrill longtime fans of SUPERSTAR and delight those seeing it for the very first time. Get your tickets now before it sells out!”