Award-winning musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is rocking the Capitol Theatre from the 6th of November.
With lyrics from Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been a long running success. First released as a concept album, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR debuted on Broadway in 1971 and quickly took flight, grossing over $200 million by 1980. Since, the musical has repeatedly featured on Broadway, on the West End stage, and recently revitalised for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
In 2016, this new revitalised version of the musical won the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, and the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2017.
‘Australia has a deep affection for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR,’ says Producer John Frost from Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. ‘Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has created a fresh and bold new version of a beloved classic.’
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR loosely follows the Passion story, the Apostles of Christ, and the betrayal of Judas. Incorporating rock opera and contemporary slang to give a modern twist, the musical recounts the political events and characters in the New Testament story.
For the Sydney production, Michael Paynter will be Jesus, Javon King will be Judas, and Mahalia Barnes is Mary Magdalene. Peter Murphy is Pontius Pilate and High Priest Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker.
In the ensemble is Sam Harmon, a performer hailing from Hornsby Heights. Educated at St Leo’s Catholic College, Sam was involved in all his school performances.
‘The good thing about the North Shore is there are so many community theatre opportunities,’ says Sam. ‘I did a lot of shows with the Sydney Youth Musical Theatre, and I caught the theatre bug.’
Since graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sam has appeared in Rent as a cover, an understudy in The Marvellous Elephant Man, in the Metropolis ensemble, Harry in Kinky Boots, and Justin Bieber in The Bieber Fever Tribute Show.
‘This show is unlike anything Australia has experienced, and it is going to rock audiences. It’s one of those timeless stories,’ says Sam. ‘No matter what your background is, what you believe in, or where your faith sits, people can walk away with their own thoughts and feelings. The heart of the story is love, passion for community, and a sense of bringing people together and uplifting values.’
The Sydney season is running from the 6th of November 2024 to the 19th of January 2025.
For more information, visit jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au