On Stage: Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences around the world since debuting on stage in the 1970s.

A new production of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera continues this tradition.

As was the case in Sydney and Perth, where the show played before coming to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, standing ovations abounded on opening night.

Indeed, the audience was so enamoured with Michael Paynter’s performance of one of the show’s best-known songs, Gethsemane, he received two standing ovations, one mid song and one at the end!

The production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. It played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to London’s Regent Park Open Air Theatre in a concert version during the summer of 2020.

The rock concert ‘vibe’ in the production is evident  thanks in part to the use of hand-held microphones, many of which double as props.  And there is no dialogue – all actions and emotions are expressed through song, dance and the staging. At the same time all the ingredients which ensure the production counts as a stage show are still there.

Jesus Christ Superstar tells of the last week of the life of Jesus (Michael Paynter) as he leads his followers into Jerusalem, as seen through the eyes of one of his apostles – Judas (Javon King).

While Judas believes wholeheartedly in Jesus’ message, he is concerned that their movement is losing its focus and that it will be seen as a threat by the growing Roman Empire. He also doesn’t approve of Jesus’ relationship with Mary Magdalene (Mahalia Barnes).

In an attempt to address his concerns Judas turns to the Priests of Judea who feel threatened by the growing movement and convince him to help them bring an end to Jesus’ influence.

Jesus hosts a last supper with his followers at the Temple, where he reveals that he knows a betrayal is coming, and then goes to pray for strength.  He is subsequently arrested, beaten and taken to the courts of Pontius Pilate (Peter Murphy) and Herod (Reuben Kay) which ends in his crucifixion.

One of the joys of Jesus Christ Superstar is the platform it provides for its cast to shine and on opening night everyone did just that.

Paynter’s vocal range and prowess was there for all to hear. His voice and on-stage presentation clearly showed Jesus’ feelings of disillusionment, pain and suffering.

King’s performance as Judas was similarly expressive. More than most his performance highlighted the concert vibe of the production although occasionally the supporting music was so loud and his presentation so powerful and emotional the lyrics were hard to hear.

There were no such issues with Barnes’ performance of two of the show’s classic ballads – Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How to Love Him.  Every word was clear to hear and sung with emotion.  Both songs provided her the perfect opportunity to showcase her great voice.

One of the largest cheers on opening night came for Kaye’s satirical, drag-cabaret inspired performance as Herod.  Arriving on stage in a lavish gold cape and finishing in an equally colourful outfit, he clearly relished the role as did the audience!

The leads were ably supported by an ensemble that sung and danced with great enthusiasm and skill and a nine-piece band whose presentation of the music, while very loud at times, was equally as impressive.

The band was housed in multi-level industrial style balconies on stage. Together with a giant cross shaped walkway these two areas provided the basic set.  Imaginative lighting and some clever staging brought both areas to life. This included using sparkling gold glitter to represent the 39 lashes suffered by Jesus and silver paint dripping from Judas’ hands to depict the 30 pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus.

The staging together with the performances of the cast ensure those who have seen previous incarnations of Jesus Christ Superstar are unlikely to be disappointed with this new offering. For those who are new to its delights the production provides an excellent introduction.

Jesus Christ Superstar plays at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre until June 22.  It then opens at Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre on June 29.  For tickets and more information visit the Jesus Christ Superstar website.

*Photo credit: Jeff Busby

Jenny Burns attended the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar as a guest of the production company.