Making it’s return to Melbourne after almost a decade, Jesus Christ Superstar opens at the Princess Theatre on Thursday March 20th, and it will leave you saying ‘Oh my god!’.

With a star studded cast, and songs audiences have known and loved for over 50 years, Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing with a mesmerising new production that has received unprecedented acclaim and accolades during its US and UK tours, including an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, and Australian audiences are in for a treat of local talent.

This must-see musical features one of Australia’s most well-respected musicians and acclaimed recording artist, Michael Paynter as Jesus. Joining them are the dynamic musical theatre star Javon King as Judas and soul and blues powerhouse, Mahalia Barnes, as Mary. Globally renowned comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye plays Herod and rock theatrical star Peter Murphy portrays Pilate.

Captured at the private media event, Cameron was able to photograph and film archives of the numbers. If you haven’t been convinced to buy a ticket just yet, then watch and listen to the rock-inspired Australian cast perform Heaven On Their Minds, which transitions into Whats The Buzz, here:

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar dramatises the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life through the perspective of Judas.

Javon King takes on the role of Judas with power and with pride. His portrayal of the ‘good guy / bad guy’ is none other than breathtaking. From listening to him singing Heaven On Their Minds, you gain just a glimpse at the talent Javon holds, to be able to belt such accurate riffs with precise tonality.

Watch Mahalia in her element here:

The ensemble make a significant impact on the show’s enormous energy. With a wonderful cast of familiar names and faces, you’ll find the following ensemble members playing all kinds of roles such as disciples, townspeople, guards, lepars, and lovers.

Included in the company is Joshua Dormor, Darcey Eagle, Josh Gates, Sam Harmon, Melanie Hawkins, Marie Ikonomou, Graeme Isaako, Ethan Jones, Tana Laga’aia, Bella Massey, Danielle Matthews, Calista Nelmes, Gus Noakes, Stellar Perry, Nathan Pinnell, Daniel Raso, Clay Roberts, Henry Rollo, Josh Spiniello, Bree Tipoki, Jordan Tomijenovic, and Nic Van Lits.

The performances from the entire cast were out-of-this-world. The voices of the leading artists are unlike anything you’ll ever hear again in another musical. This rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar is a perfect revival of a timeless classic, that celebrates rock heritage and superstar lifestyle.

Opening Night on Thursday March 20th went something like this:

Scream. Applaud. Standing ovation. Applaud. Awestruck. Laughing. Hype hype hype. Applaud. Standing ovation. With a few more applauses and standing ovations in between.

The red carpet theme for the Opening Night celebration was themed ‘rock star’, and rock stars attending included VIP guests such as Rhys Nicholson, Kat Stewart, Silvie Paladino, Tilly Capulet, Michelle Brasier, and Alinta Chidzey [who was actually The Production Company’s Mary for their 2017 production of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Arts Centre]. You can find the full list of photos from the night over on the Parenthesy facebook page, and download them directly.

Jesus Christ Superstar is another iconic production brought to you by John Frost for Crossroads Live, and is set to play at The Princess Theatre from March through to June, before travelling to Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre in July.

Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar are on sale and can be purchased by heading to https://jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au/

Images and video captured by Cameron Grant.

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