Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Tim Rice
Produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live – Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Jesus Christ Superstar has opened at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre and the original, iconic rock opera is just as impressive now as it was when it first opened in the 1970s. This new production has played to critical acclaim both in the US and UK (where it picked up an Olivier award for best musical revival) and in this Australian iteration features an outstanding Aussie cast led by Michael Paynter, Javon King, Mahalia Barnes, Reuben Kaye and Peter Murphy.
I have very vivid memories of seeing the stellar Australian revival in the early 1990s lead by none other that national treasures John Farnham, Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens. The original 1972 Australian production made superstars out of Trevor White, John English and Marcia Hines but this production directed by Timothy Sheader is a Superstar for today and lands quite differently in the current political landscape where countries are faced with war, discrimination, intolerance, religious persecution and the rise of far right nationalism.
Powerful performances from the cast along with excellent choreography by Drew Mconie, a sparse but cleverly designed set by Tom Scutt, effective lighting design by Lee Curran which really aided the story telling and thunderous, booming sound design from Nick Lidster all came together to create the overwhelming feel of a massive stadium rock concert without losing the relative intimacy of Sydney’s stunning Capitol Theatre.
Michael Paynter’s Jesus is incredible in this role and was vocally reminiscent of the Whispering Jack era John Farnham brimming with both passion and pain. Paynter’s ability to connect with his audience and make them feel every single ounce of emotion in this incredibly complex role is something that one rarely experiences in the theatre. His rendition of Gethsemane brought Thursday’s opening night audience to its feet for a rapturous standing ovation in the middle of the song. The 39 lashes scene, although presented abstractly, was horrifying to watch and Paynter’s portrayal, particularly here, was heart wrenching. This scene and the climax of the show, the crucifixion, brought tears to many eyes and lumps in many throats of those watching. To put it simply, the pain here was palpable.
Javon King as the conflicted Judas Iscariot is the glue that holds Superstar together – indeed the story is told through his eyes. The challenge for any actor taking on this role is to portray him in such a way that he is not viewed as a villain, but rather a victim of destiny – who had to do what he did in betraying Christ. King does exactly this making the audience feel anger, disgust and pity in equal measures. King is an agile performer with star power and takes the audience with him on a journey which can end in no other way.
Mahalia Barnes’ Mary Magdalene has the voice of angel with the power of a choir of angels. An accomplished vocalist (both as a live performer and recording artist for many years now), Barnes brings a different point of view to her Mary Magdalene. She seems more worldly, wise and matter-of-fact than previous Marys, and as the Superstar’s singular female character, grounds the show and is very much its heart. This is particularly evident in her stunning Everything’s Alright, Mary’s signature number I Don’t Know How To Love Him and my personal favourite: Could We Start Again Please (sung with disciple Peter played by an impressive Tana Laga’aia).
Peter Murphy’s Pontius Pilate is both menacing and scary, even more so when backed up by his quartet of “evil” priests. His character relishes in his role as Caesar’s hand in Jerusalem and performs it with the cold, ruthless determination, for the glory of Caesar.
The cameo role of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar is the comic relief in an otherwise heavy second act but internationally renowned comedian, singer, writer Reuben Kaye takes it to the next level in this production. Kaye’s performance is nothing short of electric. In Superstar, Herrod tries to make Jesus prove his divinity by performing miracles but Jesus ignores him. Kaye commands every square inch of the Capitol stage. He is campy and over the top yes, but also petulant, arrogant, ruthless and single minded. It was a joy to watch such an accomplished performer do what he does best. And Kaye does it better than almost anyone and very nearly steals the show in the process. If an Australian tour of the new production of Cabaret (currently on Broadway originally starring Eddie Redmayne and now Adam Lambert) eventuates, Reuben Kaye could very well consider his performance in Superstar as his audition for the titular role of the Emcee.
The story of Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the best known stories in history. What this production does is interpret it in a very modern context with a stunningly impactful production and a stellar Australian cast. A tale as old as time? This Superstar is a tale for the world we’re currently living in.
Jesus Christ Superstar is produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live and plays Sydney’s Capitol Theatre through 26 January after which it commences an Australian tour playing Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Photos: Jeff Busby
In his past lives, Damien was a drag queen and musical theatre actor. He made his stage debut as a fat cow in a school production of Joseph in 1984. He holds a BA with a major in drama from the University of Newcastle. He is completely obsessed with musical theatre – especially Broadway divas.
Since relocating to Sydney at the beginning of 2024, he attends every musical he can get to and lives with his partner and grumpy 12-year-old poodle.
His claim to fame is that he once met Patti Lupone in New York and she was nice to him.