Tag: Jesus Christ Superstar

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jesus Christ Superstar @ Capitol Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 4 December 2024

I’m easing myself back into work thanks to the wonders of speech-to-text technology. First on my to-do list was sharing my thoughts on the wonderful production of Jesus Christ Superstar playing in Eora/Sydney at the moment. I had tickets to the show the day after my car accident, so I was a bit sore and sorry as I bundled myself onto the train, but I’m so glad I pushed through the pain. I’ve seen three or four productions of Superstar over the years, and this was definitely among the best.

I felt excitement bubbling up as the familiar “Overture” began. Then with “Heaven on Their Minds” we were introduced to the incredible Javon King as Judas. What a great voice he has. What a presence. I didn’t know him before this production, but I will watch his career closely from now on. The entire cast was sensational. The casting of Mahalia Barnes as Mary was one of the key draw cards for me, and she did not disappoint. She brought such a beautiful warmth and heart to the role, and what a voice she has. I was also really excited to see Reuben Kaye playing Herod. He was brilliant. Honestly he may be my favourite Herod ever. He had just the right blend of humour and malice. My parents weren’t familiar with him but they walked away fans. I was also really impressed by Peter Murphy’s Pilate. Unfortunately Michael Paynter didn’t appear in our matinee. While the understudy was great, I was really looking forward to his Jesus. I also wonder whether Michael’s voice may have contrasted better with Javon’s. JC simply works better when you can hear the difference between Jesus and Judas.

This production feels so new and fresh. The music doesn’t seem to age. The energy of the cast is palpable. I also really liked artistic choices like bringing the microphones into the scenes and having the crucifix as a key part of the set. The use of glitter was very effective in places, although I’m not sure it was as powerful as it should have been while Jesus received his lashes. Overall, I think the team behind this version of JC has done an incredible job. Whether you’re a long-time fan like many or new to the musical, make sure you don’t miss it.

Jesus Christ Superstar will play at the Capitol Theatre until January 26. It’ll then head to Boorloo/Perth in February and play Naarm/Melbourne in March before travelling to Meeanjin/Brisbane in June.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jesus Christ Superstar @ Entertainment Centre, Sydney – 8 June 2013

It’s been more than twenty years since a major stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar graced Australian theatres. That makes me feel old, and also believe that the revamp was long overdue. So I couldn’t want to see where the creators would take the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical this month. I’d heard whispers of course, as word trickled through from London. I knew it was edgier, more modern, but I wasn’t prepared for how dramatically different this version was from the one I enjoyed in my youth. Such a shakeup can be dangerous, but in the case of JC Superstar it was inspired.

Rather than placing an orchestra in the pits, organisers put rock musicians to the side of the tiered stage, so close to the action. Those historical costumes were largely gone, replaced with street clothes that wouldn’t have appeared out of place in RENT. Videos beamed onto the back screen alluding to YouTube, game shows, tabloid news.

But at the centre of it all, we had a stellar cast and incredible songs. Those are the key elements that can’t be messed with. They grounded the production and ensured the largely older audience stayed connected despite the contemporary changes. Tim Minchin was predictably Judas. He showed he’s got much more than comedy chops, attacking the complex role of Judas with relish. Ben Forster is a real find. My mum, a three-time JC veteran, said his version of “Gethsemane” was the best she’s witnessed. That song is such a pivotal moment in the musical, and it was played out exquisitely. How exciting to see a Spice Girl furthering her craft rather than cashing in with roles on mediocre reality TV. Mel C held her own against some theatre veterans. I was also impressed with Andrew O’Keefe, who played to his strengths with his glitzy “Lord or Fraud” game show take on “King Herod’s Song.”

The first half was satisfying but the final act was gutwrenching. The production didn’t back away from the horror of the story, and even added some nasty bits for good measure. It wasn’t pretty, but it was inspired.

What a shame more young people didn’t make it to this production. As I looked out at the predominantly grey-haired audience I couldn’t help thinking of how much Gen Y would have enjoyed this thoroughly modern take on classic musical theatre.