us tour jesus christ superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar

“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

RUN TIME: 90 minutes, with no intermission

AGE RECOMMENDATION: The show is recommended for ages 10 and up

Watch & Listen

PHOTOS BY EVAN ZIMMERMAN FOR MURPHYMADE

Stage and Cinema

Arts and Entertainment Reviews

Theater Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR (New Cast for 2022-2023 Tour)

by Maddalena Beltrami on December 31, 2022

in Theater-Los Angeles , Tours

I still have the soundtrack album that I bought when I was 14. I saw the movie when I was 16. I saw the Broadway Revival in my late teens. Today, just over fifty years after Jesus Christ Superstar premiered on Broadway, I had the pure pleasure of seeing it again at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. It’s a mash-up of rock concert stadium staging, lead actors holding microphones, music video, and Broadway-style production values and voices. With Shawn Gough ’s astoundingly tight music direction, Drew McOnie ’s hot-blooded aerobic choreography, Lee Curran ’s magical dramatic lighting, Tom Scutt ’s modern set and costumes, and a beautiful blend of vocals by an immense ensemble, this Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2016 production — updated for a 21st-century audience — is the closest thing you’ll get to heaven. It’s a fantastic production that mostly gets it right given the uneven casting.

There are 80+ recordings of  JC Superstar from over a dozen countries, not one of which in totality tops the original 1970 Concept Album. This North American tour, which runs well into 2023, returns to that raw street-wise power, and elucidates the timelessness of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score, still his best. Never intended to be an accurate portrait of Christ’s passion, the story is lyricist Tim Rice’s idea of what Judas’s thoughts and motivations may have been, not a Biblical portrayal at all.

Interestingly enough, as much as I loved it, the three leads are somewhat disappointing — if, that is, you are expecting a blend of rock star vocals and great acting. It may be the fault of Timothy Sheader’s direction, which gives Jesus, Mary, and Judas scant sense of backstory and relationship, of which there is precious little to begin with. The leads play second fiddle to the melee and get somewhat lost. Maybe Sheader — who wisely dropped the intermission — thought any of that would get in the way of his hurtling high-voltage trajectory. Thus, Jack Hopewell ’s Jesus — complete with man bun — simply isn’t asked to blow you away like Ted Neeley or Steve Balsamo did. His tenor is lovely and lyrical, and his expressiveness and unique vocal timbre are awesome, even as he is better suited for pop. Maybe his interpretation is supposed to be less threatening to the current mood than a tall Jesus with long locks that rocks his torment. And Faith Jones as Mary was all wrong for the part in stature and looks and definitely in voice. — a beautiful lush high range is needed for her songs.

Still, Elvie Ellis plays the betrayer with a perfect blend of Broadway chops and show biz savvy, even as he lacks distinction. Beeks is particularly dramatic in “Damned for All Time” (when accepting his cash for ratting on Jesus to Caiaphas) and in “Judas’s Death” when his guilt and grief ultimately consume his life (with the help of a noose, here a dangling orange mic cord). When he comes back from the dead, there’s enough super-rockin’ dynamism — and seriously tight back-up Soul Girls L’Oréal Roaché , Savannah Fisher , Lydia Eku  — to make you get a ticket to come back (there are many cities for this tour, but runs are painfully short, most a week, so act fast).

It’s the smaller roles that blew me away, and I could hear every lyric from Isaac Ryckeghem , who is not just slimy as Caiaphas, the High Priest of Israel, but he snatches those low bass notes and spears them through the back of your head. Kodiak Thompson turns the manipulative, bullying priest Annas into a Mordred-like villain, and Nicholas Hambruch is thrilling as Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea.

Mr. Scutt’s set design has a runway-like crucifix, especially effective when Caiaphas and his cronies crack down on Christ, and the orchestra is on levels behind the playing area. The main themes here — power struggles, control, greed — are remarkably clear, visceral and palpable. There is the 21st-century nail gun used instead of a hammer for the cross scene, and, as if to thrust us into the modern age’s divide between the haves and have-nots, Mr. Sheader has his players hurl sparkling gold dust at Jesus to represent each lash he receives. It’s a coup de théâtre, one of many in this most admirable revival.

photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Jesus Christ Superstar national tour Work Light Productions reviewed at  Hollywood Pantages  October, 2019 tour continues into 2020; for dates and cities,  visit JCS

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Saw it in Denver January 2024. I kept expecting the set to surprise me. But it was one of those raw sets where nothing moves, which I always find disappointing in a professional show. It looked good, but man I would have been thrilled if that big cross that they used as a stage rose up at the end. Nothing. I didn’t feel like there were too many standout performances and the choreography felt so robotic. I think all the singers holding microphones was weird and added to the music video vibe which I can see them going for, but it wasn’t working for us. Pilate, Caiaphas, and Judas were very good. I had never seen it live before, and didn’t really understand the point of that one dancer who stood out from everyone else and kind of thrusted her arms dramatically at everyone who was singing. What did she represent? I loved the silver-stained-hands idea for Judas. Mary didn’t have the passion I expected. I’m glad I saw it, but it didn’t wow me. Maybe they need to go back to its hippie/disco roots with the next revamp.

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CURRENT PRODUCTIONS:

50 th Anniversary of a Global Phenomenon…

Few albums had an impact the size of Jesus Christ Superstar. Within three years of its release in September 1970, it had spawned a Broadway and West End phenomenon, a London cast album and a box-office smash Hollywood film, and influenced many different rock operas that were to follow in its wake.

With this release, we take you back to a time when these bastions of the establishment were strictly underground, working with the cream of progressive rock at London’s Olympic Studios.

Stage your own production

Jesus Christ Superstar is available to academic schools, colleges and universities in the UK and Eire. The show is also available to academic and amateur groups in North America and in some other territories.

To find out if you may be eligible to stage your own production of Jesus Christ Superstar, please check our dedicated licensing website.

(262) 782-4430

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Furlan Auditorium Production

Jesus christ superstar.

• April 18, 2024 - May 5, 2024
• Furlan Auditorium Productions

TICKETS Musical Adults – $28 Seniors (60+), Students (13+), Military – $26 Child(12 and under) and Value Nights (April 18 & 24) – $14.00 Groups of 10 or more – $23

$3 per ticket fee for online order / $1 per ticket fee for phone order

Online sales close 1 hour prior to performance. Tickets may be purchased at Box Office window until showtime.

Late-comers will be seated in the back based on availability and may move to their reserved seats at intermission.

Tickets are final sale.

Note: water-based haze and fog are used throughout this show to create atmosphere 

What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for the professional stage, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has wowed audiences for more than 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, SUPERSTAR   follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire.

“A conceptual and artistic triumph.” – The New York Times

Cast Jesus – Joshua Pope Judas Iscariot – Jesse Weinberg Mary Magdalene – Natalie E Wikstrom Peter/Jesus Understudy – Sean Patrick Lambie Simon/Zealot – Nick Sweet Caiaphas – Tom Flanagan Pontius Pilate – Nicholas Callan Haubner Annas/Judas Understudy – Coltyn VonDeylen King Herod – Bob Fuchs James/Leper/Demon – Patrick Schneider John/Leper/Demon – Jordan Paullin Andrew/Leper – Ben Quartemont Phillip/Leper/Soldier 1 – Anthony Munar Matthew/Leper/Soldier 2 – Matthew Zietlow Thomas/Leper/Angel – Faith Klick James/Leper/Angel – Summer Kleppek Bartholomew/Leper/Angel – Abby Armstrong Check Thaddeus/Leper/Angel – Caitlin Lee Ensemble/Leper/Angel/Priest – Hannah Molitor Ensemble/Leper/Angel/Priest – Barbara Zaferos Ensemble/Leper/Maid/Angel/Priest – Margaret Teshner Dance Captain/Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Demon – Makenna Lemke Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Leper/Demon – Viktoria Feely Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Leper – Lorraine P Bueckers Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Leper/Demon – Theresa Guardiola Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Leper – Krystyna Jones Ensemble/Featured Dancer/Leper/Demon – Tova Blasberg

Production Team Director – Tommy Lueck Music Director – Mark Mrozek Assistant Music Director – Tim Karth Choreographer – Abby Rasmussen Stage Managers – Nikki Lueck & Brooke Olson Assistant Director – Nikki Lueck Set Design – Katie Johnson (KJ) Light Design – Matt Carr Costume Design – Lisa Quinn Sound Design – Scott Varga Props Design – Lynn Ludwig-Franitza & Susan Zuern

Pit Band Bass – Nicolas Buendia French Horn – Laura Clausing Drums – Tim Karth Reeds – Ken Kunz Guitar – Marshall Mauney Keyboards – Mark Mrozek Keyboards – Keith R. Smith Trumpet – Brett Westfahl

Lyrics by Tim Rice    Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals

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Jesus Christ Superstar

50th anniversary tour.

• Date Apr 29 , 2024
• Event Starts 7:30 PM
• Doors Open 6:30PM
• Venue Santander Performing Arts Center
• On Sale On Sale Now

Event Details

Jack Hopewell stars as Jesus, joined by Elvie Ellisas Judas and Faith Jonesas Mary. The tour also welcomes Grant Hodges as Caiphas, Nicholas Hambruchas Pilate, and Kodiak Thompson as Annas.The ensemble includes Ethan Hardy Benson, Joshua Bess, Jordan Wesley Brown, Jahlil M. Burke, Cooper Clack, Kalei Cotecson, Emma Cook, Lydia Eku, Savannah Fisher, Domanick Anton Hubbard, Haley Huelsman, Jeremy Makana Hurr, Brett Hennessey Jones, Lena Matthews, Hosea Mundi, L'Oréal Roaché, Colin Robertson, Darren James Robinson, Erich W. Schleck and Lauren Soto.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the North American tour of this iconic musical is helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie. Rounding out the creative team is costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, with aset based on original designs byTom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano, with music supervision by David Holcenbergand music direction by Mark Binns.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17th, 2021 a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and it’s continued success spanning an incredible 50 years. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre inconcert version during the summer of 2020.The 2022-2023 North American Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Group Information

Groups discounts available for parties of 10 or more! Contact  [email protected]  for more information! 

Related Links

• Jesus Christ Superstar Website
• Facebook Event

Chicago Theatre Review

Sunset playhouse’s jesus christ superstar offers an illuminated interpretation of the lloyd-webber classic rock opera.

In a time of elevated conflict in the Middle East, it might feel difficult to get too excited about a musical so deeply connected to the region and its conflicts. And yet… By the third bar of “What’s the Buzz,” I was captivated, if not totally transported. In this rendition of  Jesus Christ Superstar , Director Tommy Lueck deftly realizes the 70s rock opera, charming some truly stellar performances out of a remarkably diverse and capable cast– including Colton VonDeylen’s menacing Annas and a soaring solo from Nick Sweet’s Simon.

Joshua Pope’s Jesus is rendered with a tenderness befitting his gorgeous, if sometimes blunted, tenor voice. This, in satisfying contrast to Jesse Weinberg’s leather pants-clad Judas, whose rock ‘n’ roll tenor is full of texture and the kind of wailing riffs fit for any arena. Natalie Wikstrom was similarly delightful. Her Mary’s lovely, clear soprano singing forth her quiet wisdom and warmth, making even this underwritten role feel necessary and realized.

Perhaps the greatest stand out of the evening, however, was Nicholas Callan Haubner’s Pilate. In Haubner’s interpretation of the New Testament antagonist, we see a man trapped in the throes of his own internal reckoning: to do what is just or to simply fulfill his job. Pilate arrives— dramatically lit, looming large on the highest platform. An imposing man in military garb, he delivers the premonitions of “Pilate’s Dream” with just the right balance of confusion and fear, communicating such clear-eyed pathos through his remarkable tenor.

While performances like Haubner’s are more than worth the price of admission, the light direction can’t be praised enough. Exceptionally, thoughtfully conducted, the show’s dynamic lighting choices functioned as character unto itself, adeptly enriching scenes with emotional tonality. The show’s final moments were rendered especially effectively and memorably. From the first strains of “The Crucifixion,” to the last, this scene in particular, found its emotional footing in the carefully curated vision of lighting director Matt Carr.

Indeed, we are living in times of immense strife and conflict. Perhaps all the more reason to celebrate the act of creating, of making something better and new and beautiful. Go see Sunset’s  Jesus Christ Superstar  and you’ll be well on your way.

Highly Recommended

Sunset Playhouse 

700 Wall Street

Elm Grove, WI 53122

Box Office: 262-782-4431

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Cast Set for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Brightside Theatre

The production will run June 7 – 23.

Full cast and crew have been revealed for BrightSide Theatre’s upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the rock opera that has been wowing audiences for 50 years. BrightSide Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass will lead a of 21 actors in the ever-popular retelling of the last days of Christ by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice . Music Direction will be by Phil Videckis, and choreography by Jake Ganzer. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, since its release as a concept album in 1970, has enjoyed success as a stage musical (revived several times on Broadway and in London’s West End, as well as touring around the world for many years), a feature film and a live television broadcast. The BrightSide production will play from June 7 – 23, at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville. The press opening is Friday June 7 at 8 pm.   The cast directed by Jeffrey Cass will be led by Edward MacLennan of Bolingbrook as Jesus of Nazareth, Michael Davis Arnold of Chicago as Judas Iscariot, Meghan Kessel of Chicago as Mary Magdalene, Jon Cunningham of Schaumburg as Pontius Pilate, and Caleb Hand of Oak Forest as King Herod/Apostle/Roman Solider/First Priest. Playing key supporting roles are Stan Austin of Winfield as Caiaphas, Emma Widlowski of Park Ridge as Annas/Apostle, Tommy O’Brien of Chicago as Simon Zealotes, and Thomas Ferro of Mundelein as Peter.

The cast also includes Kassidy Alderman of Newark as Tormentor, Russell Badalamenti of Hoffman Estates as Pilate US/Roman Soldier/Apostle/3rd Priest, Julia Hope Budd of Chicago as Tormentor, Zach Gibson of Warrenville as Apostle, Amber Golich of Chicago as Tormentor, Erica Harrington of Westchester as Mary US,/Apostle, Erol Ibrahimovic of Chicago as Soldier/Apostle, Athena Kopulos of Chicago as Apostle, Mary Grace Martens of Chicago as Apostle, Thomas McMahon of Bradley as Apostle/Roman Soldier/Man by the Fire, Mary Schwark of Bradley as Apostle, and Shaina Summerville of Rolling Meadows as Maid by Fire/Apostle.

The production team for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR also includes Jeff Award nominee Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Design), Cheryl Newman (Costume Design), Tim Elliott (Sound Mixer), Jeff Sand (Technical Director), De Haddad (Stage Manager/Assistant Director), JJ O’Connell (Assistant Stage Manager), and Trent Bronson (Production Assistant). Scenic concept is by Jeffrey Cass .

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will be performed at Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).  

Chicago SHOWS

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Jesus Christ Superstar arrives at Mayflower theatre just in time for Easter

Jesus Christ Superstar has arrived at one of Hampshire's biggest theatres just in time for Easter.

The UK tour is in full swing and is director Timothy Sheader's reimagined take on the impressive musical which won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

It's safe to say I had high hopes. Jesus Christ Superstar is a powerful musical, exploring the psychology of humanity and success.

The first time saw an amateur production at university. A few years later I forced all my flatmates to watch the recorded production starring John Legend and Sara Bareilles. 

I've been waiting years to watch a professional production on stage and I was thrilled to see it was coming to Hampshire. 

READ MORE:  'Undeniable talent' in Welsh National Opera’s Death In Venice at the Mayflower

Understudy Jack Street took to the stage as Jesus, his quiet, moody take on the superstar elevated his mystery. The whole audience was captivated by 'Gethsemane' where the emotion was desperate and raw.

Hannah Richardson hit every note perfectly as Mary, each performance was dripping with emotion that was simply captivating. 

Jad Habchi was incredible as Caiaphas - every time he returned to the stage we knew we were in for a treat. The deep vocals mixed with the camp choreography was perfect. 

SEE MORE:  Blood Brothers is an emotional roller coaster that deserves every standing ovation

While some cast members brought the drama of the music - Ryan O'Donnell as Pilate specifically - it felt like some cast members were too cool for the words they were speaking. 

I found myself asking: Where is the anger? Where is the passion? I wish I had seen it throughout the whole production, rather than glimpses here and there. 

All in all, it is an impressive show to look at - you will not be left disappointed. The set is imposing, with a huge cross overlooking the audience and the lighting was simply stunning. 

Jesus Christ Superstar is at the Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, March 30. 

AN ALBUM THAT INSPIRED A REVOLUTION. A REVELATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. A REINVENTION FOR THIS MILLENNIUM.

Timothy Sheader  ( Crazy for You, Into the Woods ) directs this mesmerizing new production of the iconic global phenomenon,  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR  which which tours the UK from September 2023. Reimagined by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, it won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners  Tim Rice  and  Andrew Lloyd Webber , and with choreography by  Drew McOnie  ( King Kong, Strictly Ballroom ),  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR  is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘ I Don’t Know How to Love Him ’, ‘ Gethsemane ’ and ‘ Superstar ’.

Don’t miss your chance to see this “gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.” – The Guardian

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