Australian producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has announced the lead cast for the upcoming Australian tour of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar. The lead cast has been confirmed to include:
Michael Paynter will take on the title role of Jesus. Paynter, an international recording artist, is known for his work with the classic Australian band Icehouse and his performances with artists such as Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem, and 5 Seconds of Summer. He has extensive touring experience both in Australia and internationally.
Javon King will portray Judas. King impressed audiences as Seaweed J. Stubbs in the Australian tour of Hairspray. His other theatre credits include The Inheritance at fortyfivedownstairs and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Chapel off Chapel, for which he won a Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also toured the USA and internationally as Angel in the anniversary tours of Rent.
Mahalia Barnes will make her stage debut as Mary. Barnes, a powerhouse soul and blues vocalist, performs with her band The Soul Mates and has toured with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams. She has also collaborated with musicians such as Joe Bonamassa, Liam Gallagher and more.
Additionally, the producers have announced new seasons in Perth and Melbourne. The Perth season will commence in February 2025 at the Crown Theatre, while the Melbourne season will begin in March 2025 at the Princess Theatre. Tickets for these new performances will soon be available, with priority access offered through a waitlist on the official website.
Commenting on the announcement, John Frost shared:
I am delighted that Michael, Javon and Mahalia are joining the cast of this award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. SUPERSTAR is a loved and cherished rock opera, and they are all extraordinary singers and musicians who will bring their unique experience and talent to these roles. I’m so looking forward to hearing them singing in rehearsals those classic songs like Heaven On Their Minds, What’s the Buzz and I Don’t Know How To Love Him.
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.
