New cast members have been announced for the upcoming Australian tour of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar. As of writing, three legs of the national tour have been confirmed, with the season to commence at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on 6 November 2024, followed by a shorter Perth season commencing at the Crown Theatre on 13 February 2025, and finally a Melbourne season at the Princess Theatre starting 16 March 2024.
Elliot Baker, who recently performed as Don Attilio in The Phantom of the Opera at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, will take on the role of Caiaphas. John O’Hara, known for his portrayal of Phil Spector in the Australian tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, has been cast as Annas. Robert Tripolino, who starred as Jesus in the UK production of Jesus Christ Superstar, will reprise the role during the Perth season, with Michael Paynter performing as Jesus in Sydney and Melbourne.
The ensemble cast for the production includes Joshua Dormor, Darcey Eagle, Josh Gates, Samuel Harmon, Melanie Hawkins, Marie Ikonomou, Graeme Isaako, Ethan Jones, Tana Laga’aia, Bella Massey, Danielle Matthews, Calista Nelmes, Adam Noviello, Stellar Perry, Nathan Pinnell, Daniel Raso, Clay Roberts, Josh Spiniello, Bree Tipoki, and Liam Wigney.
These performers join the previously announced leads Michael Paynter as Jesus (Sydney and Melbourne), Javon King as Judas, and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. Casting for the roles of Pilate and Herod have yet to be confirmed, and will be announced at a later date.
The tour’s producer, John Frost, expressed his excitement about the additional casting:
I am elated with the strong, dynamic performers who are joining Michael, Javon and Mahalia in the cast of this award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. The vocal and choreographic demands of the roles are enormous, plus some of the cast play instruments on stage, so it has been a huge challenge to cast the show. But we’ve found a powerhouse cast for this rock opera who are going to blow the roof off the theatre eight times a week.
He also reflected on the enduring popularity of the musical in Australia:
Australia has deep affection for SUPERSTAR, from the original concept album which was played in every household, to the original production starring Trevor White and Jon English, through to the sold out-arena performances starring John Farnham and Kate Ceberano. We have an extraordinary cast to bring to life this fresh and bold new version. It will enthrall both longtime fans of the show and delight those seeing it for the very first time.
Citing high demand, new tickets for the Sydney performances have been released, with the season extended to run from 6 November through to 12 January at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets for the Melbourne season at the Princess Theatre are currently on sale, while the Perth season at the Crown Theatre will go on pre-sale starting tomorrow.
