Pre-sale tickets are now available for the Brisbane season of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, with general public sales starting this Friday. The production will open at Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre at QPAC on 29 June 2025. Fans eager to secure seats can find more information on all legs of the Australian tour via the musical’s official website.
Based on the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which is more traditional than the modern “Arena” version which featured the likes of Tim Minchin a decade ago and now available on DVD/Blu-ray, this production offers a fresh yet faithful take on the classic rock opera, emphasizing its dramatic storytelling and intimate staging while retaining the powerful musicality that has captivated audiences for generations.
The Brisbane performances follow the current Sydney season, which concludes on 26 January 2025, with subsequent runs at Perth’s Crown Theatre and Melbourne’s Princess Theatre before arriving at QPAC.
The title role of Jesus is performed by Michael Paynter, known for his work with iconic Australian bands like Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes’ band. Playing Judas is Javon King, who recently impressed audiences as Seaweed in Hairspray. Mahalia Barnes, renowned for her powerhouse soul and blues vocals, makes her stage debut as Mary. Other members of the principal cast include Reuben Kaye as Herod, Brisbane local Peter Murphy as Pilate, Elliot Baker as Caiaphas, and John O’Hara as Annas.
Producer John Frost expressed his enthusiasm for the show’s reception, stating:
I am delighted at the overwhelming audience and critical praise of this bold new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Our powerhouse cast led by Michael, Javon and Mahalia are receiving a standing ovation every performance. Brisbane, get your tickets now before it sells out!
