JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Reimagined, Restaged, Reborn
Those three words above probably sum it up best; this show is a modern take on JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and it has rocked into Berwick as the latest production by Upstage Theatre Company and its set in the ruthless world of Hollywood in 2026 – yep, right now!
The Synopsis reads: the meteoric rise of Jesus, a global celebrity whose message of hope captivates millions through social media. As his influence grows, the powerful Priests, elite studio executives controlling the entertainment industry, see him as a threat to their empire. Judas fears fame is corrupting the movement, while producer Pontius Pilate struggles between public opinion and personal conscience. Director King Herod turns suffering into spectacle for ratings and clicks. In a world driven by cancel culture, celebrity obsession, and viral outrage, one question remains; who controls the narrative?
It’s a good thing I read that to my mother-in-law sitting beside me before the show started, because she may have thought ‘what???’ otherwise (huge fan of original show way back when it first came to Melbourne). Expectations of this show are high, so I am very pleased to say she was smiling and toe tapping many times, accepting the new look of modern clothing, mobile phones, social media updates by screen in the background and even very loud music. In her 80s now, I think that is a really good testament. She loved it!
I hadn’t seen the show before, this version, nor an original, so I had not a prior to compare it with, but this one was probably far more interactive. The music is the same of course, and doing that justice for power in vocals are four soaring voices of Jordan Poyser (Jesus Christ), Lilliana Braumberger (Judas Iscariot), Jessica La Mari (Mary Magdalene), Scott J Hili (Pontius Pilate) and Cathy Lee Lord (King Herod).
‘Jesus’ is portrayed by Jordan perfectly in this modernization. I’ve seen Jordan before but not in role like this one. He smashes those biblical times into the future as if it were here and now and I must say by ‘The Crucifixion’ everyone is blown away by his voice.
‘Judas’ has an opening that is just the beginning of a major role Lilliana trumps at every scene. I look in the program and note it’s a dream role for her, so can definitely tick that one off!
‘Mary’ has Jessica show incredible talent raising the bar each time she has the stage and it couldn’t be possible anyone could have played her better. When she sings ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ it’s the type of listening sensation that goes right through you.
‘Pilate’ in Pilate’s Dream sees Scott sound with conviction and the ensemble pair the nightmare into a modern twist of action.
‘King Herod’ is a scene stealer for Cathy who plays the role today. She is outstanding! Also loved the costuming in ‘King Herod’s Song’ in particular and the “tap break” was my favourite part if I had to recall one single minute where I was thinking to myself “this show has everything”. I’m a sucker for a Charleston wherever it lands in any show. With an older audience primarily attending, I’m guessing there were many jigging along with my mother-in-law.
Finally, 39 whips; Jordan made every one of them look a little different to the last and the comments on a digital screen above (like a live feed) “how is Jesus still trending?” made this scene actually quite interesting and entertaining, even though the topic is horrendous and blood costuming was good!!
You won’t be disappointed if you like the original version as my mother-in-law proved and if you’re new to it (or younger) there’s appeal in it all from crazy head gear getups to taking “selfies” with a dying Jesus. I just don’t know how to explain that and make it sound OK (art with a strong message), but the show will take you there.
The entire cast is to be commended!
Impressed shout out too for the band, there’s nothing like this music to wake you up!
CAST
Jesus Christ – Jordan Poyser
Judas Isacariot – Lilliana Braumberger
Mary Magdalene – Jessica La Mari
Pontius Pilate – Scott J Hili
King Herod – Cathy Lee Lord (also played by special guest artists Jonno White, Kirsty Nisbet, Julia Roper, Cody Riker)
Caiaphas – Bernadette Hughes
Annas – Rebecca O’Connor
Simon Zelotes – Trystan Warren-Smith
Peter – Shona Andrew Williams
John – Ryan Hughes
James – Tania Hallisey
Thaddius – Jessica Rawlins
Matthew – Megan Truong
Andrew – Felicity Field
Nathaniel – Shelby Dixon-Wright
Priests – Grace Jasinski, Lisa Maddford, Christine James, Kylie Greenaway
Dancers – Katherine Gloss, Lana Kleesh, Sara Cullen
BAND – Sean Lambert (Conductor), Lenni Hui, Monique Kuhn, Bradley Marshall (keyboards), Dan Johnson and Darryl Thompson (guitars), Isaac Parsons (base), Kevin Woodhouse (reeds), Kevin Close (horn), Noah Robertson (trumpet), Conor Bruce (drums), Leonie Daly-Turner (percussion)
VENUE: Tony Sheumack Centre for Performing Arts, 92 Kangan Dve (enter gate 2), part of Beaconhills College is a superb venue with well tiered and very comfortable seating. They ran a canteen before show and at interval and their colour program is great! So important to support community theatre in every aspect, so grab that cuppa or choctop.
Tickets and more information via: https://www.upstagetheatrecompany.com/
To book tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar, please visit https://www.upstagetheatrecompany.com/.
