It’s opening night in Brisbane after a successful Australian tour, and there is no denying that Jesus Christ Superstar rises again. For those uninitiated, the action focuses on the final days of the man himself, culminating in his crucifixion. However, this is no ordinary bible story – nor ordinary musical; Jesus Christ Superstar is conceptual rock n roll, and this production brings the classic firmly into 2025, with the help of eminent Australian pop, rock and soul musicians, inspired choreography, and exemplary calibre of cast. This is a show even for people who don’t typically enjoy music theatre, while still delighting those of us who do.
I’ve seen Jesus Christ before, both the fantastic 1973 movie and an enjoyable high school production many years ago, which featured my sister in the orchestra. However, it has been long enough for me that events unfolding seem surprising and fresh, while I realize the master plan toward which they culminate. This interpretation feels right now but retains the campy strut and sensibility of early iterations; A feature of Jesus Christ Superstar is how well it translates into different eras, being so beautifully open to experimentation.
As Jesus, Michael Paynter’s singing is exceptional, with clarity, control and conviction. An experienced professional musician with success in the pop charts, this show is Paynter’s first foray into the musicals; While I consider that he grows in stature throughout the performance (he is firing on every cylinder in the second act), the more I think about it, his calm, innocent, nearly boy-like portrayal in the first act is an appropriate and effective character choice.
Mahalia Barnes as Mary is also new to musical theatre; However, JCSS can be fairly considered part of the rock realm, so more her world than most musical theatre. Like Paynter, she is a music industry veteran, and a beautiful interpreter of song; She gets to sing some of my personal favourites in this show, giving soulful tone and connection, while radiating wholesome beauty. Her duet with Peter (Tana Laga’aia) is notable, bringing some gentler reflection into the strident second act.
As the flamboyant Herod, Reuben Kaye’s beauty is somewhat less wholesome than Barnes’s, but nonetheless riotously evident. Kaye is a force of nature, and while his stage time is shorter than the other cast, his presence is indelible, eating up the stage with electric energy, sinister sexuality and some impressive vocal histrionics – spanning from gargle to whistle and back again. No stranger to controversy himself, and certainly willing to ‘go there’ (watch his 2023 interview on The Project re: his love of Jesus, if you’re unfamiliar/not easily offended), Kaye goes all out as Herod, his courage and charisma perfectly cast in the role.
Javon King as the maligned but misunderstood Judas blends exuberance and anguish into a very memorable portrayal. Judas gets some of the show’s absolute banger musical numbers, and King handles them royally, with soulful elevation and powerful falsetto. While remembered for his betrayal, Judas is a complex character with arguably noble intentions, who errs, then cannot bear the burden of his own conscience. King captures these contrasts with phenomenal energy, nuance and commitment.
Other especially memorable performances are given by Elliot Baker, oozing machismo as Caiaphas, and Graeme Isaako, giving grit and sincerity as Simon. The standard of the whole cast is superb, and the production feels alive and in the moment. This show is not about main members singing stationarily in the spotlight, but rather the entire cast exploding throughout the stage, creating texture and dynamism both visually and narratively.
Special mention must be given to Choreographer Bree Tipoki, for her input behind such a captivating feature of the show; The dance and movement bring fascinating life and shape to the stage, and to the story. The live band, costuming, stage design and lighting are all dialled into the highest professional standard. As a whole, Jesus Christ Superstar gives life, as the plot takes one away. Yet, there are no sins to speak of; The shows deeper commentary on society’s casual detachment, desensitization and perverse voyeurism toward the suffering of one we raise up only to smack down – is thought provoking. Each distinct element blends vibrantly to create a modern, mesmerizing and immersive experience, that should not be missed.
To book tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar, please visit https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/jesus-christ-superstar.
Photographer: Jeff Busby
