PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS ANNOUNCED WITH MORE SYDNEY PERFORMANCES OF JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Two principal cast members for the Australian tour of the award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated rock musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR have been revealed today.
Internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye will play Herod. Hailing from Melbourne, Reuben has captivated global audiences with his electrifying performances and unapologetically bold persona. His standout shows, The Butch is Back, Live and Intimidating and EnGORGEd, backed by an 18-piece orchestra, have all received critical acclaim and solidified his status as a major name in comedy and cabaret across the globe.
The role of Pilate will be played by Peter Murphy in Sydney and Perth. Peter has performed in major shows and live concerts throughout Australia and the world for over 20 years. Highlights include starring as Galileo in We Will Rock You (London and Japan), Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar
(Scandinavian tour), Nick Piazza in Fame, Featured Vocalist in Thriller – Live and Burn the Floor, and the Australian tours of Les Misérables, Rent and Shout!.
These talented artists join Michael Paynter (in Sydney and Melbourne) and Robert Tripolino (in Perth) as Jesus, Javon King as Judas and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. Caiaphas will be played by Elliot Baker and Annas by John O’Hara. The talented group of artists who comprise the ensemble and swings are 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.
Due to enormous demand, new tickets for performances in Sydney have been released for sale. The Sydney season at the Capitol Theatre will now run from 6 November through until 19 January.
Producer John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers, said: “I am thrilled to be bringing this award winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much loved musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR to Australia with this extraordinary cast. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has created a fresh and bold new version of a beloved classic which will enthrall both longtime fans of the show and delight those seeing it for the very first time.
“Australia has a deep affection for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and the ticket sales and interest in this new production are proving that. I can’t wait for rehearsals to begin next week to see this powerhouse cast bring new life to the songs we know and love.
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.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’s iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971. The original Australian production opened at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney in May 1972, followed by seasons at the Palais Theatre, Melbourne and other cities, playing for more than 700 performances. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus for an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut. An Australian arena tour featuring John Farnham, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Angry Anderson, Russell Morris and John Waters toured Australia in 1992 to sell-out performances.
This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.
“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.” – The Guardian
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”- The Daily Telegraph
Produced by John Frost and David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR features lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.
The Australian creative team comprises Associate Director Shaun Rennie, Musical Director Laura Tipoki, Resident Choreographer Bree Tipoki, Associate Lighting Designer Gavan Swift and Associate Sound Designer Michael Waters.
www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au
@JesusChristSuperstarAu
SYDNEY SEASON
Venue Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Season From 6 November
Performance Times Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri- Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
PERTH SEASON
Venue Crown Theatre
Season From 13 February
Performance Times Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
MELBOURNE SEASON
Venue Princess Theatre
Season From 16 March
Performance Times Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri- Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au or phone 1300 111 011
Groups 8+ call (03) 9299 9873 or email groups@marrinergroup.com.au
BIOGRAPHIES
Reuben Kaye is an internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer, renowned for his sharp wit, fearless political commentary and dynamic stage presence. Hailing from Melbourne, Reuben has captivated global audiences with his electrifying performances and unapologetically bold persona. His work has amassed millions of views on social media platforms and earned him notable TV appearances on shows such as Spicks and Specks (ABC), the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Galas (ABC), Celebrity Letters and Numbers (SBS), The Apprentice: You’re Fired with Tom Allen (BBC), Kids React to Drag (Channel 4), Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable (DAVE), Q+A (ABC) and Pointless UK (BBC).
Reuben’s journey in the entertainment world is decorated with numerous accolades, including multiple Best Cabaret Awards, 2024’s Adelaide Cabaret ICON award, 2023’s Best Cabaret Show Off West End, 2022’s Green Room’s Best Production & Artiste award, and many more. His standout shows, The Butch is Back, Live and Intimidating and EnGORGEd, backed by an 18-piece orchestra, have all received critical acclaim and solidified his status as a major name in comedy and cabaret. Reuben continues to create, evolve and progress new and exciting shows and has introduced his most recent spectacle Apocalipstik. Part eulogy, part elegy, part Eastern Bloc Dog Day Afternoon, the show is an ode to a modern-day apocalypse which is skillfully intertwined with the story of Reuben’s uncle surviving through East Berlin post WW2. His shows have travelled the world, visiting Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal Just for Laughs, along with touring across the UK and Europe, compelling and fascinating fans in every destination.
Known for his magnetic stage presence and unique storytelling, Reuben masterfully blends humour, music, and powerful messages. As a strong advocate for the LBGTQIA+ community, he is an adored and inspirational member that continuously represents and uplifts his community on and off the stage.
Peter has been performing in major shows and live concerts throughout Australia and the world for the past 20 years. Highlights include the Australian national tours of Les Misérables, Rent and Shout!, as well as starring as Nick Piazza in Fame, Johnny O’Keefe in Shout!, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (Scandinavian Tour), Featured Vocalist in Thriller – Live (UK, Australian & European Tours) and Featured Vocalist in Burn the Floor (Atlantic City). He also starred as Galileo in We Will Rock You on London’s West End, performing with Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen and reprising the role he performed for two seasons in Japan. Most recently Peter starred in the Irish dance sensation Eireborne on its 2022 national tour.
Behind the scenes, Peter has acted as Show Director at Resorts World Sentosa, been the 2IC for the production team of Festival 2018, headed the Entertainment Services Department at Jupiters Hotel & Casino and joined the Short + Sweet Festival in 2015 as Assistant Festival Manager. He is currently Creative Director of Monumental Entertainment, writing, directing and supplying entertainment to major events across the country and internationally.
