'Judas' is Back; Josh Young Returns to JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for Opening Night Tonight

As previously reported, Josh Young, who is starring as 'Judas' in Broadway's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR after originating the role in both the Startford and La Jolla productions of the show (receiving rave reviews in both cities), has been out of the show since March 20th, missing multiple critics performances. His role has been played by Jeremy Kushnier in his absence. 

BroadwayWorld has now learned that Young is feeling much better and will be back in the show tonight for the highly anticipated opening performance.

A statement from Young's rep was released earlier this week stating; "It was extremely unfortunate timing that Josh became sick over the past week. He has been with JCS since its inception in Canada and was saddened that this happened at such a crucial time and rendered him unable to perform. Josh is waiting for his doctor to clear him to rejoin the cast. Nothing brings him more joy than performing the role of Judas with this amazing company of actors and he cannot wait to return to his work" 

Young's previous credits include Connie in The Grapes of Wrath, Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita (Che),Kiss Me, Kate (Paul) at the Stratford Festival. Elsewhere, he's appeared in Les Misérables (Marius, U.S. tour), West Side Story (Tony, 50th-anniversary international tour), A Little Night Music (Henrik, Baltimore Center Stage). Training: Pennsylvania Governors School for the Arts; BFA, Syracuse University.

His awards include a 2010 Broadway World Toronto Award (best actor in a musical) for Che in Evita. Website: Visit www.josh-young.com, iTunes or the Theatre Store to pick up Josh's self-titled debut album or Still Dreaming of Paradise, a mix of re-imagined Broadway songs and pop classics (due out in August).

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Artistic Director and 2-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opens tomorrow night March 22, 2012 (previews began March 1) at the Neil Simon Theatre. 

The cast features Paul Nolan as Jesus Christ, Josh Young as Judas Iscariot, Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene, Tom Hewitt as Pontius Pilate, Bruce Dow as King Herod, Marcus Nance as Caiaphas and Aaron Walpole as Annas.

Also in the cast: Matt Alfano as Thaddeus, Mary Antonini as Elizabeth, Karen Burthwright as Ruth, Jacqueline Burtney as Mary (Martha's Sister), Mark Cassius as Matthew, Ryan Gifford as Bartholomew, Kaylee Harwood as Sarah, Jeremy Kushnier as James the Lesser/Priest, Mike Nadajewski as Peter, Melissa O'Neil as Martha/Maid by the Fire, Laurin Padolina as Rachel, Katrina Reynolds as Esther, Jaz Sealey as Thomas, Jason Sermonia as John, Julius Sermonia as James, Lee Siegel as Simon Zealotes, Jonathan Winsby as Phillip, Sandy Winsby as Andrew, and Nick Cartell, Krista Leis, Matthew Rossoff and Matt Stokes as swings.

Ticket prices (including the $2 facility fee) range from $62-$99 for previews (March 1-March 21), $62-$142 for performances March 22 onward.

Now through March 24: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Tuesday at 7pm; matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm (note, curtain is at 8pm on Tuesday, March 6). Opening night curtain on March 22 is at 6:45pm. Beginning March 27: Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at 3pm.