RIALTO CHATTER: Biblical Battle? JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Headed Back to Broadway?

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Avon Theatre this past Friday June 3rd to outstanding reviews. Audience and critics alike raved about this magnificent new take on the now four decade old show. Directed by Des McAnuff, the show tells the story of the last week of Christ's life. It takes the concept of a rock musical to unparalled levels, and pushes boundaries by exploring the relationship between Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene as a love triangle.

Today, the Toronto Star is reporting that composer Andrew Lloyd Webber came to town on Saturday to see the production which has been generating potential Broadway buzz. If true, the production would come to town along with another bible based revival - the already confirmed GODSPELL. 

The paper reports that "Superstar opened on June 3 to unanimous rave reviews from the Canadian critics and the buzz instantly began that this show would be heading to Broadway.

Not an empty rumour, considering it's directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Des McAnuff, the Tony Award-winning director of Jersey Boys, Tommy, Big River and other hits.

"We're hoping to get Andrew up here to see the show as soon as possible," McAnuff told The Star earlier this week and obviously his persuasive powers were working overtime.

Stratford has done well on Broadway this season, with the production of The Importance of Being Earnest it mounted in 2009 being up for three Tony Awards on Sunday night, including Best Leading Actor in a Play for Festival veteran, Brian Bedford."

This new production is set as an epic rock concert, and features Paul Nolan as Jesus and Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene. The pair were last seen together in 2009 as Tony and Maria in the Stratford production of West Side Story. Completing the love triangle is Josh Young as Judas Iscariot. Brent Carver lends his spectacular voice to the role of Pontius Pilate, and Festival favourite Bruce Dow plays the role of King Herod.

BWW is thrilled to be able to bring its readers these gorgeous photos of the new production, currently on stage at the Stratford Festival until October 29th, 2011.

When and Where?
Jesus Christ Superstar
Stratford Shakespeare Festival - The Avon Theatre

Now Through to October 29th, 2011

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 1-800-567-1600 or online:

All Photos Courtesy of David Hou except for the first photograph which is courtesy of Andrew Eccles

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2011 season runs until October 30, featuring The Merry Wives of Windsor, Camelot, Twelfth Night, The Misanthrope, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Grapes of Wrath, The Homecoming, Richard III, Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare's Will, The Little Years and Hosanna.