JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Comes to The Court Theatre This Summer!

The Court Theatre is bringing the most loved rock musical to the stage in their summer production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber (famous for The Phantom of the Opera and Cats) and Tim Rice, their iconic '70s rock opera is still just as devastatingly powerful as when it first hit the stage.

"Of all of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals to bring to our stage, we felt this was his most enduring and, indeed, his most exciting," says The Court's Artistic Director, Ross Gumbley.

Director Stephen Robertson and musical director Richard Marrett will be bringing a '70s feel to the theatre for Jesus Christ Superstar, complete with a rock concert atmosphere that will thrill audiences throughout summer.

"My vision is to partially take the production back to its 1970s roots while maintaining a contemporary feel. It was written as a rock opera, so the music and sound are being designed to honour this," Robertson says.

The story follows the last days of Jesus' life as seen through the eyes of the disciple who betrayed Jesus and led to his crucifixion, Judas Iscariot. Through Judas' perspective, the human soul beneath the divine icon is bared - troubled, doubting, loving and scared.

The main draw of Jesus Christ Superstar, of course, is Webber and Rice's iconic, powerful soundtrack.

As Gumbley says, "the whole piece is through-sung with those great, classic, soaring, '70s rock anthems. What's not to like?"

The Court has compiled a group of 27 singing and dancing superstars to bring this timeless musical to life, with Gumbley saying, "I don't know that I've heard a stronger singing ensemble than the one we have for Jesus Christ Superstar."

Leading the cast is Nic Kyle, returning to The Court for the first time since his role in 2012's Grease to take on the role of Jesus.

Caleb Jago-Ward and Monique Clementson will be performing alongside him, playing the infamous roles of Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene respectively. Both are known for their previous musical theatre performances throughout New Zealand, with Jago-Ward familiar for his appearance on The Voice Australia.

For Kyle, his vast experience overseas has given him a new perspective for this performance - and of The Court Theatre itself.

"Having had the opportunity to live and work in the United Kingdom for a number of years, I have come to realise that The Court Theatre puts on shows to a level that you would easily see anywhere in London. Christchurch is very lucky to have actors, musicians and theatre practitioners that are of an international standard. No production will better show off this rich talent than Jesus Christ Superstar!"

Jesus Christ Superstar will be running at The Court Theatre from the 24th November.

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Bookings: phone 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz.

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