The Charlottetown Festival Announces JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Lead

Confederation Centre of the Arts is pleased to announce that Island treasure, Aaron Hastelow will play the role of Jesus Christ in The 2018 Charlottetown Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

"Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most iconic and revered pieces in the musical theatre canon, and Jesus is easily the most iconic and revered name in history," says Hastelow. "Being trusted to tell this story is a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I'm honoured to have the opportunity."

Hastelow has spent several summers at the Centre, including roles in Mamma Mia!, Ring of Fire, Anne of Green Gables-The Musical, and with the Young Company. Since the summer, Hastelow has been busy promoting his self-titled EP which is nominated for two 2018 Music PEI Awards; New Artist of the Year and Pop Recording of the Year. He is currently performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Theatre Aquarius in Ontario. In spring 2018, he will play the role of Bert in Mary Poppins at The Capitol Theatre in Moncton alongside festival regulars, Josée Boudreau and Glenda Landry.

In 2015 Hastelow made history, becoming the first native Islander to play the romantic lead of Gilbert Blythe since Anne of Green Gables-The Musical came to life in 1965. After two seasons of playing Avonlea's sweetheart, school is out for Hastelow as he takes on this larger-than-life role.

He ends by saying, "I can't wait to get into the rehearsal hall with our astounding cast and brilliant creative team to discover this man for myself and to share the love and compassion he fought so hard for."

Stay tuned for more exciting news as this is the first of several cast announcements for The Charlottetown Festival's 2018 season.

Jesus Christ Superstar opens June 7 and runs until September 22.