★ REVIEW ★
By Caroline Russo
Opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar at Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre proved to be one of the most powerful and emotionally charged productions I’ve ever experienced of this legendary rock opera. This latest revival delivers everything a fan could hope for—an electrifying cast, bold staging, and those unforgettable songs that have stood the test of time.
From the very first note, the audience was completely drawn in. With iconic tracks like “What’s the Buzz?”, “Everything’s Alright”, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Could We Start Again, Please?” and of course, the show-stopping “Jesus Christ Superstar”, the musical’s impact hasn’t lost an ounce of its raw, operatic energy.
Michael Paynter as Jesus is absolutely mesmerising—his vocal range and emotional intensity left the audience roaring in applause. Every note he delivered was filled with passion, offering a deeply moving portrayal of the tortured Messiah.
Javon King as Judas is simply electric. His voice soars and his stage presence is magnetic—every movement fluid, every moment captivating. He embodies the conflicted disciple with breathtaking power.
A surprise standout was Ruben Kaye as Herod, who brought a flamboyant, camp brilliance to his number. With dazzling costuming, sharp choreography, and razor-sharp comic timing, he nearly stole the show.
Mahalia Barnes, in her theatrical stage debut as Mary Magdalene, impressed with a heartfelt and soulful performance. Her rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” was tender and honest, drawing a warm reaction from the crowd.
Adding further local pride to the cast are five talented Queenslanders. Brisbane’s own Peter Murphy delivers a commanding performance as Pilate. Elliot Baker, known for his recent role in The Phantom of the Opera, brings gravitas as Caiaphas. The ensemble also features Gold Coast talents Graeme Isaako, Ethan Jones, and Nic van Lits, along with Bree Tipoki from Brisbane—all contributing to a powerhouse chorus of movement and voice.
On another note, the choreography in this production deserves high praise—it’s a high-energy mix of expressive movement and precision that perfectly complements the powerful set design. With a thrilling blend of on-stage and off-stage musicians, the live rock sound surges through the theatre with unstoppable momentum. Mind the pun, but OMG—this show absolutely rocks! You must go see it.
The ensemble and swings, featuring a diverse and incredibly gifted group of performers including Stellar Perry, Danielle Matthews, Tana Laga’aia, and Henry Rollo, elevate every scene with their dynamic energy and skill. Each performer brings something special to the stage, making this production feel larger than life.
This Brisbane season marks the final stop of the tour, and for those who have followed Jesus Christ Superstar since its debut in the 1970s, this fresh adaptation is a triumphant chapter in its legacy. It’s bold, edgy, and emotionally potent—a must-see experience whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time viewer.
Brisbane Season
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: 29 June – 10 August
Performance Times:
Tue–Thurs 7pm
Fri–Sat 7.30pm
Matinees: Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (varies weekly)
Tickets: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au or call 136 246
Group Bookings (8+): (07) 3840 7466
