Jesus Christ Superstar is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera about, well you know who it’s about. Based on the gospel stories about the guy who became the foundation of Christianity it’s an edgy and dramatic telling of the legend.
The production currently on in Auckland is a touring version and it is a wonderful assault on the senses. Whether or not you believe the truth of the original story this musical is a very powerful telling of history’s greatest influencer and the tells us a little truth about the human condition. Let’s face it, the heart of this story is about faith, politics, power, and ultimately betrayal.
The first song delivered is not by Jesus (Luke Street), but by the man who is seen as perhaps the biggest creep in history, Judas (Javon King). Now Judas isn’t bad per se. In this first song he’s simply lamenting the fact that despite the rhetoric Jesus and his hippie-esque followers don’t seem to be delivering on their promises. The optics, you see, don’t measure up to the ideals.
Surrounding Jesus are a lot of male apostles and the only woman in the story is Mary Magdalene (Hannah Richardson). She hangs around with the guys and is falling in love with Jesus. After Judas tells them all off, she convinces everyone else that everything is okay. Just relax she sings, have a little wine and things will work out fine.
Uh huh.
The problem is that the local Roman governor and the high chiefs of the Jewish religion don’t really like Jesus’ preaching. You know, all that stuff about loving your fellow man and accepting each other. And of course telling people off for selling things in the temple in Jerusalem. It’s all a bit radical and dangerous. So with the help of Judas, they arrest him, beat him senseless and then nail him to a cross where he dies.
So how was it? Well, very good, very slick, and at times incredibly moving. Well choreographed and with costumes that are modern-day interpretations of ancient Levant garb and an industrial-looking backdrop this show simply pops. The various songs are superb and the cast of singers and dancers very talented. The soundtrack is excellent and the memorable songs are performed so expertly and passionately by the onstage musicians.
For me the most extraordinary moment was Luke Street’s electrifying performance of the song Gethsemane in which he demands from God an answer as to why he needs to die. This was the most powerful part of the show and Street gave it such power, pathos, and agonising emotion. This pivotal moment, where he questions everything and expresses his grief and fear, is so potent was more resonant than even the final crucifixion.
Whether or not you believe in the veracity of the original story, this musical sums up the fundamental problem with humanity. Greed, power, and money are the cause of misery. Yet there is hope and sometimes people are willing to sacrifice themselves for a better future. The challenge has to be, however, not to get caught up in one’s own ego and forget the larger truth.
Go see this musical while it tours the country – it’s phenomenal.
AUCKLAND: THE CIVIC | 21 OCTOBER – 15 NOVEMBER 2026
WELLINGTON: ST JAMES THEATRE | 18 – 28 NOVEMBER 2026
CHRISTCHURCH: ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL | 2 – 6 DECEMBER 2026 | SOLD OUT