jesus christ superstar tour schedule

New Cast Set For National Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

The non-Equity tour will begin the 2023-2024 season on October 3, 2023.

Casting has been announced for the next season of the Olivier Award-winning production of Regents Park Open Air Theatre’s Jesus Christ Superstar. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners  Tim Rice  and  Andrew Lloyd Webber , the non-Equity tour will begin the 2023-2024 season on October 3, 2023 with a performance at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, OH and go on to play over 60 cities including Toronto, Charlotte, Denver, Tampa, Little Rock and more. 

As previously announced,  Jack Hopewell  and  Elvie Ellis  return to the tour to star as Jesus and Judas.

Jaden Dominique joins the tour in the role of Mary. The tour also welcomes  Grant Hodges  as Caiaphas,  Alex Stone  as Pilate, and Mekhi Holloway as Annas.

The ensemble includes Aja Simone Baitey, Ethan Hardy Benson, Joshua Bess , Sherrod Brown, Kalei Cotecson , Jaylon Crump, Alec Diem, Jaleel Green, Domanick Anton Hubbard , Haley Huelsman , Jeremy Makana Hurr , Katrice Jackson, Cameron Kuhn, Taylor Lane , Thomas McFerran, Jeilani Rhone-Collins, Johann Santiago Santos, Reese Spencer, TJ Tapp, Anakin Jace White, and  John Zamborsky .

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners  Tim Rice  and  Andrew Lloyd Webber , the North American tour of this iconic musical is helmed by acclaimed director  Timothy Sheader  and cutting-edge choreographer  Drew McOnie . Rounding out the creative team is costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee  Tom Scutt , with a set based on original designs by  Tom Scutt , lighting design by  Lee Curran , sound design by  Keith Caggiano , with music supervision by  David Holcenberg  and music direction by Ryan Edward Wise.

Elmira, NY 9/29/2023 - 9/30/2023 Clemens Center Columbus, OH 10/3/2023 - 10/8/2023 Ohio Theater Morgantown, WV 10/10/2023 - 10/10/2023 WVU Creative Arts Center Charleston, WV 10/11/2023 - 10/11/2023 Clay Center Charlotte, NC 10/13/2023 - 10/15/2023 Belk Theater at Blumenthal PAC Flint, MI 10/17/2023 - 10/18/2023 Whiting Auditorium Tysons, VA 10/20/2023 - 10/22/2023 Capital One Hall London, ON 10/24/2023 - 10/25/2023 Budweiser Gardens Hamilton, ON 10/26/2023 - 10/26/2023 FirstOntario Concert Hall Scranton, PA 10/27/2023 - 10/29/2023 Scranton Cultural Center Erie, PA 10/30/2023 - 10/31/2023 Warner Theater Toledo, OH 11/1/2023 - 11/1/2023 Valentine Theatre Rockford, IL 11/2/2023 - 11/2/2023 Coronado Performing Arts Center Lawrence, KS 11/4/2023 - 11/4/2023 Lied Center of Kansas Bartlesville, OK 11/5/2023 - 11/5/2023 Bartlesville Community Center Springfield, MO 11/6/2023 - 11/8/2023 Hammons Hall Shreveport, LA 11/11/2023 - 11/11/2023 The Strand Theatre Lufkin, TX 11/13/2023 - 11/13/2023 Temple Theater Tyler, TX 11/14/2023 - 11/14/2023 UT Tyler Cowan Center College Station, TX 11/15/2023 - 11/16/2023 Texas A&M - Rudder Auditorium San Antonio, TX 11/17/2023 - 11/18/2023 Tobin Center Corpus Christi, TX 11/20/2023 - 11/20/2023 Selena Auditorium McAllen, TX 11/21/2023 - 11/21/2023 Coronado Theater Galveston, TX 11/25/2023 - 11/25/2023 The Grand 1894 Opera House Bozeman, MT 11/28/2023 - 11/28/2023 Brick Breeden Fieldhouse Billings, MT 11/29/2023 - 11/29/2023 Alberta Bair Theater Ft.Collins, CO 12/1/2023 - 12/3/2023 The Lincoln Center Folsom, CA 1/10/2024 - 1/13/2024 Harris Center Fresno, CA 1/15/2024 - 1/16/2024 Saroyan Theatre Modesto, CA 1/17/2024 - 1/18/2024 Gallo Center for the Arts Cerritos, CA 1/19/2024 - 1/21/2024 Cerritos Center Denver, CO 1/23/2024 - 1/28/2024 Buell Theatre Ames, IA 1/30/2024 - 1/30/2024 Stephens Auditorium Manhattan, KS 1/31/2024 - 1/31/2024 McCain Auditorium Lincoln, NE 2/1/2024 - 2/4/2024 Lied Center for Performing Arts Bismarck, ND 2/6/2024 - 2/6/2024 Bismarck Event Center Grand Forks, ND 2/7/2024 - 2/7/2024 Chester Fritz Auditorium Green Bay, WI 2/9/2024 - 2/9/2024 Weidner Center Cedar Rapids, IA 2/10/2024 - 2/10/2024 Paramount Theater Sioux City, IA 2/13/2024 - 2/13/2024 Orpheum Theater Davenport, IA 2/14/2024 - 2/14/2024 Adler Theatre Sheboygan, WI 2/15/2024 - 2/15/2024 Weill Center Springfield, IL 2/17/2024 - 2/18/2024 UIS Performing Arts Center - Sangamon Auditorium Bloomington, IN 2/20/2024 - 2/21/2024 Indiana University Auditorium Macon, GA 2/24/2024 - 2/25/2024 Grand Opera House Jackson, MS 2/28/2024 - 2/28/2024 Thalia Mara Hall Lafayette, LA 2/29/2024 - 2/29/2024 Heymann Performing Arts Center Little Rock, AR 3/1/2024 - 3/3/2024 Robinson Center Tampa, FL 3/5/2024 - 3/10/2024 Straz Center Melbourne, FL 3/11/2024 - 3/12/2024 King Center for the Performing Arts Gainesville, FL 3/13/2024 - 3/13/2024 Phillips Center Huntsville, AL 3/15/2024 - 3/17/2024 Von Braun Center Concert Hall Johnson City, TN 3/18/2024 - 3/20/2024 ETSU Martin Center Newport News, VA 3/22/2024 - 3/22/2024 Ferguson Center for the Arts Hershey, PA 3/23/2024 - 3/24/2024 Hershey Theatre New Philadelphia, OH 3/25/2024 - 3/25/2024 Kent State Tuscarawas PAC Kalamazoo, MI 3/26/2024 - 3/27/2024 Miller Auditorium Sioux Falls, SD 3/29/2024 - 3/30/2024 Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science Waterbury, CT 4/2/2024 - 4/4/2024 Palace Theater Schenectady, NY 4/5/2024 - 4/12/2024 Proctors Theatre Portland, ME 4/7/2024 - 4/13/2024 Merrill Auditorium West Point, NY 4/14/2024 - 4/14/2024 Eisenhower Hall Theatre Peoria, IL 4/16/2024 - 4/17/2024 Peoria Civic Center Lima, OH 4/18/2024 - 4/18/2024 Veterans Memorial Civic Center Richmond, KY 4/19/2024 - 4/20/2024 EKU Center for the Arts Evansville, IN 4/21/2024 - 4/21/2024 Old National Events Plaza Binghamton, NY 4/24/2024 - 4/25/2024 Broome County Forum Theatre Reading, PA 4/29/2024 - 4/29/2024 Santander Performing Arts Center Brookville, NY 5/1/2024 - 5/1/2024 LIU Tilles Center Concert Hall

Additional tour engagements will be announced throughout the fall.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17th, 2021 a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and its continued success spanning an incredible 50 years.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.

The 2023-2024 North American Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Photo Credit: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

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Jesus Christ Superstar Tickets

Since its Broadway debut, this spectacular musical phenomenon has thrilled millions of theatregoers worldwide; mesmerizing them with its passion, captivating them with its story and entrancing them with its anthemic title song. And now, two-time Tony Award®-winning director Des McAnuff brings a bold, new vision to the classic rock opera by Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award-winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. 

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Jul. 1, 2012.

News & Features

About jesus christ superstar on broadway, video & photos.

What Is the story of Jesus Christ Superstar ? Jesus Christ Superstar will be familiar, in basic fact, to anyone with knowledge of western religion. Borrowing from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the musical tells the story of the last seven days of Jesus Christ’s life. As the show opens, apostle Judas Iscariot is growing concerned that Jesus’ followers will be perceived as a threat to the occupying Roman Empire. Indeed, priests Caiaphas, Annas and more gather and agree that Jesus and his movement must be crushed. An exalted Jesus arrives in Jerusalem only to find the temple filled with unsavory merchants and money lenders. Overrun by a flood of people needing his help, he tells them to heal themselves, and his confidante Mary Magdalene has to calm him down. Judas, fearing the movement is getting out of Jesus’ control, goes to the Romans and tells them Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane the following night. He receives 30 pieces of silver as payment. At the Garden, Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus by kissing him on the cheek. Jesus is arrested and sent to Caiaphas, then Pontius Pilate and finally King Herod, who condemns his to death on the cross.

"The standout performance comes from Josh Young as a vocally lustrous and charismatic Judas Iscariot, well known for betraying his onetime mentor with a fatal kiss." The New York Times Charles Isherwood

Cast & Creative

Paul Alexander Nolan’s role as August in Water for Elephants will mark his 10th Broadway show. Most recently, he played prosecutor Hugh Dorsey in the 2023 Tony-winning revival o f Parade . In 2021, he reprised his role as Jim in the most Tony-nominated play in history, Slave Play , and toured with that production to the Mark Taper Forum in LA. Other Broadway roles include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar , Guy in Once , Jimmy Ray in Bright Star (Drama Desk nomination), Pasha/Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago (Outer Critics Circle nomination), Billy Flynn in Chicago , and Tully in Escape to Margaritaville . Off Broadway: Original casts of Daddy Long Legs and Slave Play . Recent regional: Life After at Chicago's Goodman Theatre and Ahrens and Flaherty’s new musical, Knoxville , at Asolo Rep, directed by the late Frank Galati. Paul can be heard on 6 original cast albums. TV credits include The Code, Madam Secretary and Instinct for CBS.

Chilina Kennedy recently played Elle in the one-woman play  The Human Voice  (filmed for Toronto’s Ontario International College) and starred as Dina in the International Tour of  The Band’s Visit  opposite Sasson Gabay (Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award). Broadway: Carole King in  Beautiful: The Carole King Musical  (over 1200 performances) and Mary Magdalene in Des McAnuff’s  Jesus Christ Superstar . Off-Broadway: originated the role of Binky in Stephen Trask and Peter Yanowitz’s  This Ain’t No Disco  (Atlantic Theater Company). 1 st  National Tour: Sophie in  Mamma Mia!  Film:  With Me  (BravoFact, NY Shorts and Whistler Film Festivals). Selected Regional: Phoebe in  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder  (CT and San Diego Critics' Circle Nominations), Evangeline in  Evangeline  (original production and album), Philia in Des McAnuff’s  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum  (Toronto/Mirvish) ,  Ross Petty’s Pantomime  The Little Mermaid  (Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award) ,  three seasons at the Stratford Festival, three seasons at the Shaw Festival and  The Lord of the Rings  (World Premiere Mirvish/Toronto). Chilina is currently developing a show that she composed and co-wrote with Eric Holmes,  Call It Love.  She is also the Artistic Producer of Toronto’s Eclipse Theatre Company.

Tom Hewitt arrives in  Hadestown  via  Chicago  having played Billy Flynn on Broadway, throughout the US and Japan.  Other Broadway bad guys include Scar, Dracula, Pontius Pilate, Captain Hook and Frank N Furter (Tony and Drama Desk nominations).  Off Broadway:  Aaron Marks’  Another Medea, Treasure Island, Jeffery, Beau Jest  (Outer Critics nomination),  Richard III  and  Othello.   National tours:   Finding Neverland, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Urinetown, Chicago  and  Peter Pan  with Cathy Rigby.  Recent regional credits:   Sweeney Todd  (Provincetown Theatre),  I Hate Hamlet  (Bucks County)  My Paris  (Long Wharf),  Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots  (La Jolla Playhouse). Film and TV includes  Law and Order, Elementary, Frasier  and Julie Taymors’  Fools’ Fire. 

 To come.

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Jesus Christ Superstar

Upcoming times.

April 02, 2024

7:30pm - 9:00pm

April 03, 2024

April 04, 2024

Celebrating its 50 th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage.

Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader ( Crazy for You , Into the Woods ) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie ( King Kong , Strictly Ballroom ), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar   is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," "Gethsemane’ and "Superstar."

The show is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Visit Tour Website

Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

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*If you are interested in seeing a performance with Open Captioning, please call the Box Office at 203.346.2000 to purchase the best available seats within view of the captioning screen.

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Tickets: $47 – $87

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Jack Hopewell and Elvie Ellis in the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Elvie Ellis and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

The North American Tour company of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Jack Hopewell and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Closed: May 12, 2024

May 3 - May 12, 2024

CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

244 Victoria St , Toronto

Running Time

1 hour 35 minutes (no intermission)

Audience Advisory

Theatrical haze, fog, flame and glitter. Recommended for ages 10+

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$69 SAME DAY RUSH SEATS - A limited number tickets will be available for sale online at 9AM on each day of performance.

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For assistance booking special access seats or for information about our Accessibility Services, please call 1.800.461.3333.

Real-time closed captioning right to your own personal mobile device.  Available for all performances.   Visit the GalaPro page for more info.

For Group savings on 10-29 tickets, book online or call 1.800.461.3333 for assistance. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.

Celebrating its 50 th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director  Timothy Sheader ( Crazy for You , Into the Woods ) and cutting-edge choreographer  Drew McOnie ( King Kong , Strictly Ballroom ), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber , Jesus Christ Superstar   is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

 A triumph! A glorius, gleaming, life-affirming celebration for enduring...jolts the theatre back to life! - NOW Magazine

Hosanna Hey! ELECTRICALLY STAGED, DANCED AND SUNG. Offers audiences catharsis after the long isolation of the pandemic. Completely worth it! - Toronto Star

Spectacular, absolutely spectacular! - TVO

As powerful and moving as ever! - CTV

Sweet Jesus! A glorious triumph! - 98.1 CHFI

A feast for the senses! What a show! - Global The Morning Show

STELLAR! - Zoomer Radio

High praise for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! The energy on stage is electric. - CP24

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

50th anniversary tour.

• Feb 28 7:30 PM Buy Tickets

Event Information

Celebrating its 50 th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director  Timothy Sheader ( Crazy for You , Into the Woods ) and cutting-edge choreographer  Drew McOnie ( King Kong , Strictly Ballroom ), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber , Jesus Christ Superstar   is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

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Jesus Christ Superstar

National tour.

• Date May 15
• Event Starts 7:30 PM
• Ticket Prices Tickets start at $60, including facility fee per ticket. Prices subject to change with demand.
• Location Concert Hall
• Availability On Sale Now

Subscribers save up to 10%. Order by phone at 516.299.3100 or in-person at the Tantleff Box Office.

Event Details

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar reflects the rock roots that defined a generation. The legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him , Gethsemane and Superstar . 6:30-7:15 pm in the Goldsmith Atrium: join us for preshow entertainment in the Goldsmith Atrium with students from Long Island High School for the Arts. Free for all ticketholders!

Tilles Your Way

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Tilles Center 2024/25 Season Announce

Playbill: Jaime Lozano y La Familia

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Jesus Christ Superstar

50th anniversary tour.

• Date Apr 29 , 2024
• Event Starts 7:30 PM
• Doors Open 6:30PM
• Venue Santander Performing Arts Center
• On Sale On Sale Now

Event Details

Jack Hopewell stars as Jesus, joined by Elvie Ellisas Judas and Faith Jonesas Mary. The tour also welcomes Grant Hodges as Caiphas, Nicholas Hambruchas Pilate, and Kodiak Thompson as Annas.The ensemble includes Ethan Hardy Benson, Joshua Bess, Jordan Wesley Brown, Jahlil M. Burke, Cooper Clack, Kalei Cotecson, Emma Cook, Lydia Eku, Savannah Fisher, Domanick Anton Hubbard, Haley Huelsman, Jeremy Makana Hurr, Brett Hennessey Jones, Lena Matthews, Hosea Mundi, L'Oréal Roaché, Colin Robertson, Darren James Robinson, Erich W. Schleck and Lauren Soto.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the North American tour of this iconic musical is helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie. Rounding out the creative team is costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, with aset based on original designs byTom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano, with music supervision by David Holcenbergand music direction by Mark Binns.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17th, 2021 a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and it’s continued success spanning an incredible 50 years. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre inconcert version during the summer of 2020.The 2022-2023 North American Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Group Information

Groups discounts available for parties of 10 or more! Contact  [email protected]  for more information! 

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Naperville Sun | Brightside’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ looks to…

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Naperville sun | brightside’s ‘jesus christ superstar’ looks to the future.

MacLennan, of Bolingbrook, has nabbed the titular role in BrightSide Theatre’s upcoming production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” running June 7-23 at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College in Naperville.

Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

BrightSide’s artistic director, Jeffrey Cass, serves as director and will lead a cast of 21 in a full-scale production of the famous rock-opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

The cast includes Michael Davis Arnold of Chicago as Judas Iscariot, Meghan Kessel of Chicago as Mary Magdalene, Jon Cunningham of Schaumburg as Pontius Pilate and Caleb Hand of Oak Forest as King Herod/Apostle/Roman Solider/First Priest.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” borrows from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, telling the story of the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

“I’m Jesus, but it can certainly be argued that Judas is also ‘the man,’” MacLennan said. “It’s a story that’s as least as much his as it is Jesus’.”

MacLennan first played Jesus of Nazareth 20 years ago in his first-ever professional show, he said. Stepping into the sandals two decades later has been a slightly humbling experience.

“It hurts,” he said, laughing. “Everything that I completely took for granted when I was in my 30s, I can’t take for granted now. I’m happy my voice seems to be holding up to it. It’s been an eye-opening experience that time has passed.”

He was “Molokov” in BrightSide’s most recent production of “Chess” when he heard that Cass hadn’t yet found his leading man, he said. He had skipped the first round of auditions, thinking he was too old for the play, but he knew he could still sing the role.

“Jesus as he’s written in this piece is a rather an angry individual and trying to also connect to the humanity and all the other characters and show the reason why people will follow him is the challenge that the role presents,” he said. “I’m not sure how well I’m doing with it. I want to establish better relationships with characters in a very short period of time in the beginning of the show.”

He wants to bring his all to the role because he knows it’s very beloved.

“The music rocks,” he said. “People love to hear some high notes. There are some of these simple harmonies but these driving rhythms that can be very compulsive. Obviously, it’s a take on a well-beloved story also. And it’s got a strong central conflict for Jesus and Judas, primarily within Judas as well, that is compelling to watch when it’s done well.”

He’s quick to praise his fellow castmates.

“The guy playing Judas — Michael — is really, really good,” MacLennan said. “He’s got a unique interpretation. He … has some glorious tones when he opens up. He is very emotive and you can see that he feels strongly the things that he’s singing and doing. As a group, they’re all very cohesive and quick. I’m amazed at the whole cast.”

Cass has chosen to set the story in the year 2050.

“By setting the narrative in a future where divisions between social classes have widened, governments have become more authoritarian and law enforcement more militarized, I’m tapping into current concerns and extrapolating them into a dystopian scenario,” Cass wrote in an email.

“History often does repeat itself in cycles and it’s possible that patterns of oppression and resistance could echo those of the past. However, the specific dynamics would undoubtedly be shaped by the unique circumstances of this imagined future world. Technology, communication, and the global interconnectedness of societies could all play significant roles in how events unfold.”

Exploring these themes through the lens of a contemporary retelling of the story of Jesus and Judas offers a powerful way to engage with pressing social and political issues, he wrote, prompting audiences to reflect on the present while considering possible futures.

The set will be intentionally sparse, but the live band will be right in the mix.

“And in the original movie, they were carrying around M16s and jets were flying around overhead,” he said.

MacLennan has been acting professionally, semi-professionally and non-professionally since he was a teenager. He spent 10 years in the Navy after high school but has acted in four or five shows a year for the last 20 years, he said. He works as a Radiation Protection Technician at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont.

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays June 7-23

Where: Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville

Tickets: $32-$37

Information: 630-447-8497; BrightSideTheatre.com

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Jesus Christ Superstar

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On sale now · Coming 2024

The iconic global phenomenon,  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR  is coming to Australia in 2024 with a mesmerising new production that has garnered unprecedented reviews and accolades as it has toured US and UK, including winning an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners  Tim Rice  and  Andrew Lloyd Webber ,  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR  is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. The legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes including a 20 minute interval. 
• Jesus Christ Superstar is recommended for ages 10 and up. All persons aged 16 or under must be accompanied and seated alongside an adult from the same ticket transaction. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.  
• Ticket Enquiries and Exchanges: More information can be found on the Jesus Christ Superstar website here .
• Authorised Tickets: Purchase your tickets via Ticketmaster Australia. Beware, we have no obligation to honour tickets purchased via unauthorised re-sellers, such as Viagogo, eBay, Gumtree or otherwise, as these may be invalid tickets and you may be refused entry. In NSW it is illegal to resell a ticket for more than 110% of the face value of the ticket, as regulated by NSW Fair Trading.
• The appearance of any member of cast is subject to change and may be affected by contracts, holiday, illness, or events beyond the producers’ control. This sung-through musical (which contains loud music) centres on the final days of the life of Jesus. It contains flashing lights and visual effects, pyrotechnics, theatrical smoke and haze, some violence and an onstage depiction of the crucifixion.

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"Gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical."

The Guardian

"Unmissable."

LondonTheatre.co.uk

"This ‘Superstar’ has a lush, glorious sound the likes of which you’ve never heard before."

Chicago Sun Times

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What’s The Buzz?

“One of the greatest pieces of live theater I’ve ever seen” – Austin American Statesman

“This is not your grandmother’s ‘Superstar.’  Drew McOnie’s choreography has the explosive feel of barely contained ecstasy, filled with flailing movements that evoke old time tent revivals where snake handlers spoke in tongues and miraculously cured the sick. Tom Scutt’s smoke-colored costumes give the piece a timeless feel, as does his towering, sleek, steel-and-scaffolding set. Stark and shadowy, lighting designer Lee Curan’s work is so rhythmic it almost feels like a part of the orchestra.” –  Chicago Sun Times

“This ‘Superstar’ has a lush, glorious sound the likes of which you’ve never heard before.” –  Chicago Sun Times

“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical. It might not qualify as a miracle, but with help from choreographer Drew McOnie, designer Tom Scutt and a first-rate cast, director Timothy Sheader is turning water into top quality wine with his revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock musical, originally released as a concept album.” – The Guardian

“Timothy Sheader’s adrenaline-pumping production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” is ardently, honestly sincere . I haven’t had so much fun listening to Mr. Lloyd Webber’s score, his finest, and Mr. Rice’s lyrics, his cheekiest, since I bought the concept album as a teenager.” – New York Times

“Until now, I have never come across an approach to this piece that taps into its latent power… As reinvigorated by the director Timothy Sheader, ‘Superstar’ delivers a genuinely primal jolt. ” – New York Times

“Sprinkling of genius sends stylish ‘Superstar’ soaring. Timothy Sheader offers some of the most stylish direction I’ve seen all year, sculpting each segment into something distinct and vivid and compelling.” – Evening Standard

“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.” – The Daily Telegraph

Jesus Christ Superstar

The global phenomenon, “Jesus Christ Superstar”  is the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage.  It is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot and has engaged audiences for more than 50 years.

Tickets on sale NOW for our summer production of Jesus Christ Superstar! 

Evening performances are JULY 

18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and AUGUST 1, 2, 3 8:00pm. Matinees are JULY 21, 28 and AUGUST 4  2:00pm.  Bring your friends and family!