Following the success of their 2010 season, Harvest Rain Theatre Company brings their smash-hit production of
Jesus Christ Superstar back to the Playhouse stage for two weeks only!
Andrew Lloyd-Webber and
Tim Rice's epic rock musical has inspired generations of theatre goers and remains a must-see classic for all ages. Directed by
Tim O'Connor, this exhilarating and emotionally powerful retelling of the final seven days of Jesus' life will return on a spectacular scale with a massive cast of Queensland's best musical theatre performers and an incredible live band.
Brisbane audiences will have another chance to experience the astonishing voice of musical theatre star
Luke Kennedy in the title role of this critically acclaimed production, which played to packed houses in August 2010. Kennedy will be joined again by co-stars
Naomi Price as Mary,
Tod Strike as Judas and
Lionel Theunissen as Pilate with a special guest appearance by
Steven Tandy as Herod.
Don’t miss this return season of Harvest Rain’s fresh, vibrant interpretation of the greatest rock musical ever written. Relive the magic again when
Jesus Christ Superstar plays for a return season at the QPAC Playhouse from June 17.
“A musical miracle” –
The Courier Mail
“A splendour to behold” –
Brisbane Times “This new production of Superstar is nothing short of sensational... the most powerful version of the show I have seen over the years.” –
Absolute Theatre
Watch a video of Jesus Christ Superstar, or
excerpts from the show.
"With Jesus Christ Superstar, Harvest Rain has well and truly grown to fit its QPAC home. This production has all the excitement, design effects and pizzazz you expect from a QPAC musical while showcasing the home-grown talent Harvest Rain supports... I adored Josh McIntosh's design but it wouldn't have been anywhere near as impressive without Jason Glenwright's glorious lighting... Maitlohn Drew's music direction is excellent. It was wonderful to see the talented band on stage, involved in the scenes as a key element of the production...
[The show] is filled with fabulous singers and excellent performers. Naomi Price's performance was riveting. Her Mary Magdalene was earthy, sensual and caring with a nice hint of vulnerability. Luke Kennedy as Jesus captivated the audience whenever his voice soared free and alone... His performance had quite a few people tearing up towards the end, as the show reached its emotional climax. Tod Strike as Judas was flamboyant and passionate. Lionel Theunissen as Pilate was outstanding. This production of Jesus Christ Superstar shows Harvest Rain doing what it does best and taking a leap into a new level of showmanship. Congratulations to all involved." - Katherine Lyall-Watson, ourbrisbane.com
"Luke Kennedy received and deserved top billing for his portrayal of Jesus. His performance was beautifully realized, compelling, and sung to perfection. His top notes in Gethsemane just blew me away. Next in the high vocal stakes was Lionel Theunissen as Pilate, whose rich tones elevated the three song role to something major. Naomi Price as Mary grabbed the audience with Everything's Alright and put her own stamp on the show's hit tune I Don't Know How to Love Him. Tod Strike was an intense Judas, Lawrie Esmond's arresting bass drew attention as Caiaphas, and Steven Tandy as Herod camped it up delightfully in the show-stopping King Herod's Song.
How long is it since we've seen a crowd scene on stage where it actually looked like a crowd? With a cast of 62 at his disposal, plus 15 musicians who were seated around the set, director Tim O'Connor filled the stage at every opportunity with colourful tableaux. His production was pacy, tight, and delivered on the show's big moments. Big kudos to set designer Josh McIntosh for his interior of a cathedral set - it worked brilliantly." - Peter Pinne, Stage Whispers
"This new production of Superstar is nothing short of sensational. Everything from the amazing set and lighting to the music, acting and singing of the principals and the sheer, exciting exuberance of the 40-odd people who made up the ensemble helped create the most powerful version of the show I have seen over the years.... Tim O'Connor's version is darker, more apocalyptic, and so emotionally powerful at times that it had audience members in tears. The set, designed by Josh McIntosh,was magnificent enough to qualify for a place on a grand opera stage... Musical director Maitlohn Drew's arrangements were knockout and the sound absolutely perfect.
Naomi Price was superb as Mary Magdalene... I have never heard a more moving or heartbreaking rendering of I Don't Know How to Love Him than the poignant offering on opening night... [The] quality was set at the beginning when Tod Strike took the stage to sing Judas's opening song Heaven on Their Minds. What a voice! He hit the stratosphere with some notes and wowed the audience for the rest of the production... It was a gut-wrenching performance. Luke Kennedy's diction and vocal delivery was perfect and once again, here was an actor who was totally convincing in his role. I cannot praise this production highly enough. It deserves "house full" signs for every night of this season." - Eric Scott, Absolute Theatre