Jesus Christ Superstar review: Australian production opens with energy and intensity at Crown Theatre Perth

Musicals are a live performance front runner at Crown Theatre Perth but the 1970s influence on classic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar will appeal to a slightly different audience demographic than other seasons at the venue featuring Disney adaptations or standard show tunes. First released as an original concept album in 1970, before opening on Broadway the following year, its rock roots reflect right down to this resurrected musical’s core as it follows events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, viewed through the eyes of Judas. Casting credits in the original 1970s Australian production included Trevor White, Jon English and Marcia Hines, before the 1992 Australian revival took John Farnham, Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano to arenas around the country and became a pinnacle in the minds of many. The latest Australian production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic rock opera opened in Sydney last November with a lot to live up to in the history of Aussie music icons swarming the Jesus Christ Superstar gold standard stage, along with the UK arena production that toured Australia in 2013 starring Tim Minchin as Judas. Just like Reuben Kaye, as the fabulously camp Herod pun-intendedly quips at the end of his performance of Herod’s Song, when it came to casting this revival, they totally “nailed it”. While Robert Tripolino as Jesus and Javon King as Judas traditionally hail from the musical theatre realm, their charismatic rock star presence is undeniable alongside the sensational soul singing Mahalia Barnes with rock music already in her blood, thanks to her Cold Chisel frontman father Jimmy Barnes. The trio absolutely deliver the powerhouse vocals required of these roles, as does Peter Murphy playing Pilate. Geelong-raised Tripolino steps on stage as Jesus for the Perth season, demonstrating every ounce of his previous experience bringing the biblical figure to life, having already played the role at London’s Barbican Centre in 2019. US-born, Melbourne-based King shows he is a force to be reckoned with in the Australian musical theatre scene, while Barnes’ musical theatre debut is certainly a most welcomed one. Known for his satirically razor-sharp wit and commanding stage presence, Fringe World favourite Kaye’s singular song as Herod leaves the audience wishing more had been written for his role. In contrast, the menacing delivery of the religious cohort of Caiaphas and Annas by Elliot Baker and John O’Hara is a formidable performance. Baker hits those striking low notes with seeming ease, while Perth-raised WA Academy of Performing Arts music theatre graduate O’Hara demonstrates his marvellous versatility, last seen in his hometown as Phil Spector in Tina The Tina Turner Musical. This reimagining by director Timothy Sheader is stripped back in style to be a little bit more musically reminiscent of the 70s version, while still managing to maintain modern elements, sitting somewhere between the traditional stage show and a rock concert. At its heart is a story of power and humanity — made even more poignant with current world events — told through the celebrated score from I Don’t Know How To Love Him and Everything’s Alright to What’s The Buzz, Hosanna, Gethsemane and Superstar. The microphone/microphone stand is cleverly used throughout as a symbol of power, to have and to be taken away as events unfold. A giant cross is the focal point of Tom Scutt’s set design, its versatility sees it utilised as everything from a stage entrance and platform to table for The Last Supper, as the band led by musical director Dave Skelton enjoys an elevated position to the action. Monochrome costumes range from hoodies to sneaker-adorned feet for the majority of the cast, making them among the most comfortable you could see on stage, notwithstanding the gold sparkly codpiece and black heeled boots sported by Kaye. Not usually a musical known for its dancing, the dynamic choreography by Drew McOnie is a prominent addition to the production and an area where the ensemble excels. There is an energy and added intensity in the intimacy this production is able to deliver in a theatre, rather than an arena setting, making it a true blessing. 4 stars Jesus Christ Superstar is at Crown Theatre Perth until March 8