Global phenomenon ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ takes the stage at The Theatre at Solaire

Metro Manila, Philippines – Following several acclaimed and sold out runs in London, as well as an extensive tour of North America, the UK, and Australia – the Olivier Award winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR now takes center stage at The Theatre at Solaire until May 31 as part of a major international tour.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where it originated, and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster, and music supervision by Tom Deering.

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a timeless work that explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. Originally released as a concept album, the iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, and ‘Gethsemane’.

Manila-based Filipina actress and singer Gab Pangilinan will play the role of Mary Magdalene. She joins principal cast members from previous UK, North America, and Australian tours of the production, including Luke Street (Jesus), Javon King (Judas), Ethan Hardy Benson (Pilate), Grant Hodges (Caiaphas), and Kodiak Thompson (Annas).

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production opened at the Palace Theatre on 9 August 1972 and ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut. 

Producer David Ian said, “After incredible success in Australia and the UK, we’re delighted to be bringing Jesus Christ Superstar to Manila. This Olivier Award-winning production has amazed audiences around the world with its raw energy and breathtaking performances. Whether you’ve loved the show for decades or are discovering it for the first time, this will be an unforgettable experience.” 

Carlos Candal, CEO of GMGProductions, said: “We’re beyond thrilled to bring one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic and influential musicals of all time to Manila. Jesus Christ Superstar is a show that transcends generations. Its music and story continue to inspire audiences, and we can’t wait for Filipino fans to experience this powerful production live. 

This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, 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, followed by a universally acclaimed UK tour in 2023/24.