An album that inspired a revolution. A revelation that changed the world. A reinvention for this millennium.
Hallelujah! Jesus Christ Superstar – the iconic musical phenomenon – celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year with a North American Tour. This production, produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre under the direction of renowned director Timothy Sheader and award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie, won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and received unprecedented praise.
Jesus Christ superstar appeals to both theater audiences and concert music fans. This musical production pays tribute to the monumental 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while immersing the audience in a show that’s modern, fresh, and inspiring. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this show is something you can’t go wrong with. Whether you are strong in faith or a believer in the universe, Jesus Christ Superstar will give you a religiously fantastic experience.
This year, get the chance to experience the legendary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. The production will hold several shows at the Ohio Theatre – Columbus from October 3 to 8, 2023. Buy your tickets today to secure yourself a spot at this marvelous production!
Jesus Christ Superstar Tickets:
“One of the greatest pieces of live theater I’ve ever seen!” – Austin American Statesman
“This ‘Superstar’ has a lush, glorious sound the likes of which you’ve never heard before.” – Chicago Sun Times
The groundbreaking rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, with lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winners Tim Rice (Evita, The Lion King) and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, The Phantom of the Opera), transformed the Broadway musical when it debuted and is still a cherished classic forty years later. Its catchy songs and audaciously modern lyrics helped it become one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling over seven million copies and sparking sold-out performances in more than 40 nations. The well-loved and slightly scandalous album won the highly coveted award Billboard Album of the Year in 1971.
Initially, Webber and Rice were unable to secure funding to play their musical due to concerns that the subject matter would be unpopular or be seen as blasphemous; as a result, “Jesus Christ Superstar” was published as a concept album in 1970. Its ensuing huge success with songs like “Superstar” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” resulted in a Broadway debut on October 12, 1971.
“shattered expectations about what a musical could sound like!” – DC Theater Arts
“…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.” – The New York Times
“The touring version rises to the challenge by getting back to the concept album’s roots, as concert rather than a stage play.” – Austin Chronicle
The production that is presently running is produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre under the direction of Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom). The musical was revived in 2016 and became an instant success. They performed sold-out shows and received an Olivier Award for “Best Musical Revival.” The original cast included Tyrone Huntley, who was awarded the “Evening Standard Emerging Talent Award” for his performance in 2016.
The Guardian spoke highly of the revival and said, “Most revivals embrace the kitsch extravagances of Jesus Christ Superstar; this one makes sparing but striking use of glitz. It’s one high point among many in an evening that revels in the joy of people coming together and the glory of theatrical talent getting back to work.”
“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
“AN ALMIGHTY REVELATION. Each song is sung with such a feeling that the soul of the piece, so volatile in tempo, comes roaring through. Superstar’s potency and its Christ-like radicalism – courting sacrilege, achieving an essence of spiritual intensity – is reborn.” – The Telegraph
The musical production is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the Passion. It follows the last seven days of Jesus, including significant biblical events like the Last Supper, praying in Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, and Jesus’ crucifixion. As a twist, the story is told through the eyes of Judas.
The ever-so-talented Elvie Ellis was cast in this production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Elvie Ellis spoke about his role as Judas and said, “It’s, I would say, a humanizing portrayal. I think we, a lot of times, look at these Bible characters, and we see them as these epic people that have one dimension of personality. … But nobody really is one-dimensional like that, just straight-up good or straight-up bad,” Ellis said. He added that the case includes actors of different faiths, some even no faith. Still, they gather together before each show and pray that people’s hearts will be softened to receive the story.
“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
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.” – The Daily Telegraph
Jesus Christ Superstar features timeless anthemic songs, including “Heaven on Their Minds,” “Everything’s Alright,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.” The production’s current cast includes Jack Hopewell as “Jesus,” Elvie Ellis as “Judas,” Faith Jones as “Mary,” Nicholas Hambruch as “Pilate,” Grant Hodges as “Caiaphas,” and Kodiak Thompson as “Annas.”
This is your chance to experience the best rock opera of all time, Jesus Christ Superstar, as the tour makes its way to the Ohio Theatre – Columbus. Fusing together biblical drama with a propulsive rock and funk score, the reinvention of a story for the modern age is something you cannot miss. The talented cast, with the help of an outstanding creative team, will take you on an unforgettable journey that is both religious and inspiring.
