Rock Revival on the West Coast: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Takes Crown Perth by Storm

The rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar is set to enthrall theatre enthusiasts when its newest national tour arrives at Crown Perth this Sunday night. Excitement is already in the air as the Australian cast, featuring Mahalia Barnes as Mary Magdalene, Robert Tripolino as Jesus, and cabaret star Reuben Kaye as King Herod, assembled on Thursday to take on their iconic roles for the latest leg of their journey.

Barnes—daughter and manager of Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes—admits she never anticipated joining a musical theatre production until this rock-driven show came along. “It’s packed with those ’70s rock elements—blaring guitars and everything I love,” she told The West Australian. Her famous father, she adds, gave his wholehearted support. “He wasn’t sure at first, but he was always going to cheer me on—he has to. And it turned out he genuinely loved it!”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s reimagining of the final weeks of Jesus Christ takes several creative liberties, staying true to the spirit of a modern rock opera. Tripolino, who has already taken on the titular role both in London and since the show’s Sydney opening last year, is elated to be revisiting what he describes as a “bucket list” part. “It’s a role many performers dream of tackling,” he said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to hold the conch for this round.”

Meanwhile, Kaye’s flair for the outrageous makes him a natural fit for the cameo of King Herod. “He’s a fantastic, homicidal maniac—a blend of Liberace and David Bowie’s nepo baby,” Kaye joked. “You can really take the character in any direction.”

With rehearsals in full swing, Perth audiences can look forward to a high-octane performance that merges rock elements and a fresh theatrical perspective on one of the most enduring stories of all time.

Photo Credit: Jeff Busby