New twist as rock opera gets update for new era

IT'S BACK: Tauranga Musical Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar. PHOTO/JASON HOWE

Jesus Christ Superstar has been updated for the new era and is fresh and extremely relevant to our times, according to director Daniel Pepperell.

Music for the show was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1970, and although it stays exactly the same, the context has changed and audiences will enjoy its relevance.

The newest version of the rock opera is based on the Occupy Wall Street Movement where the "1 per cent of people are enjoying the majority of wealth.

"It's always been a solid show, but I saw the newest version in Hamilton last year couldn't wait to bring it to Tauranga audiences and share with them the modern context," he says.

Local performers, Dylan Frewin (Jesus) and Susan Braid (Mary Magdalene) head the lead performance and Rotorua man, Connor Higgnet performs the role of Judas.