Jesus Christ Superstar: Olivier-winning musical announces NZ tour dates

A critically acclaimed and award-winning production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" is playing across Aotearoa New Zealand later this year.

A critically acclaimed and award-winning production of one of the greatest musicals ever made is playing across Aotearoa New Zealand later this year.

Jesus Christ Superstar took the world by storm on its 1971 New York debut before moving to London’s West End, where it held the record for longest-running musical, with 3358 performances over eight years.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice told the story of Christ’s death and resurrection entirely through song, seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot.

Jesus Christ Superstar is set to play across New Zealand.

Featuring such well-known numbers as I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Superstar, Hosanna, Herod’s Song and Gethsemane, the musical explores the relationships of Jesus and Judas, Mary Magdalene and the disciples against the backdrop of Roman occupation.

Originally released as a concept album in 1970 (as backers couldn’t be found for a stage production), the record was a smash hit, and Broadway beckoned soon after.

This current version was originally created and produced for the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, winning the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and Best Musical in the 2016 Evening Standard Awards.

The reimagined stage show is directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie, who have collected an armload of awards and are behind many of the recent gongs for the Regents Park production in recent years, including seven Olivier Awards, three Evening Standard Awards and six WhatsOnStage Awards.

“Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences across the globe, and we’re thrilled to bring this Olivier Award-winning production to New Zealand,” said producer David Ian.

“With its electrifying energy and extraordinary performances, whether you’ve loved the show for years or are experiencing it for the first time, it promises to be unforgettable.”

Jesus Christ Superstar will play at the Auckland Civic Theatre from October 21 to November 15, the St James Theatre in Wellington from November 18-28 and at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch from December 2-6.

Tickets go on sale March 18, but there is a waitlist at JesusChristSuperstar.co.nz.

For more information on the production, visit jesuschristsuperstar.com.