Contemporary spin on an iconic show

HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS: Gisborne Centre Stage's next production will be Jesus Christ Superstar, with auditions to be held next month. Picture supplied

Locals looking to display their acting chops have the opportunity to be part of an iconic rock opera when auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar are held next month.

The next musical offering from Gisborne Centre Stage is being directed by James Packman and will take to the stage in 2023.

The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years.

A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

But the production is not to be viewed as purely religious, Packman said. It explores and interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters from the perspective of Judas, one of the original disciples of Jesus.

Jesus Christ Superstar delves into the mind of Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his other 11 disciples. He would, later on, be condemned as a traitor after betraying Jesus.

Packman said the upcoming production is a modern adaptation of the original musical, which was set 2000 years ago.

“It was in 1997 when I first directed this amazing musical based on its original script. It has been a few years since it has had a modern adaptation, which I love.

“We are looking for up to 25 people for the cast, with Jesus and Judas being the main roles. And the roles of the apostles have not been restricted to just men.”

Auditions will be on November 19 and 20. You can pre-book a 10-minute audition slot at https://tinyurl.com/c4mmb6ee or turn up to the open session.

For any questions contact 027 536 896 or find Gisborne Centre Stage on Facebook.