Melanie C talks to Magic about the show - plus find out how you can get tickets
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Laurence Connor, promises to be the rock event of 2012. The Really Useful Group and AEG announced their plans for the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar earlier this year in May.
The star-studded line-up includes award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin – also the co-writer of West End smash musical Matilda – is confirmed for the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’. Three million album selling pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C will take the only female lead as ‘Mary Magdalene’. Chris Moyles will make his major stage debut as ‘King Herod’ and Winner of the ITV primetime show ‘Superstar’ Ben Forster will play the title role of ‘Jesus’ in the forthcoming 21st century ‘Rock Musical’ re-invention of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Listen to Melanie C talk to Magic's Gary Vincent about the show:
An award-winning creative team have been assembled to transform this legendary rock musical into a unique state-of-the-art spectacular. Director Laurence Connor, known for his work on the 25th anniversary performances and concerts for Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, will work alongside Mark Fisher, the acclaimed world-leading set designer responsible for the staging of the Diamond Jubilee music concert in front of Buckingham Palace. They will be joined by internationally renowned lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, who worked on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Both Mark and Patrick have worked on global arena and stadium tours for some of the world’s biggest music acts including the Rolling Stones and U2.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "Even the hardened rockers in our cast were taken aback by how cutting edge Laurence’s vision for the show is. This is the first ever arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in the UK and he is creating something quite extraordinar.”
Celebrating 40 years since it first opened in London’s West End, demand has been so great for the arena tour that six new dates have been added since tickets went on sale. Advance ticket sales have already topped £6 million and a record-breaking 74,000 people will see the show in its opening week alone.
The original multi-million selling Jesus Christ Superstar double-album, released in 1970, became a No.1 hit record in the US charts and spawned the live show phenomenon.
The Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour kicks off in London on 21 September before visiting Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool and Nottingham. The tour culminates in Sheffield on 21 October.
Tickets are on sale NOW and available from www.aloud.com
Watch sneak peek of the show...
For more on the show go to - www.jesuschristsuperstar.com
