The iconic musical that blew up the theatre world in biblical proportions is back on the road, and this time, it will take the Great White North by storm. Jesus Christ Superstar, the creative retelling of the most important story of all time, is coming to Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for a series of shows this fall. If you want to witness the worldwide phenomenon about the last seven days of Jesus Christ leading up to his crucifixion told from the perspective of the infamous Judas Iscariot, this is your chance to see the award-winning musical in Edmonton, Canada’s famous venue. Starting November 8, theatre enthusiasts and concert music fans will have the opportunity to witness this legendary production that pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year. Get your tickets now and prepare to hear iconic songs such as “Everything’s Alright,” “Superstar,” “Heaven on Their Minds,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Gethsemane,” among many others, in a night filled with pure rock opera and exhilarating performances from world-class stage actors.
“An adrenaline-pumping production.” – The New York Times
“A lush, glorious sound the likes of which you’ve never heard before. This is not your grandmother’s ‘Superstar.” – Chicago Sun Times
“A lush, glorious sound the likes of which you’ve never heard before. This is not your grandmother’s ‘Superstar.” – Chicago Sun Times
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, a brand-new, breathtaking production of Jesus Christ Superstar has been touring North American cities since the summer of this year. The Tony Award-winning director Timothy Sheader is at the helm of this production. He is the director responsible for numerous successful musicals, such as “Crazy for You,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Into the Woods,” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Thus, all-time fans of the musical are assured that it is treated with such respect and care. After all, classics like the Jesus Christ Superstar are almost untouchable — and based on the rave reviews from both critics and fans, Sheader has done phenomenal work in the modern remake of a classic tale.
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.” – The Daily Telegraph
Jesus Christ Superstar offers a psychological interpretation of the Passion narratives found in the Gospels, with much of the action revolving around Judas, who is unhappy with the path Jesus is leading his friends down. The lyrics of the rock opera are replete with modern language, sentiments, and attitudes, and there are numerous satirical references to contemporary life interspersed within the portrayal of political events. Over the years, many theatrical (and even cinematic) adaptations feature deliberate historical inaccuracies.
The original production of Jesus Christ Superstar was held on October 12, 1971. Its creators intended for it to be staged earlier, though. However, they struggled to secure funding for a theatrical production. As a solution, they released their work as a concept album instead. On October 27, 1970, the Jesus Christ Superstar album was released. The record is a musical dramatization of the last week of the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with his entry into Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. Although the album created some controversies for being “sacrilegious,” it was a massive success. Thus, leading the show’s successful Broadway debut in 1971. The musical earned over $237 million around the world in 1980. It ran in London’s West End for a record-breaking total of eight years, from 1972 to 1980.
Like the album, the musical was also met with several mixed reactions. However, the production, directed by Tom O’Horgan and featuring Jeff Fenholt as Jesus, bagged five Tony awards — further cementing its place in the modern pop culture scene. Lloyd Webber was named “Most Promising Composer” by the Drama Desk, while Ben Vereen (who played Judas) was honored with a Theatre World Award. On June 30, 1973, after 711 performances, the curtain came down for good.
In the years that followed, the musical was adapted for the big screen in a wide variety of international locations, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Mexico, Australia, Yugoslavia, Russia, and Canada. The musical has seen multiple revivals over the years. The 1997 West End production was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for “Best Musical Revival,” while the 2000 Broadway revival was nominated for a Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical.” The revival that played on Broadway in 2012 was similarly very well received, garnering Tony and Drama Desk nominations in addition to a Theatre World Award. Both the Evening Standard Theatre Award and the Laurence Olivier Award were presented to the 2016 revival at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Once the COVID ban was removed, the Jesus Christ Superstar cast and crew were overjoyed to announce that production would restart. The US and Canada tour, which was put on hold in March 2020, resumed its performances at Keller Auditorium on September 28, 2021.
Starring Aaron Lavigne as Jesus and Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas, the Timothy Sheader-directed touring production will stop at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Canada, from November 8 – 13, 2022. Tickets are now available; you can get yours here by clicking the “Get Tickets” links on this site.