Vlad Bunoan

Luke Street and the company of Jesus Christ Superstar.' Zeus Martinez Photography

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778911091170Luke Street, Gab Pangilinan and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company, photo by Zeus Martinez Photography.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Luke Street and the company of Jesus Christ Superstar.&#x27; Zeus Martinez Photography</div>Like many Filipinos, my first encounter with “Jesus Christ Superstar” was through the film — or more specifically, through its original soundtrack album featuring Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Judas.Looking back now, that original 1970s version is unmistakably of its era: deeply hippie-coded and visually eccentric in hindsight. But beneath the groovy aesthetic was something surprisingly durable. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice conceived “Jesus Christ Superstar” not as a traditional biblical pageant, but as a contemporary retelling of the final days of Jesus Christ — one driven by the energy, anxiety and rebellion of modern music.That contemporary spirit has always been central to the musical’s identity. Whether in the psychedelic styling of the original film, the sleek futurism of later revivals, or the arena-rock concert stagings that followed, “Jesus Christ Superstar” works best when it feels immediate and current.Most remarkably, the score has barely aged. From its explosive overture and scorching guitar riffs to its relentless rhythms and emotionally charged vocals, “Jesus Christ Superstar” still feels thrillingly alive in a way many rock musicals do not. Compared with something like “Hair” — which today feels more tied to a specific cultural moment — “Jesus Christ Superstar” remains startlingly fresh. Long before jukebox musicals, this was already a full-fledged rock concert disguised as musical theater.Through the years, productions have continued to reinterpret that idea. There was the arena tour starring Ben Forster, Tim Minchin and Melanie C in contemporary suits; the televised concert starring John Legend that brought unmistakable celebrity energy; and more recently, a provocative concert staging led by Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert. This current international touring production — which originated from the acclaimed 2016 UK staging by The Regent&#x27;s Park Open Air Theatre — understands exactly why the material continues to endure.Rather than reinventing the musical completely, this production updates the original spirit for a modern audience. The ensemble enters through the audience in muted streetwear before effectively “putting on” the story in front of us, echoing the self-aware theatricality of the original film. The oversized silhouettes and earth-toned styling evoke contemporary street fashion, almost resembling the minimalist Fear of God aesthetic.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778911858212Ricardo Afonso and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company, photo by Zeus Martinez Photography.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Ricardo Afonso and the company of &#x27;Jesus Christ Superstar.&#x27; Zeus Martinez Photography</div>The production also leans heavily into its concert roots. Performers use handheld microphones and mic stands throughout, blurring the line between musical theater and live rock performance. Even the choreography combines contemporary movement with hip-hop and street-dance influences.Despite all these modern flourishes, the production never feels irreverent. In a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, that balance matters. What was once controversial in the 1970s now plays more as reinterpretation — contemporary, stylish and emotionally accessible — without mocking the material’s spiritual core.But what truly elevates this staging is its sheer musical power.Having seen an earlier performance with an understudy as Jesus, I realized just how heavily this production depends on the strength of its lead actor. Seeing the show again with Luke Street in the role made that unmistakably clear.For all the arguments that “Jesus Christ Superstar” belongs more to Judas than to Jesus, the emotional center of the production still rests on the actor carrying the title role. Street brings not only formidable vocals, but also charisma, vulnerability and emotional authority. His performance transforms the atmosphere of the entire production.And nowhere is that more evident than in “Gethsemane.” Street’s rendition is nothing short of extraordinary — emotionally raw, vocally fearless and ultimately overwhelming. The extended applause that followed felt completely earned. It is the kind of performance that reminds audiences why live theater can still feel electrifying.The role of Judas, however, remains just as essential to the musical’s dramatic engine, and both actors I saw brought compellingly different interpretations to the character.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778911924693Javon King and Grant Hodges, photo by Vitt Salvador.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Javon King and Grant Hodges. Vitt Salvador</div>Javon King, who originated from the Australian production, delivered a more youthful, emotionally combustible Judas — restless, volatile and increasingly tormented by the consequences of his choices. Meanwhile, Ricardo Afonso, who previously performed the role at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, approached Judas with a more mature weariness. Visually older than the boyish Street, Afonso’s Judas carried the weight of exhaustion and disillusionment, adding another emotional layer to the character.Both performances found devastating power in the reprise of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” originally sung earlier by Mary Magdalene. Hearing Judas sing the song in the same key transformed it into something hauntingly intimate and tragic.Another standout was Ethan Hardy Benson as Pilate, who gave the Roman governor surprising complexity. Rather than portraying him as a straightforward antagonist, Benson emphasized Pilate’s internal conflict — the fear, frustration, guilt and political pressure surrounding his decisions. His performance during “39 Lashes” was especially gripping, powered by commanding vocals and palpable emotional intensity — and a chest full of glitter.Of course, Manila audiences will also be especially interested in Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene. Pangilinan delivers a grounded and emotionally sincere performance that resists turning the role into vocal showmanship. Some viewers may prefer a rougher or earthier interpretation, but Pangilinan instead leans into clarity, restraint and emotional warmth.What becomes undeniable while watching her is just how technically accomplished she is as both a singer and actress. Mary Magdalene may not be the flashiest role in the show, but Pangilinan gives the production an important emotional softness amid all the intensity and spectacle.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778912015473Luke Street and Gab Pangilinan, photo by Zeus Martinez Photography.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Luke Street and Gab Pangilinan. Zeus Martinez Photography</div>What ultimately makes this production so successful is how naturally it merges the language of rock concerts and musical theater. Pilate enters like a leather-clad rock icon. Jesus often resembles an introspective alt-rock emo frontman. The ensemble moves with the energy of a dance crew rather than a traditional Broadway chorus.Yet beneath the contemporary styling, amplified guitars and arena-concert staging remains the same emotional core that has kept “Jesus Christ Superstar” alive for decades: human conflict, doubt, devotion, betrayal and grief expressed through some of the most thrilling music ever written for the stage.Overall, this is easily one of the strongest international musical productions to reach Manila in recent years — a staging that understands both the theatrical and rock-and-roll DNA of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”And if you happen to catch Luke Street as Jesus, you may witness one of the most thrilling musical theater performances currently on any Manila stage.<div> </div><div>&quot;Jesus Christ Superstar&quot; runs at the Theater at Solaire until May 31.</div>

The latest international touring production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ brings arena-rock energy, contemporary staging and powerhouse vocals to Manila, led by an electrifying performance from Luke Street as Jesus.

The latest international touring production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ brings arena-rock energy, contemporary staging and powerhouse vocals to Manila, led by an electrifying performance from Luke Street as Jesus.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ review: A thrilling rock opera reborn for modern audiences

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‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ review: A thrilling rock opera reborn for modern audiences

Vlad Bunoan,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 16, 2026 02:25 PM PHT

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theater review

Jesus Christ Superstar

Solaire

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