Electric and powerful - the Australian cast of ‘Superstar’ rocked the Festival Theatre to its core
Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 6 June, 2026
Saturday 6 June will forever be one of those events that attendees will speak about for a long time to come. If you were not there, you missed out on one of the most powerful and electrifying performances to hit the Adelaide Cabaret Festival or even the Festival Theatre stage.
When Reuben Kaye was appointed this year’s Artistic Director for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, one of the first things he programmed was bringing the principal cast of the recent national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar to Adelaide for a special event. The production sadly didn’t come to Adelaide and it was Kaye’s mission to give us a look into this memorable production.
What’s The Buzz? In concert and conversation with the cast of ‘Superstar’ was exactly what the name suggested. Reuben Kaye (King Herod), Mahalia Barnes (Mary Magdalene), Javon King (Judas Iscariot), Michael Paynter (Jesus), Graeme Isaako (Simon Zealotes), Elliot Baker (Caiaphas), John O’Hara (Annas), Peter Murphy (Pontius Pilate), and Joshua Dormor (cover for Caiaphas) delivered a 90-minute spectacular that took audiences behind-the-scenes of the 2024/2025 tour, their off-stage (and on-stage) antics, their connections to the show, and sensational performances of the most iconic numbers.
It was clear from the outset that this cast became very close while working on the production. Their banter was natural and hilarious but the level of respect for each other radiated through the entire evening. The stories they shared of their antics only highlighted this. One very touching moment came soon after Kaye announced to the cast that due to contractual obligations with an interstate production, Elliot Baker was unable to get to Adelaide—unknown to Kaye, the cast and producers were able to secure flights for Baker to attend. During the priest’s number This Jesus Must Die, Baker walked onto the stage. Kaye’s reaction was priceless—it was one of the few times I think an audience has ever seen him speechless at the surprise that was pulled off.
It is hard to pinpoint a single highlight from this one-night-only performance. Everything’s Alright, Heaven on Their Minds, Pilate’s Dream, Simon Zealotes / Poor Jerusalem, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, and The Last Supper all showcased the incredible vocal chops of this cast, but it was Michael Paynter’s hauntingly powerful Gethsemane (I Only Want To Stay) that was a absolute show-stopper—literally. The standing ovation that Paynter received MID SONG was a true testament to his incredible stage presence, mind-boggling vocal range and connection to the song. This one moment will be firmly planted in my mind for many years to come.
The whole night was guided by the incredible skill of Musical Director and pianist Laura Tipoki. Tipoki was the Musical Director for the recent national tour of the production and brought members of the touring pit band across to Adelaide for this special night. Their grasp of Lloyd Webber’s score was incredible. They, along with the cast, the epic lighting and spot-on audio, transported this night at the theatre into a rock production of the highest level.
After a roof-raising finale of the title song Jesus Christ Superstar and the encore What’s The Buzz?the cast left the audience wanting more, but their performance will certainly live on in the minds and hearts of the nearly full house at the Festival Theatre.
Sadly, this was a one-off event that likely won’t ever be recreated. It showed that when a close-knit cast, a very loyal fan base and the creative genius of a good artistic director are at work, unforgettable theatre magic can be created. This will certainly be the buzz of theatre foyers for a long time to come.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: Ended
Duration: 100mins
