In the time-honoured tradition of casting contemporary pop and rock musicians in beloved Webber and Rice musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar', the latest production set to hit Australia will feature in-demand singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Michael Paynter in the title role for Sydney and Melbourne.
A significant part of the Australian music industry landscape for the last 20 years, Michael has been an international recording artist with Sony Music Worldwide, culminating in several top 20 singles.
He has toured extensively in Australia and internationally, sharing stages with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Seal, The Script and 5 Seconds of Summer, as well as legends such as John Farnham and Hall and Oates.
As a session musician, Michael is currently a full-time member of classic Australian band Icehouse, as well as the guitarist and vocalist in Australian icon Jimmy Barnes’ band. And these are just some of his career highlights.
Yet for all his veteran status, he has yet to taste the professional musical theatre stage.
“I was approached to do the part and I initially didn’t really give it too much thought if I’m honest,” Michael explains.
“I’ve never been a theatre guy. I’ve been approached many times for many shows, but it’s never really been part of what I do. My mum’s a theatre director and big crazy theatre nut so I think I rebelled and went to rock and roll,” he laughs.
Still, with long-time friend Mahalia Barnes cast in the role of Mary and encouraging him to meet with the show producers, Michael took the leap of faith, and found that that the role “got its hooks” in him.
“I’ve always been a fan of John’s [Farnham] 'Gethsemane' and his interpretation of Jesus and the opportunity to channel some of that was pretty hard to pass up once I wrapped my brain around it.”
Fortunately, his bandmates in Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes were all supportive of his decision to take a hiatus during the show’s run, which kicks off at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in November, 2024.
'Jesus Christ Superstar' (North American Tour) - Image © Evan Zimmerman
“Iva [Davies, lead singer of Icehouse] has always loved the Judas role and the show, and Jimmy’s in the family, being Mahalia’s father, so he was really happy. I’ve been very surprised and touched by everyone’s reactions, actually.”
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, 'Jesus Christ Superstar'’s iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971. The original Australian production opened at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney in May 1972, followed by seasons at the Palais Theatre, Melbourne and other cities, playing for more than 700 performances. The original London production ran for more than eight years. By the time it closed after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time, and has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance.
Michael speaks to the show’s seemingly endless audience appeal.
“I think in some ways it’s hard for me to answer because I haven’t even begun rehearsals yet [at the time of writing],” he says.
“At the moment I have far more of an outsider’s perspective on the show than insider’s knowledge. But I have been a songwriter and producer in the pop world for 20 years so I’m very clued into great songs. And 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is full of hook after hook after hook, memorable refrains, memorable melodies, it doesn’t matter what genre you’re in, a great song is what endures. A great song will last the test of time.”
'Jesus Christ Superstar' (North American Tour) - Image © Evan Zimmerman
The most well-known production of the show is arguably the 1992 production starring Aussie rock and pop royalty John Farnham, Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens. But John Paul Young, Marcia Hines, Angry Anderson and Tim Minchin are just another handful of Australian stars who’ve tackled roles in the production over the years.
As for the interpretation he intends to bring to the role. . .
“The instruction I’ve gotten is that they want to let me do my thing, interpret and express what was written in the way that feels right to me,” Michael describes.
“That’s going to be a nice balance of honouring what was written and performing what was written in a way that feels genuine. Bringing a personal interpretation to someone else’s work is an incredible thing. You’ve gotta find the ‘you’ in the music.”
'Jesus Christ Superstar' plays Capitol Theatre (Sydney) from 6 November, Crown Theatre (Perth) from 13 February (2025) and Princess Theatre (Melbourne) from 16 March.
Words: Natalie O'Driscoll
