Jesus can’t get a room in the West End ...
PRAYERS are being said in the hope that the open Air Theatre’s powerhouse production of Jesus Christ Superstar will transfer into the West End.
The rock- fuelled show — directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew Mconie — ran last year in Regent’s Park to rave reviews, and won the Evening Standard trophy for best musical.
The Standard’s panel ( on which I sit) also named Tyrone Huntley, who played Judas, as its emerging talent honoree. And the show bagged an olivier award, for best musical revival.
It’s back in the Park from August 11. Declan Bennett, who played JC last year, will be returning. And Huntley is being let out of his contract in the sublime Dreamgirls, so he can re-join the cast as Judas. Also back are David Thaxton (Pilate) and Peter Caulfield (Herod).
In a perfect world, it would move into a West End theatre — but there’s a hitch: no house big enough is available.
The open Air has rights from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to transfer it. But there’s another sticking point.
Rights in other parts of the world — such as America and Australia — aren’t available. Which makes it harder for a producer to risk a London run, without the option of a tour to recoup costs.
Lloyd Webber controls several theatres himself, but none is available — though he might be able to lean on other owners.
It’s amazing how influential JCS has been over the years. Lloyd Webber interviewed Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda at The other Palace Theatre recently, and Miranda told him (in a lively Q&A) that the musical had had a huge effect on him.