As Michael Paynter’s blazing, sustained falsetto soared to new heights in his stunning rendition of Gethsemane, the opening night audience leapt to its feet, twice – once mid-song – and then again at the end of the number.

It was one of several extraordinary moments in a breathtaking production of Jesus Christ Superstar, led by two phenomenal rock tenors – Paynter as Jesus and Javon King as Judas.

Javon King and Michael Paynter in Jesus Christ Superstar, 2024. Photo © Jeff Busby

The seminal, sung-through rock opera about the last seven days of Jesus’s life features glorious music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and wonderfully witty, incisive lyrics by Tim Rice.

Initially released as a concept album in 1970, it opened on Broadway the following year to mixed reviews. It was Jim Sharman’s groundbreaking 1972 Australian production, staged on Brian Thomson’s set with its famous dodecahedron, that sealed the show’s success, touring to London where it played for eight years.

We’ve seen several productions in Australia since then, including the 1992 concert version starring John Farnham as Jesus and Kate Ceberano as Mary Magdalene, and the 2012 arena tour with Ben Forster...