Capitol Theatre — Attraction in Sydney

Jesus Christ Superstar, Capital Theatre, Sydney, December 2024.

I recently attended the 6pm session of Jesus Christ Superstar at Sydney’s Capital Theatre. Having seen the iconic original version decades ago, I was curious to see what this new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s version would look like.

Honestly, my review is a very mixed one with it excelling musically thanks to the sensational performances of key cast members. Michael Paynter’s powerful voice in the role of Jesus is simply sublime. Equally impressive, if not more so, the performance by Jason King in the role of Judas with both his acting and vocal abilities being the source of constant astonishment. Both the male leads were magnificent, and indeed, they carry the show. Then there is Mahalia Barnes in the role of Mary, which wasn’t actually a big role but she delivers a sensitive, authentic, earthy and touching rendition of some of the big numbers like “I don’t know how to love him” with the ease of a true seasoned professional.

Reuben Kaye as Herod is a brilliant piece of casting and he is every bit as fabulous and camp as you would expect even though he essentially only sings one number.

But having said all that, there definitely are some negatives that take the shine off a vocally perfect production. For me, the biggest weakness is the storytelling aspect of the production. It’s very unevenly paced and profoundly confusing, often moving from one key moment to something different entirely. There are no set changes at all, and indeed the design of the set was full of missed opportunities and it also at times made it very difficult and at times awkward for the choreography of the dancers in the ensemble. Furthermore the fact that this production chose to use handheld mics I felt was both unusual and a mistake. Even though the lead vocals handled this with great skill, it clearly limited the staging opportunities. It’s almost like the “powers that be” couldn’t decide if it was a rock concert or a musical. They tried to combine both and it didn’t really work. There are inexplicable guitar props that are never really productively used and honestly, they just seem to clutter the small stage even more unnecessarily and make it even harder for some of the performers.

Certainly, the climax of the production, being the crucifixion scene is a huge let down. It has zero impact, and for me, I think that was the most disappointing aspect. Essentially, a small stool is used for Jesus to stand on with a horizontal bar across the shoulders with wrist holds. The use of stage smoke and white lighting effects to hide the simplicity of it falls completely flat. I can appreciate it would be quite challenging to theatricality create one of the pivotel moments such as the crucifixion scene in JCS, but honestly, this was poorly done.

Overall, certainly go for the sensational voices as this is definitely worth the ticket, but if you were wanting to leave with also having experienced a superb storytelling production, then you’re going to leave considerably...

Located at 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺 Capital Theatre is a beautiful old building which was placed on the New South Wales State Heritage List in 1999. It was built from 1893-1928 and designed by Henry Eli While and John Eberson. The site was originally used by early settlers as a market place for produce and hay, giving this area its name “Haymarket “. We came to see the musical 🎶 “Sister Act” and had a great time although the show itself was quite different from the movie which I have to admit was a little disappointing and I was also disappointed that Casey Donovan was not playing the lead character as advertised. I was really looking forward to seeing her. Another thing I was a little disappointed about was that I didn’t recognise any of the music, none of the songs from the movie made it its way into the musical. The building itself is beautiful. I loved the Roman statues and the little gargoyles figurines around the theatre. The building is quite beautifully designed and preserved I thought. The painting on artwork on the ceilings are beautiful. The staircase is also amazing. It’s quite easy to get around for people with mobility issues if you are on the stalls or lower floor. The theatre is kept tidy and clean. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Just a short stroll away from Central Station and the light rail is just out the front door so very easy to get to. We had a really great time here and I can’t wait to come back for my next show. Especially loved that we got to meet Rhonda Burchmore and Genevieve Lemon at the stage door afterwards and get my photo with them. They were so gracious. Thumbs up...

Every single show I’ve experienced in this divinely, purposely built exquisite building in my thirty years in Sydney since age 21 has delivered “utterly immaculate joy”. You can read show reviews of the brilliance delivered at this “not available much elsewhere on the planet” place anywhere you want: This SIX STAR (not 5) is about STAFF - & I mean ALL staff, whether they are permanent or casual or contractors. Each & every one of them at Capitol are SUPERB - GENUINE THANKS to ALL 🤩🙏😘x

Details:

1. All Security Guards are friendly, helpful, considerate & do their jobs BRILLIANTLY well when there’s a lineup
2. Reception staff actually DO “zip around” (meaning: almost running!) to make sure people get in & through on time
3. Once you get inside the theatre there are “staff everywhere” to get you to your seat quickly
4. Bar staff are just as excellent (I work in Hospo now so I know what they have to do - yet none of their reality comes across by them when you order drinks - they are fantastic)
5. I love this place so much that when I worked 6 months as a Change Mgmt Contractor across the road (for Ausgrid) I would buy lunch & eat it sitting across the road from their loading dock simply so I could watch (whenever it happened) the amazing Set Design Materials be delivered & all the incredible people running around to bring them in to the building.

MASSIVE STARS to each & every one of you of ALL ages & ALL backgrounds. You work in Theatre because you love it (like all of us good ones love it): you definitely don’t do it for the $ (because there isn’t enough in it for anyone). Sincere thanks & appreciation...