Jon English: Superstar

Encore Theatre Company presents Jesus Christ Superstar, guest starring Jon English, is the most ambitious community theatre production planned for Northern Tasmania to date, involving a cast of 60, crew of 40, live band of 20, all supported with  tonnes of spectacular staging, lighting and sound.

The greatest story ever told – in a groundbreaking rock opera that reinvented musical theatre for the modern age.

Arguably the greatest rock musical the world has ever known is back in a revised version which has never been staged in Tasmania!

Featuring a massive cast and starring Tasmanian performer Brett Budgeon as Jesus and Guest Starring Jon English as Pilate, the musical by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice is the moving retelling of the final seven days of Jesus Christ’s life.

Jon English visited Launceston on Monday the 12th of September to begin preparations for Encore Theatre Company’s March 2012 production of the show that launched his career: Jesus Christ Superstar.

When the show premiered in Australia at the Capitol Theatre Sydney in May 1972, Harry M Miller and Jim Sharman chose an unknown rock singer for the role of Judas and launched the career of one of Australia's most successful performers.

Now, on the 40th Anniversary of the original Australian production and guest starring in the role of Pilate for a strictly limited season at the Princess Theatre, Jon English is returning to the show that made him a Superstar.

According to Jon, “I’m feeling very excited and invigorated about revisiting Jesus Christ Superstar, and of course coming to Tassie is always a bonus. I’d also like to express my great appreciation to Encore for agreeing to donate the proceeds from the charity preview to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, a cause for which I am an ambassador and which is very dear to my heart.”

Show Director Liz Bennett is looking forward to finding a Tasmanian cast that will work with Jon on this landmark production. She says “Open auditions are coming up at the end of September and we need to find up to 60 very special performers of the highest calibre to work alongside Jon and learn from his insight and experience not only of this show, but as one of Australia’s most acclaimed rock artists.”

ABOUT JON ENGLISH

Jon English is a multi-award winning singer, actor and composer who has had forty years of unparalleled success on the stage and screen.

Jon has starred in musicals, drama and comedy, released 15 albums, written musicals and scores for film and television, as well as touring internationally with his band.

His career highlights include playing Judas in the original production of Jesus Christ Superstar, his Logie Award-winning performance as Jonathon Garret in the television mini-series Against the Wind, for which he also wrote and performed the series theme song, ‘Six Ribbons’.

His landmark performance as Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance won him multiple awards, and the musical played five return seasons. Jon also played the lead role of Bobby Rovers in the hit television comedy series All Together Now, which ran for 101 episodes and won the Logie for Best Comedy. He acted as Musical Director for the series, and wrote and performed the theme song. Jon has won ARIA and Logie Awards including Best Vocalist and Best Actor.

In recent years Jon has performed many benefit concerts for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Fund.
 

AUDITION BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN
 If you would like to register for an audition please call Belinda on 0411 233 345 or email: encoretheatre@hotmail.com

Please feel free to forward this audition information to friends who may wish to be part of this landmark production!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Premium A Reserve $65 (incl drink & theatre program)
A Reserve Adult $49, Conc $40, Child $35
B Reserve Adult $42, Conc $34, Child $28
Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal Preview
15 March at 8pm all tix $35
16-24 March 2012
Princess Theatre 6323 3666   www.theatrenorth.com.au

By arrangement with Origin Theatrical Pty Ltd. Exclusive representative of the Really Useful Group Limited.
Princess Theatre Box Office, 87 Brisbane Street Launceston. Bookings www.theatrenorth.com.au