Win one of two double passes to see Jesus Christ Superstar at Sydney's Capitol Theatre on Tuesday, November 12. Enter the draw at the bottom of the story.
It was a true passing of the torch moment.
Shortly after learning she would star in the new Australian production of hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar, Mahalia Barnes stood on stage with Kate Ceberano.
Ceberano played the role of Mary Magdalene to great acclaim in the 1990s and joined Mahalia for renditions of two of the show's best-loved songs, Everything's Alright and I Don't Know How to Love Him.
She said this is like me passing the baton, you know, handing over to you... it was really, really lovely."
Together with her band The Soul Mates, Mahalia has toured nationally and internationally with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, and Tom Jones.
Also, a former alumni of The Voice - Mahalia has built a reputation as a vocal powerhouse, but this will be her first foray into rock opera.
Luckily, as the daughter of Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes, she has no shortage of family friends to lean on for advice.
She has also spoken to Jon Stevens, who played Judas in the 1992 season, and said he had also been very supportive of her taking on the challenge.
There is no doubt she has big shoes to fill. Marcia Hines played Mary Magdalene in the original Australian run of the show in the 1970s, taking over from Michele Fawdon.
Other huge Aussie showbiz names to take part in those previous tours include Jon English, Trevor White, and perennial Aussie favourite John Farnham.
"It is slightly daunting, but I'm not easily intimidated," she said
"I feel incredibly supported... it just feels like the right time to do this."
Joining Mahalia on stage will be Michael Paynter in the role of Jesus and Javon King as Judas. Australian actor Robert Tripolino - who played Jesus in the UK production - will reprise the role for the Perth Season.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Capitol Theatre, Sydney from November 6; Crown Theatre, Perth from February 13, 2025; Princess Theatre, Melbourne from March 16. For more information visit
www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au.
We have two double passes to see ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7pm to give away, valued at $99.90 each.
https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/8780914/jesus-christ-superstar-mary-magdalene-played-by-mahalia-barnes/?cs=6770Entries close Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11.59pm AEST.
Australian Competitions Club
