Set to run from September 18-27 at the Regent Theatre, the production will feature some of Dunedin’s most talented performers and musicians, led by director Ben Thomas, musical director Samuel Leaper and choreographer Cadyne Geary.
The show will star James Adams (Jesus), Sophie Whibley (Mary Magdalene), Max Beal (Judas), Darrel Read (Caiaphas), Clare Lewis (Annas), Charlotte McKay (Pilate), Greg MacLeod (Herod), Anna Langford (Simon) and Mason Bouzaid (Peter).
They will sing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous score, featuring Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright and Gethsemane, accompanied by a live 14-piece band led by Leaper.
Director Ben Thomas, who has been closely involved in the visual and set design for the show, said Taieri Musical was "definitely putting our own spin on it".
"We are using a lot of spectacular lighting to really boost everything and make it a truly epic show that people will love."
Being able to stage the show in the Regent was exciting for the team, as the large stage meant there was plenty of room to "go large" with every aspect of the show.
"Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock musical, and really lends itself to lots of lighting and spectacle.
"So we are setting out to wow the audience — we are making the most of the opportunity to play with it and have some fun."
Along with a large lighting rig, the staging would also feature a seven metre high and 14 metre wide set, built by Paul Mulholland, Chris Hinch and Shayne Parks.
"It has been a huge amount of work, and we are very grateful to them for that."
Costumes for the 29 cast members, who each have three or four changes throughout the show, have been designed by Timaru-based Christine Wedlake, who moved to Dunedin for several months to work on the show.
"The costumes are going to be bold and exciting, and will really add to the visual impact of the show."
Taieri Musical committee member Blair Hughson said taking the show to the Regent was an exciting challenge, and the organisation was hoping Dunedin people would come to the party and support it.
"With a show as popular as Jesus Christ Superstar, and the fact that we are keeping ticket prices as low as we can, we are hoping to get big audiences.
"It is such a cool show, we know people will be keen to see it.
"And so far, tickets are selling strongly, so we are feeling confident that everything will go well."
