AFTER last month’s successful two-show performances at the Iberostar Rose Hall hotel in Montego Bay, Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar is slated to play at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19.

Show times are 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm for the first date, and 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm for the second.

The musical’s director David Tulloch is anticipating a warm welcome in the island’s capital.

“It’s gonna be a treat for Kingston. We are encouraging Kingston to come out, as they are not getting an opportunity like this for a long time,” Tulloch told the Jamaica Observer. “I want guests to come and expect a great show — great singing, great dancing, great acting, and great special effects.”

Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 rock opera written by English composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started as a concept album before its Broadway debut in 1971. It is based on the Bible’s account of the last week of Jesus Christ’s life, beginning with preparation for his arrival along with his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with his crucifixion.

The production boasts an all-star Montego Bay cast, which includes Francois Medley as Jesus, David Feare (Judas Iscariot), Rory Franksos (Caiaphas), and Janeel Mills (Mary Magdalene).

Tulloch said it was imperative to him for the cast to remain local.

“We have an immense amount of talent in Jamaica and in particular within the west, so there is absolutely no need to look outside of local soil to execute a world-class production, and we aim to prove this.”

The executive producer is Andre Dixon, while sisters Jody-Marie and Sheri-Lee Smith of First Dance Studios are credited as co-directors.

“This is the first a producer (Dixon) has sought the licences and copyright to do a major musical of this nature in Jamaica. It’ll be a memorable evening,” said Tulloch. “In Montego Bay, the musical was very well-received. We had a great turnout and standing ovations for both performances. We will try to duplicate that in Kingston.”

Tulloch is a multiple Actor Boy Award-winning playwright. His plays include Not My Child, Bad Breed, Jamaica Sweet, and At The Barricade (Les Miserables).

The Actor Boy Award recognises excellence in Jamaican theatre.