Tyrone Huntley, who caused a sensation in the original 2016 production of Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, will reprise his role as Judas in the North American touring production of the musical, beginning tonight and playing until January 2, 2022 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. He will only join the touring company for the Toronto engagement of the show.

Huntley's early roles in British theatre included TJ in the UK tour of Sister Act, Doctor in the original London cast of The Book of Mormon, and Gator in the original London cast of Memphis.

His breakthrough came as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar for which he received unanimous acclaim.

“Tyrone Huntley is brilliant as Judas, a young fanatic who is watchful and isolated right from the start,” wrote Lyn Gardner in the Guardian. In the Stage, critics Tim Bano called him “a superstar. His almighty voice is electrifying and his searing anger makes him the most fleshed out character in the production.” "The damned-either-way dilemma of Judas is conveyed with terrific sardonic ferocity by Tyrone Huntley whose voice can slice and soar into tormented falsetto,” is how Paul Taylor described his performance in the Independent. In The Times, Sam Marlowe simply wrote “stunning” in response to his performance, and Matt Wolfe in The New York Times singled out Huntley’s "powerhouse vocals."

Huntley’s achievement was further acclaimed at that year’s Evening Standard Theatre Awards which gave him the Emerging Talent award. He was also nominated for both the Whatsonstage Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. The production itself won the Olivier for Best Musical Revival and the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical.

Due to popular demand the production was reprised the following summer, again with Huntley as Judas. Based on the production’s continuing success, a touring version was created which is now crisscrossing North America.

Huntley’s other credits include playing C.C. White in the original cast of 2017 production of Dreamgirls at London’s Savoy Theatre. (Huntley left the production in June 2017 to reprise his role in Jesus Christ Superstar.)

In 2019 he switched focus and directed Ain't Misbehavin' at Southwark Playhouse, a musical revue of the life of Fats Waller. The Guardian described it as "an immensely likable romp through the songs of Fats Waller that is an escapist slice of 1920s Harlem.”

Huntley will join the touring company headed by Aaron LaVigne as Jesus and Jenna Rubaii as Mary. The cast also features Alvin Crawford as Caiphas, Tommy Sherlock as Pilate, and Tyce Green as Annas. At some performances in Toronto, Judas will be played by Eric A. Lewis.

The ensemble includes David Andre, Sara Andreas, Courtney Arango, Wesley J. Barnes, Milena J. Comeau, Lydia Ruth Dawson, Derek Ferguson, Brian Golub, Brittany Rose Hammond, Garfield Hammonds, Quiana Holmes, Darrell T. Joe, Sheila Jones, Jacob Lacopo, Paul Louis Lessard, Eric A. Lewis, Tommy McDowell, Danny McHugh, Jenny Mollet, Sarah Parker, Erick Patrick, SandyRedd, Cooper Stanton and Chelsea Williams.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the North American tour of this iconic musical is helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie. Rounding out the creative team is set and costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano and Nick Lidster, with music supervision by Tom Deering and North American music supervisor David Holcenberg.

Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17th, 2021 a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and it’s continued success spanning an incredible 50 years.

The 50 city three-year North American tour of Jesus Christ Superstar is produced by Stephen Gabriel and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

For additional information about this production, please visit ustour.JesusChristSuperstar.com

COVID-19 AUDIENCE SAFETY MEASURES

The Mirvish theatres are now operating at full capacity. We have put in place several measures in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s reopening plan. All audience members must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask for the duration of their visit for this event.

Details of what to expect during your visit to the theatre can be found on our website: www.mirvish.com.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Now Playing until January 2, 2021

The Princess of Wales Theatre – 300 King St. West Toronto, ON

Tickets $39 - $149 available only through mirvish.com and by phone 1.800.461.3333

Performance Schedule until December 19

Tuesday - Saturday: 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 1:30 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 PM

Holiday Schedule

Tuesday December 21: 8:00 PM

Wednesday December 22: 1:30 & 8:00 PM

Thursday December 23: 1:30 & 8:00 PM

Friday December 24: 1:30 PM

Saturday December 25: no performance

Sunday December 26: 2:00 & 6:30 PM

Tuesday December 28: 1:30 & 8:00 PM

Wednesday December 29: 1:30 & 8:00 PM

Thursday December 30: 8:00 PM

Friday December 31: 1:30 PM

Saturday January 1: no performance

Sunday January 2: 2:00 & 6:30 PM

Running Time: 90 Minutes with no intermission

Photo: Tyrone Huntley as Judas. © 2020 Johan Persson.