Roles of Judas and Mary known
The iconic musical Jesus Christ Superstar gets a star cast. Yesterday it was already announced that Jeangu Macrooy will play the role of Jesus. The roles of Judas and Maria are played by none other than Freek Bartels and the talented Magtel de Laat. Jesus Christ Superstar can be seen in Dutch theaters from January 2024.
The music from Jesus Christ Superstar is not unknown to Freek Bartels. In 2019 he made a crushing impression when he performed the song Gethsemane so well in the theater concert Best of Broadway in Royal Theater Carré that reviewers wrote that it would take a long time before anyone would surpass him. In addition, he previously played the role of Jesus in a concert version. ‘I remember seeing the movie Jesus Christ Superstar for the first time,’ says Freek. ‘I found that fascinating. The film has been burned into my retina ever since. It is a dream come true that I will soon be able to play the role of Judas. This role had been on my list for a long time.’
Albert Verlinde, who is producing the musical with Senf Theaterpartners and Jaco Kaasschieter, is pleased with Magtel de Laat’s participation. The Brabant actress graduated from Fontys Hogeschool. “Magtel has everything it takes to portray Mary in an impressive way,” says Albert. ‘It will be Magtel’s first major leading role, but I am convinced that she can more than hold her own next to Freek Bartels and Jeangu Macrooy.’
For Jesus Christ Superstar, Tim Rice wrote the lyrics and Andrew Lloyd Webber the music. The album sold over seven million copies worldwide. Jesus Christ Superstar was on display in London’s West End for eight consecutive years from 1972. On Broadway, the performance was nominated for five Tony Awards. The story has also been filmed twice.
Jesus Christ Superstar will premiere on January 21, 2024 at the DeLaMar in Amsterdam and can then be seen in 23 theaters for only 7 months.
Photo: Royal Promotions
