Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene
The musical theater star takes on the central female role in the iconic rock opera when the international touring production opens in Manila this May.
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The musical theater star takes on the central female role in the iconic rock opera when the international touring production opens in Manila this May.
JACK Hopewell and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Photographs courtesy of Evan Zimmerman
BRITISH actor Luke Street takes on one of the most iconic roles in musical theater history — as Jesus.
JAVON King potrays the role of Judas.
ETHAN Hardy Benson plays Jesus’ nemesis Pontius Pilate.
The international tour of the Olivier Award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Jesus Christ Superstar is making its way to Manila. The show’s principal cast was just announced, and a Filipina is joining their ranks playing a major role. Manila-based actress and singer Gab Pangilinan in the role of Mary Magdalene, playing opposite Luke Street who dons robes as Jesus.
A multi-awarded stage and screen actor, Pangilinan has played a variety of roles with leading local theater companies like PETA, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Atlantis Theatrical, and is a co-founder of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative. Best known for her performances in Side Show, Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical, she is also a three-time Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee for Pingkian: Isang Musikal, The Last Five Years, and Mula Sa Buwan. She was most recently seen in We Aren’t Kids Anymore and Othello.
Getting cast in such an important role in musical theater canon is a major coup for the actress. “I auditioned for the role a while back and I couldn’t believe it when I got the call. I was alone and I was in shock!” shared the actress in a chat with DAILY TRIBUNE. I’ve kept the news for a while and I still can’t believe it. I’m so happy I can finally share the excitement with everyone! It’s real and it’s really happening!” For GMG Productions, the actress is not only a perfect fit, but strengthens the Philippines, once again, as a wellspring of some of the best performers, bar none. “Gab is a respected and accomplished artist. We are happy to have her in the international company of Jesus Christ Superstar,” says Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. “Her casting as Mary Magdalene highlights the strength of Filipino theater talent.”
“Being able to play Mary Magdalene is an absolute honor,” says Pangilinan excitedly. On top of that, she is also looking forward to enjoying a few career firsts working on this show — “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. It will be my first production with GMG, first time to perform at Solaire, first time with an international cast — I will learn a lot and I’m looking forward to enjoying every second of it!”
The international tour of Jesus Christ Superstar also features some of the best theater talent from all parts of the globe. The show marks UK-based actor and singer Luke Street’s return to the iconic musical, having previously alternated the roles of Simon, Jesus, and Judas in the 2023 UK tour. This time, stepping into the titular role is an exciting opportunity for the Street, as he gets to perform for audiences all over the world. Among his theater credits across the UK and the West End include Bat Out of Hell , Jersey Boys, Out There, and Gypsy.
Actor and dancer Javon King, who straddles between New York and Melbourne, steps into the role of Judas, a role he previously played in the musical’s Australian tour. He has appeared as Sky Masterson in Guys And Dolls, and as Angel Dumott Schunard in the 20th & 25th Anniversary Tours of Rent. Cast as the musical’s other villain, Pontius Pilate, is Ethan Hardy Benson, who has a long history with the show, having portrayed Jesus, Annas and Pilate in various productions across the United States.
UCLA-trained American actor Grant Hodges is Caiaphas, saying he is “grateful to be putting the robes back on and sharing this story with the world alongside some of my favorite human beings,” as he was part of the 50th anniversary national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in the same part. Rounding out the principal cast, as of this announcement, is Kodiak Thompson as the priest Annas, a role he played in the US and Canada tour.
Jesus Christ Superstar has become a global phenomenon since it first emerged as a concept album in the ‘70s, with iconic songs like Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane. It explores the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, from the point-of-view of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. It also navigates the personal relationships between Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and his disciples.
The show eventually opened on Broadway’s Mark Hellinger Theatre in 1971, then made its way to the West End’s Palace Theatre the following year. By the time it closed in 1980, it had played 3,358 performances, becoming the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. The show has also drawn in Hollywood musical talent, with John Legend as Jesus and Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert! In 2018, then just last year, with Cynthia Erivo in a controversial take as a female Jesus, opposite Adam Lambert’s Judas in a concert staging at the Hollywood Bowl.
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this iteration of the musical is a reimagining of the original by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It went on to win the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. Leading the creative team is director Timothy Sheader, and joined by choreographer Drew McOnie, production designer by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster, and music supervision by Tom Deering.
The international tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, produced by GMG Productions and David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions, has traveled across North America, the UK, and Australia. It arrives in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire and runs from 2 May until 31 May 2026. Tickets are available exclusively through TicketWorld.
