(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents Jesus Christ Superstar in the Rumson School District Auditorium across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. This is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
What’s the buzz? The first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”
Performances take place Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Rumson School District Auditorium is located at 60 Forrest Avenue in Rumson, New Jersey.
Jesus Christ Superstar was Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s third collaboration (after The Likes of Us and Joseph). As no one was willing to back their idea as a stage show, the pair first produced the single "Superstar,” sung by Murray Head, near the end of 1969, followed by a concept album of the project with MCA in 1970.
The massive success of the record in the U.S. (the album hit number one) created a huge demand for a Broadway production and Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in October 1971. Starring Ben Vereen as Judas and Yvonne Elliman reprising her role from the concept album as Mary, the show received five Tony nods. The U.K. production premiered the following year with Paul Nicholas in the title role. By 1980, after 3,358 performances, Superstar had become the longest-running musical in West End history at the time.
