Jesus Christ tapped into the spirit of his time and a new production of the Jesus Christ Superstar musical aims to do the same via a youth-culture spin.

Funky street gear will replace flowing robes for the production due at Rockhampton's Pilbeam Theatre on a Friday and Saturday next month (September 12 and 13).

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar first exploded onto the stage in 1971 and it was clear that the musical world would never be the same again. Acclaimed as a masterpiece, it has attained the status of theatre legend.

It is packed with hit songs including ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Could We Start Again, Please’ and, of course, the wonderful title song, ‘Superstar’.

Fierce rock rhythms, chunky power chords and heart-searing ballads combine in the haunting and unforgettable score.

From his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through to his death at the hands of Pontius Pilate, Jesus Christ Superstar is an epic retelling of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The students and staff of Central Queensland University’s Bachelor of Performing Arts degree (within the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Faculty of Education and Creative Arts) take all who witness this production on a voyage of discovery.

While remaining true to the Rice and Lloyd Webber classic, the performers and crew have transported the story into the present with a youthful approach to choreography and direction.

Lead roles to be announced include Glenn Olive as Jesus, Ryan Parle (the Tyneside rock band lead singer) as Judas, Naomi Bond as Mary Magdelene, Darren Giles as Pilate and David Christensen as Herod.

This powerful production of Jesus Christ Superstar will be staged at the Pilbeam Theatre on September 12-13 with performances at 7.30pm on both evenings and a matinee performance on Saturday September 12 at 2.30pm. Admission prices for these performances are adults $15, pensioner/student $10 and children $8. There is a special family discount of $40 for two adults and two children.

To enjoy this modern, youthful approach to a theatrical legend please contact the Pilbeam Theatre on 4927 4111. For further details contact: Emma Killion 07 4930 6824 or 0412 817 700 or via e.killion@cqu.edu.au