18-27 September 2025, Regent Theatre Dunedin
Taieri Musical brings this global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades to the Regent Theatre. Jesus Christ Superstar 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.
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.
A blazing rock score from Andrew Lloyd Webber contains such well-known numbers as 'Superstar', 'I Don’t Know How to Love Him', 'Everything's Alright' and 'Gethsemane', underpinning a musical still as devastatingly powerful as the first time it hit the stage.
Featuring an ensemble of Dunedin's most talented performers and live musicians, this fresh and fiery new staging promises to light up the Regent Theatre on a biblical scale!
Led by the award-winning team of Director Ben Thomas, Musical Director Samuel Leaper, and Choreographer Cadyne Geary.
Exclusive Presale Tickets On Sale Now
We are looking for performers who can sing, dance and act, aged at least 16 at the beginning of rehearsals (13 July 2025).
While talent is the primary consideration when casting, a high level of commitment is essential. Our final choices for all roles will be made with this firmly in mind.
Register for an audition time
Ben is a Dunedin born and bred director, designer and performer.
Roles onstage include Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, two seasons as Marius in Les Miserables, Bert in Mary Poppins, Doody in Grease, and Brad in The Rocky Horror Show.
Ben is also keenly involved behind the scenes and has contributed to every Taieri Musical show since 2010, even during an 18-month OE based in London. He has been a committee member of Taieri Musical since 2012, joining during the last production of Jesus Christ Superstar, in which he also performed in the ensemble.
Ben has designed multimedia content for screens and projection for shows including That Bloody Woman, The Highlights, Grease, The Little Mermaid, Moana Jr, Ovation, Blood Brothers, Footloose, Frozen Jr and The Lion King Jr.
In 2024 he directed and designed the sellout season of Footloose for Taieri Musical, and past credits include The Last Five Years for the Dunedin Fringe Festival, and Taieri Musical's Gourmet Broadway.
Ben is honoured to be helming this very special production in Dunedin's beautiful Regent Theatre, and is grateful to the Taieri Musical committee and his family for their support.
Born and raised in Dunedin, Samuel graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Music. Growing up with a love of musical theatre, he has worked as a musical director around Dunedin, as well as in Melbourne, with highlights including shows like Chicago, Legally Blonde, Camp Rock, and Footloose.
With many accolades to his name, Samuel has spent time touring New Zealand with various bands, living in 660 Castle Street as an inaugural recipient of Six60’s scholarship, and also works as a live sound engineer, mixing local and touring acts throughout Dunedin and the South Island.
Currently working on Oliver for Musical Theatre Oamaru, Samuel is excited for his second show with Taieri Musical and looks forward to bringing the music of Jesus Christ Superstar to life!
Cadyne is delighted to be choreographing Jesus Christ Superstar for Taieri Musical Society in 2025.
Cadyne is a secondary teacher at St Hilda’s Collegiate. She works alongside inspiring rangatahi, sharing a love of dance, visual art and physical education. She has been a dance and performance educator for many years now. Cadyne is also a contracted choreographer and tutor, with past projects including the Taieri Musical Holiday Programme, Taieri Musical's Moana, and Musical Theatre Dunedin’s Stage to Screen, Musical Theatre Dunedin's Legally Blonde. Most recently Cadyne choreographed Footloose for Taieri Musical Society, which she received an OSTA for. This was a stand out moment for her and something she is very proud of. Cadyne also is a contracted group fitness instructor at Les Mills teaching BodyStep, Shapes and Dance.
Cadyne also finds home on the stage and has performed in theatre shows. Some of these include Motion Sickness (A fringe show co-produced by Maddison Gay and Charlie Butler) The Cabaret (produced by Nic Laughton and Lauren Johnson), Taieri Musical’s Chicago, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Grease and Showbiz Dunedin's The Highlights. and Wicked.
Cadyne is excited to bring her love of Musical Theatre to the stage once again and work alongside motivated, talented people.