Tom Hewitt Temporarily Joins La Jolla Playhouse’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Eyeing Broadway Run

Broadway veteran Tom Hewitt has temporarily replaced Jeremy Kushnier as Pontius Pilate in Des McAnuff’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar which is currently at the La Jolla Playhouse through December 31.

The production, which originated at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, will play Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre, with previews beginning March 1, and an opening date set for March 22.

According to a representative from Stratford, Kushnier has stepped away from the role so McAnuff can see Hewitt’s performance, which he may be asked to recreate on Broadway. Kushnier will be part of the Broadway production, regardless, and will return to the La Jolla production to play Pilate later in the show’s run.

The company also features Paul Nolan (Jesus), Chilina Kennedy (Mary Magdalene), Josh Young (Judas Iscariot), Bruce Dow (King Herod), and Mike Nadajewski (Peter).

The creative team includes choreographer Lisa Shriver, music director Rick Fox, scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Paul Tazewell, lighting designer Howell Binkley, sound designer Jim Neil, and video designer Sean Nieuwenhuis.

For tickets and more information on the La Jolla run of the show, click here.