The cast of rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar." Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- The iconic rock musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is set to captivate Filipino audiences, with its cast offering a glimpse of what to expect during a recent media event where they performed two songs from the production.
Leading the conversation was Filipina theater actress Gab Pangilinan, who takes on the role of Mary Magdalene. Pangilinan shared that this version of the musical puts a stronger spotlight on the humanity of its well-known characters.
READ: Gab Pangilinan is Mary Magdalene in Manila run of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
“Our characters are just so humanized in this version of the story. People know Jesus, people know Mary… but they’ve never seen them so human, I think,” she said.
Pangilinan admitted she had to intentionally let go of the pressure that comes with portraying one of the most iconic roles in musical theater.
“I tried to take that away… the pressure of having to fill in the shoes of an iconic role. So as usual… it’s the truth, what she stands for, what she believes in,” she explained.
For Pangilinan, the production is deeply personal. Joining the cast pushed her out of her comfort zone, as it was her first time entering a rehearsal room without knowing anyone.
“You just have to be so open and so vulnerable,” Pangilinan said, adding that the experience ultimately reignited her passion for theater.
"This particular production is reintroducing me to my love for theater… coming right back into the heart of it, just telling the story," she said.
Meanwhile, Joshua Bess, who plays Jesus, echoed a similar sentiment, saying his approach to the role focuses more on the person rather than the religious figure.
“I try to think of him as the person, as the man. And I think that keeps me grounded,” Bess shared.
Bess also opened up about the pressure of portraying such a revered character, recalling how he once saw the role as “untouchable” when he first watched the musical in high school.
“It just seemed so impossible and out of reach,” he said, adding that this production allows performers to bring their own interpretation to the role.
“We’re kind of celebrated to find our own version of it… while also paying homage to the people that have played the role before.”