Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Review

There are shows you watch because they are popular, like Les Misérables, and then there are shows that bring you back to a very specific time in your life. For me, Jesus Christ Superstar is one of those shows. So here’s my a bit biased Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Review.

So why is my review a bit bias? 

Back in college, part of our lunch break routine was watching Jesus Christ Superstar with my two kumare/sorority sisters. It was one of those little college memories that stayed with me.

So imagine finally seeing it live on stage in Manila, not just as an audience member, but also as part of the media, with one of my sorority sisters beside me. Full-circle moment talaga.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Review: The Music

Most of us already know the story, especially those who grew up with Holy Week culture, senakulo, religious films, and yearly retellings of the Passion of Christ. The story is familiar. The characters are familiar. The ending is familiar. So worth it pa ba panoorin kung alam mo na ang mangyayari? For me, yes. Very much yes.

Why Jesus Christ Superstar Is Worth it

The music is already powerful on its own. There is so much emotion in every word, but hearing it live gives it a different kind of impact. It is louder, rawer, and mas ramdam na ramdam mo talaga.

Since Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera, no dull moment for me. The show moves through song, emotion, tension, and big vocal moments. From ensemble numbers to emotional solos, the cast delivered the energy you expect from a rock musical, but with enough heart to make the story feel human.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Review: The Production

What makes this Manila production exciting is how it takes a story we already know by heart and presents it with a different kind of energy. It has the intensity of a rock concert, the movement of contemporary theatre, and the look of a modern production.

Hindi siya yung usual traditional na story telling na nakasanayan natin. Modern ang costumes, the staging feels fresh and the choreography makes the story feel more alive and relatable.

What really impressed me was how visually entertaining the production was. Alam mo yung feeling na kahit hindi mo masyadong madinig yung lyrics, mafe-feel mo pa rin kung ano ang nangyayari because of the choreography? That is how this production felt. Hindi lang siya basta mga taong kumakanta sa stage. Full visual experience siya.

Every scene had something to watch. Every number had its own energy. It felt theatrical, but at the same time, it also had that rock fest feel that made the whole experience more exciting.

Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene

One of my biggest observations from the show is Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene. She’s very flirty as Mary Magdalene, in the best and most character-driven way.

Kuha niya yung singing, but more than that, kuhang kuha niya yung acting. Her Mary Magdalene had softness, tenderness, confusion, affection, and quiet longing. Hindi lang siya basta kumakanta nang maganda. She tells the story through the song. Ramdam na ramdam mo yung emotions ni Mary Magdalene.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Review: Favorite Moments

Ang hirap mag-pinpoint ng favorite moment ko because everything stands out.

There were emotional moments, intense moments, and full-on wow moments. The production knows how to build tension and make the audience feel what is happening on stage.

The only part where I felt a little bit underwhelmed was the Simon scene. Personally, nakulangan ako sa chaos doon. Given the energy of that part of the story, I was expecting it to feel more explosive and more overwhelming.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Must Watch Musical This May

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila is on a limited run this May at The Theatre at Solaire. Get your tickets now para makanood ka rin and experience this iconic rock opera live.

Whether you grew up knowing the story, you are a longtime fan of the music, or you simply want to watch something powerful and different this month, this is one show worth adding to your list.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld. Don’t miss the chance to see Jesus Christ Superstar live in Manila before the run ends.