'Jesus Christ Superstar' comes to Manila with Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene

Filipina theater star Gab Pangilinan is set to take on one of musical theater's most iconic roles as Mary Magdalene in the Olivier Award-winning production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," which will run at The Theatre at Solaire from May 2 to 31.

The Manila season, originally scheduled to close on May 24, has been extended by a week due to strong demand, giving more Filipino audiences the chance to witness the internationally acclaimed staging. No further extensions beyond May 31 will be added.

Pangilinan joins a principal cast composed of performers from previous UK, North America, and Australian tours, including Luke Street as Jesus, Javon King as Judas, Ethan Hardy Benson as Pilate, Grant Hodges as Caiaphas, and Kodiak Thompson as Annas. Further casting announcements are expected.

Pangilinan, one of Manila's most respected stage actresses, has built a reputation for emotionally layered performances in productions such as "The Last Five Years," "Side Show," "Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical," and "Mula Sa Buwan."

A three-time Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee, she won Best Leading Female Performance (Digital) at the 27th Asian Television Awards for Still: A Musical Narrative Series.

Her casting as Mary Magdalene marks a significant moment for Filipino theater talent on the international stage.

"Gab is a respected and accomplished artist, and her casting as Mary Magdalene highlights the strength of Filipino theater talent. The excitement from audiences has been truly remarkable, and this extension allows even more theater fans to experience this production," said Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions.

Mary Magdalene delivers one of the show's most beloved numbers, "I Don't Know How to Love Him," a poignant ballad that has become a standard in musical theater repertoire.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, "Jesus Christ Superstar" first emerged as a concept album in 1970 before opening on Broadway in 1971.

The rock opera explores the final days of Jesus Christ through the perspective of Judas Iscariot. The musical delves into themes of faith, betrayal, power, and humanity, set against a groundbreaking 1970s rock score that includes "Superstar," "Gethsemane," and "I Don't Know How to Love Him."

The 2026 tour is produced by GMG Productions and David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. Tickets for the Manila run are available exclusively through TicketWorld. —MGP, GMA Integrated News