Due to high demand, on Tuesday, June 17, the musical Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will be performed twice — at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM — by the Hungarian Opera of Cluj at the Bucharest Opera Festival. The show will be sung in English, in its original version, according to Romania Journal.
Tickets are available at: https://tickets.operanb.ro/event.php?id=51149
Directed by Novák Péter and conducted by Kulcsár Szabolcs, Jesus Christ Superstar features not only principal performers from the Hungarian Opera of Cluj but also renowned guest artists from Hungary. Presented in English with Romanian surtitles, this rock opera promises an unforgettable experience for the Bucharest audience.
Originally controversial, the musical was officially endorsed by the Vatican in 2000, recognizing it as a suitable cultural production for pilgrims during the Papal Jubilee that year. “I was very surprised and very happy,” said lyricist Tim Rice at the time. The Vatican’s support ended longstanding criticism that the portrayal of Jesus was too human and charismatic.
The prestigious Cluj opera company, known for its bold and original repertoire choices in recent years, continues its legacy of innovation. Notably, it was the first opera company to tour Bucharest, back in 1860, performing 11 shows — some attended by Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza.
Director Novák Péter stated: “For over two thousand years, there hasn’t been — and likely never will be again — a time when the story of one of the most influential figures in human history isn’t relevant. Quoting Tamás Gáspár Miklós, the story forces us to face the fact that humanity was capable of crucifying even the truth… Beyond the drama of absolution, this is about timeless messages. Because the foundation of Jesus’s teachings — whether we like it or not — is inner freedom. Since dogmas never interested me, to me the message is simple: heal yourselves, all of you!”
More than 1,500 musicians, dancers, and technical staff will participate in this year’s Bucharest Opera Festival, which takes place annually in June at the Bucharest National Opera House.
The festival spans ten days and brings together the leading opera and ballet companies from Romania and beyond, offering audiences a wide range of cultural journeys.
Festival Program: https://operanb.ro/calendar/?luna=06&anul=2025
Tickets: http://tickets.operanb.ro or at the National Opera Box Office
Watch BOF 2024 Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt1ffMgS-HQ
(Video concept: Virgil Oprina / Bucharest National Opera)
Cast:
JESUS CHRIST: Sipos Endre
JUDAS ISCARIOT: Szemenyei János
MARY MAGDALENE: Covacinschi Yolanda
PONTIUS PILATE: Szép Gyula Bálint
KING HEROD: Peti Tamás Ottó
CAIAPHAS: Mányoki László
ANNAS THE HIGH PRIEST: Dobrița Roland
HIGH PRIESTS: Plesa Róbert, Veress László, Kálmán Róbert Attila, Cîmpean Rareș Arcadie
APOSTLES: András Gábor-Róbert (Peter), Rétyi Zsombor (Simon), Szacsvay Zsigmond, Rigmányi István, Gergely Elek, Kincses Márk, Varga Attila, Varga János, Szilveszter Sándor, Petres István, Florin Ioan Ianc
PRINCIPAL DANCERS: Vlad Sebastian, Alin Rîpă, Babos Kinga, Katrinecz Erika
With the participation of the Hungarian Opera Choir, Ballet, and Orchestra of Cluj.
