“I DREAMED I met a Galilean/a most amazing man”, local musical star Max Gambale (playing Pontius Pilate) was intoning at the AIS Arena this morning, with just about the entire crew of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and a few journalists too, singing along.

The occasion was the media call for this Canberra production, which local entrepreneurs Coralie Wood, Stephen Pike, Chris Neal and Ian McLean, hope will also strike the right note with a younger generation of “Superstar” fans.

Mysteriously, neither Jesus – Luke Kennedy nor Judas – Michael Falzon made an appearance at the press call and nor did Jenna Roberts – Mary Magdalene, prompting a few jokes as to whether divine intervention was required to conjure them up.

The star of the morning was undoubtedly Chris Neal’s extraordinary lighting, bound to keep audiences riveted during the coming five day season of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera.

But while the refreshingly young cast hoofed it around the stage to the choreography of Jordan Kelly singing the famous finale “Jesus Christ… Jesus Christ” to a recorded soundtrack, Wood was pointing out to us exactly where the orchestra would be sitting tonight when the show opens.

Given the cross generational nature of the target audience, you may be sure conductor McLean and his expert band of musos will be accorded equal billing.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”, at AIS Arena 7.30pm, June 2-6, matinees June 6 at 1.30pm and June 7 at 5pm. Early bird tickets now on sale at ticketek.com.au or 132 849.