“JESUS Christ Superstar” has wowed audiences for more than 40 years, says Canberra Philharmonic – and no wonder, a full-on rock musical set against “the greatest story ever told” and told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Jim McMullen directs, while Will Huang gets to play the rebellious Judas, a role he has understudied before magnificently. At Erindale Theatre, March 8-24. Bookings to philo.org.au or 6257 1950.

MARGARET Hadfield, Canberra artist and 2006 winner of the Gallipoli Art Prize, has joined historian Dr Kathryn Spurling to open the new Artistic Vision Gallery, dedicated to finding discarded paintings in op shops, auctions and garage sales then rescuing, refurbishing and selling them. All welcome to the official opening at 7/51 Tennant Street, Fyshwick, 2pm-4pm, on Sunday, March 4. Inquiries to artisticvisiongallery.com or 0418 237766.

SHAKESPEARE by the Lakes enjoyed extraordinary audiences in Tuggeranong Town Park, Glebe Park and by the river in Queanbeyan for “Much Ado about Nothing”. Producer Taimus Werner-Gibbings tells us: “The vision is a capital region tradition of free, summer Shakespeare year after year… but every year will be finance and funding dependent.”

SUPERSTAR clarinettist Sabine Meyer will make a journey through musical fairytales when she tours for Musica Viva with the Alliage Quintett – four saxophones and a grand piano. They’ll be at Llewellyn Hall at 7pm on March 6. Bookings to musicaviva.com.au

CANBERRA Opera will perform “Love and Loss”, pieces from Puccini and Verdi, at the High Court of Australia, 1.30pm, Sunday, March 4. It’s free, but registration is essential to hcourt.gov.au

COMEDY star, David Strassman returns to Canberra with his new show “iTedE”, billed as his most technically advanced stage production. Advanced puppetronics help Strassman and his puppet characters bring mayhem and theatrics to a set by New York designer Luke Cantarella. At Canberra Theatre, March 6-10. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700. Then at Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, March 11. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.

“OPEN Doors Open Minds” is a free training program for staff and volunteers of community organisations developed by Rebus Theatre. Throughout March Rebus is using the model of forum theatre with a cast consisting of people with disabilities. The program is suitable for informal groups such as book clubs, sporting organisations, arts and cultural organisations, faith groups or large, funded organisations. Details via email to ben@rebustheatre.com and bookings to eventbrite.com.au