The super-ensemble version of Jesus Christ Superstar that was scheduled to tour arenas this summer and autumn has been abruptly cancelled, according to producers. All ticket holders will be able to obtain refunds at their respective venues.
The most recent incarnation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical gathered attention for the number of music stars from a diverse range of genres that would be filling roles for the play. Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams was to play Mary Magdalene, Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd was slotted to play Judas Iscariot, Sex Pistols/Public Image Ltd. leader John "Rotten" Lydon was cast as King Herod, and former N'SYNC member J.C. Chasez was to play Pontius Pilate. The title role was given to Ben Forster, who won the part through a reality television competition (no word on whether they've got some sort of alternate prize planned).
Michael Cohl, the promoter for the production, blamed poor ticket sales for the cancellation.
"It became obvious the shows were in trouble, but we tried until the last moment to give it every chance to turn around," he said. "In the end, it just did not make business sense to continue, and we didn't want the cast to endure playing to disappointing audiences."
Try until the last moment they did. The tour was scheduled to begin on June 9 in New Orleans and the bomb was dropped June 1. Boyd was as surprised as the rest of ticket holders.
"I got fired from #JesusChristSuperstar today...." he tweeted. "But so did the rest of the cast so we're all sad together. Yeah, it's true. Tour cancelled."
