AUBURN, N.Y. (March 10, 2025) – The REV Theatre Company announced today that Donald Rice, son of lyricist Sir Tim Rice, will direct the opening production of its 2025 season, “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
The show runs May 28-June 17 at the 
Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, NY.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” was originally written in 1970 as a concept album by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rice’s father, Tim, and has since become a global phenomenon, moving and thrilling audiences across the world. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the rock opera follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
Donald Rice, a London-based writer, director, and producer, has previously collaborated on a number of projects with his father including “From Here to Eternity” which The REV premiered and produced in 2016. Rice and Bill Oakes wrote the musical’s book, which features music by Stuart Brayson and lyrics by his father. Additional credits include the feature film, “Cheerful Weather for the Wedding” (with Mary Henely Magill) and the award-winning short films “I Am Bob” (starring Bob Geldof, long-listed for an Academy Award) and “Traffic Warden” (starring David Tennant). He produced “Blondel” (Union Theatre) and “Tim Rice: A Life In Song” (Royal Festival Hall) for BBC Television. He is currently adapting Eva Rice’s novel “The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets” for Moonage Pictures and is producing the comedy play “Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas,” which opens in Birmingham Rep Theatre, England, in November.
Donald Rice
Donald Rice says of the opportunity, “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Auburn and The REV. It’s been 10 years since I was last there when I was working on our outstanding production of ‘From
Here to Eternity,’ and I’m absolutely delighted and honored to be directing their production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ It’s a particular thrill because this musical has a very big place in my heart and my family’s heart. It’s the ultimate shape-shifting musical: It’s a concept album, it’s a rock opera, but it’s also such a fluid and dynamic show that each production, each director, each cast brings something fresh and new. I’m very, very excited to be working at The REV again and I can’t wait to get going.”
To view a video message from Donald Rice, click here.
The REV’s Producing Artistic Director, Brett Smock said, “Donald and I have been collaborators and friends for over a decade and in that time, I have come to deeply admire his intelligence, creativity, and thoughtful approach to his work. To have Donald in residence here at The REV, once again, alongside Phil Colgan (choreographer) and Alexander Tom (musical director) is an honor. I’m thrilled to have him interpret his father’s timeless and iconic show for our audiences.”
Tim Rice added, “I’m more than delighted that my son Donald is directing “Jesus Christ Superstar” for The REV. He’s directed and produced quite a few works on film and stage in the UK, so I’m confident the 55 year-old rock opera (considerably older than him) is in very safe hands.”
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group.
Tickets can be purchased at TheREVTheatre.com or by calling The REV’s box office at 315-255-1785.
The REV’s 2025 Season
Jesus Christ Superstar: May 28 – June 17, 2025
Barnum: July 9 – 26, 2025
Top Hat: August 13 – September 2, 2025
Bonnie and Clyde: September 24 – October 11, 2025
About The REV Theatre Company:
Headquartered in Auburn, NY, The REV Theatre Company is a dynamic arts organization committed to creating theatrical experiences at the highest levels of artistic integrity. It leverages the power of the arts as a tool for entertainment, education, social awareness, and cultural development in its community. The REV produces a large portfolio of compelling arts education programming including its historic Sequential Dramatics Tour. The REV is also known for its acclaimed Broadway series which plays to over 60,000 patrons each season boasting talent from Broadway, Hollywood and around the country. The REV’s musicals are routinely recognized for their artistry and execution. The REV is proud to have played a role in the development of several new commercial musicals including: the new production of “Saturday Night Fever,” Tim Rice’s “From Here to Eternity,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Loch Ness,” “Austen’s Pride,” and “Treasure Island.” To date, The REV has also developed 69 new musicals through its new works series, The PiTCH. The REV Theatre Company is proud to affirm and accelerate its commitment to equality, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility ensuring that its workforce, stages, and boardroom reflect its dedication to social and racial equality. The REV is situated in the picturesque Finger Lakes wine region of Central New York. Four hours from NYC and situated between Syracuse, Rochester and Ithaca, The REV is one of the largest producing musical theatre organizations in New York State, outside of New York City. Find The REV Theatre Company on Facebook, follow @TheREVTheatreCo on Instagram and Bluesky and visit www.TheREVTheatre.com.
