From singing in church to playing American Football, how did Javon King go from a ‘sports gay’ to musical theatre?
Judas is a huge role. How do you feel about it?
Javon King: It’s surreal. Judas has been on my list, but I never thought I’d get the chance. Jesus Christ Superstar doesn’t come around that often, and I thought I’d end up too old for it. Being in Australia for the past few years has been the perfect timing, and I’m grateful to leave my mark on the show.
How do you prepare for the role?
It’s a tough one because it’s vocally heavy to sing, and the content level of what Judas sings about is heavy a well. It’s about trusting myself with the skills and techniques I’ve learned. It’s also about trusting the other actors, such as Michael Paynter (Jesus) and Mahalia Barnes (Mary). We’re all friends on and off the stage, including the entire ensemble.
Javon King (Judas) with Michael Paynter (Jesus) and Mahalia Barnes (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar
Do you think people relate to Judas in parts?
I guess there’s a bit of Judas in everyone. There’s a bit of yin and yang between Judas and Jesus, but the thing I’ve learnt about Judas is that he’s not the bad guy. He does betray his friend, but he does it from a place of love. That’s the way I interpret it. He cares about his friend and tries to speak sense into him and gets frustrated. I’m leading it with love and hope it’s portrayed well.
How did you get your start in musical theatre?
Unlike most theatre people, I was an athlete. I ran track and played American football, and I’m still very much a sportsperson. I call myself a sports gay. In high school, I had to take an arts course. I chose musical theatre. I had grown up singing in church, so I fell in love with musical theatre. I ended up studying it properly, but I do sometimes get imposter syndrome in certain shows because I didn’t start early like the others. I’m happy because it’s all worked so far!
“When I told my dad I was gay, he looked at me and said, “Yeah, I don’t care. As long as you’re happy.”
You’ve played Seaweed in Hairspray, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls, Angel in RENT and now Judas. Is there another role you have your sights on?
I want to play Simba in The Lion King. I’d also like to be in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, though I might still be a bit too young. I recently did a play that rekindled my love of acting, and I’d like to get back into plays as well.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in New Jersey and studied at Rider University. I got plucked out of school in my junior year to do RENT and eventually moved to New York – then the pandemic hit. Living in New York during the pandemic was equally sad as it was invigorating. It was so isolating with the shutdown but then so great to be part of the city’s rebirth. To see people emerging from hibernation was lovely to be a part of because New Yorkers, by nature are not the nicest. But I think everyone had a new lease on life and was friendlier after Covid. New Jersey and New York are basically the same thing with a river between. Anyone from New York will say the opposite, but people from New Jersey would agree with me.
Javon King as Judas with Michael Paynter as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar
What was it like growing up gay?
Honestly, I was so lucky. My parents are the most supportive people on the planet. They’re not theatre people and I’m the black sheep of the family. I’m the only one who sings and does artistic things, but they do want to understand. Bless their hearts, they’re lovely. I came out to them around fifteen. Mom was like, “Yeah, I know”. Dad is very much a straight version of me, energetic and outgoing. He couldn’t hurt a fly if he tried but back then, he was the scariest person on earth, as dads are. I worked up the courage to tell him while he was watching a Yankees game and Mom was trying to hype me up. It was a full three-act play! When I told him, he looked at me and said, “Yeah, I don’t care. As long as you’re happy. Live your dreams”. I thought it was going to be this big thing, and it wasn’t. To this day, my parents are so chill and supportive.
Do you have a favourite holiday destination in the USA?
People outside America love to go to New York during Christmas and New Year. It’s magical, but I also recommend for something charming, check out Chicago. It’s cool with a big city vibe. Also, the Southwest is scenically beautiful in places like Utah, Colorado and Arizona, especially Albuquerque and Santa Fe in New Mexico. It’s beautiful and laid back.
And as they sing in RENT, “We’ll open up a restaurant in Santa Fe”.
Oh yes! When we did RENT in Santa Fe, the audience was on the edge of their seats. Every time we said ‘Santa Fe’ they cheered. They loved it!
“It must be a requirement to be very pretty in the AFL because they are some of the most beautiful men I’ve seen.”
What do you miss the most about America?
Honestly not much, but I do miss my friends and family. I miss the New York City lifestyle, but I think Melbourne is very similar and so is San Francisco. I think they have identical vibes and culture. San Fran still has tram cars on the streets which really feels like Melbourne.
As an American living in Australia, what is one of the biggest cultural shocks?
Sport in Australia! Particularly in Melbourne with the Australian Football League (AFL). It’s so massive and like religion. In the States, we take our sports very seriously, but Australians take it to a whole other level. It’s so ingrained into the culture. I went to an AFL finals game – I’m a Bulldogs supporter – and there were 96,000 people there! I’ve never been in a stadium with that many people! The atmosphere was something I’d never felt in my life.
Javon King as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar
Not to mention how hot the AFL and rugby players are.
Oh! Listen, I mean, you can just go and watch that! Who cares what they’re doing with the ball. They are stunning men.
And it’s not just their bodies and butts. They have model looks.
Yes! I joke about this all the time. It must be a requirement to be very pretty to play in the AFL because they are some of the most beautiful men I’ve seen.
Katy Perry sang at this year’s AFL Grand Final. What do you think Americans back home made of that?
Americans don’t get a lot of Australian sports culture fed to them and probably didn’t know what was happening. They may have thought, “Oh, Katy Perry is in Australia doing something”. It wouldn’t register how massive it is. But I’ve lived here for a few years now and I know it’s your version of our Super Bowl.
Do you have a favourite music diva?
It will be Beyonce my entire life. My favourite song is Smash Into You. I don’t really get starstruck, but if I ever met her, I would crumble and probably cry!
Do you have an irresistible burn-the-floor song?
I want to dance with somebody by Whitney Houston. My god if that song comes on while I’m in a club, I lose my mind. And then there’s also Last Dance by Donna Summer.
Matt with Javon King and Michael Paynter
Who has been the greatest inspiration to your career, thus far?
Billy Porter. Everything he stands for is something I want to stand for. And that’s not even mentioning his talent. I’d also crumble if I met him. He’s such a trailblazer and so outspoken. They are all qualities that I strive for. Achieving artistically fulfilling things is something I take seriously.
How would you explain the popularity and longevity of Jesus Christ Superstar?
It’s like RENT and Hamilton. It’s one of those shows that changed the game. It will never die down. Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the first shows to have rock and pop music on the stage, then came RENT and Hamilton. Those three shows massively trailblazed our industry. The music is fantastic, and you can do so much with Jesus Christ Superstar – even reinvent it. Our version is unlike anything from before. There’s heavy choreography, a multiple ensemble, and people playing instruments onstage. It’s a full fantastic spectacle!
For more: jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au
Follow Javon on Instagram @javond_king
