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Andrew O’Keefe withdraws from musical after injury

Andrew O’Keefe has suffered a ruptured disc and forced to withdraw from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

2013-06-16_2329Andrew O’Keefe has suffered a ruptured disc and under doctor’s orders is unable to continue in the role of King Herod in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

It’s understood the injury took place during production.

Andrew O’Keefe said today, “I sincerely regret having to withdraw from this magnificent musical. I have loved every moment of the production and am devastated I can’t finish off the Australian tour.”

The Deal or No Deal host will be replaced by UK actor Leon Craig for the remainder of the musical for the role of Herod, which is presented in game-show style in the contemporary production.

Poor bloke, it’s a great role in a great show and would be extremely disappointing to have to drop out.

At this stage the injury isn’t expected to impact on Deal recordings which resumes production on June 25.

Updated.

16 Responses

  1. Herod’s character always steals the show – from the early days in the 70s when a very young Reg L turned a 2 minute song into a 20 minute routine where the cast would just sit down and watch him deliver every performance – to the revival in the early 90s where a very nervous Noel Ferrier brought the house down.

  2. Everyone I know who’s seen JCS says the whole show was fantastic, and even non-fans of AOK said he was hilarious. A real loss to the production.

  3. @David Knox

    Point taken, but I thought the Media and Networks started it, “and they always have the First and Last Say” and despite all the diversionary tactics, such as today’s media claiming there are much more important things to talk about than a “Menu”, but how many times do we see the same media virtually ignore the subject of some very important and ground breaking announcements( eg.NDIS) and ask B/S questions, and when pressed for relevant questions, they can not think of anything other than their pre-formed agenda’s.

    If your not keen on this comment, I think I know where my ” Howard Sattler”is headed.

  4. I’ve long been a fan of Andrew O’Keefe, not only for his skillful ability to ‘ ablib’ using his very quick wit and well educated general knowledge, but also for his numerous attempts(unbiased) at bucking the extreme right wing trends, that seems to have infiltrated all networks during the term of this hung parliament, all one has to do is to take the time to listen to how and what he says.

    Best of luck and Chin Up Andrew, in fact sometimes Chin Up’s can do wonders for some back problems

  5. I saw the show on Sunday and it was fantastic, such a great musical. I went to the one years ago with John Farnham, Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens so I really enjoyed seeing a different adaptation of it and it was interesting to see Jon play Pilate this time around. He just gets better and hotter with age! Tim Minchin as Judas was brilliant, really does steal the show (although I’m biased as I’m a huge fan of his). Mel C as Mary blew me away, I had no idea she had such powerful pipes, wonderful. Andrew O’Keefe though for me was the biggest revelation. When I saw that he’d been cast in the show it actually turned me off (can’t stand Deal or when he does Carols) but I thought I’d still go because of the rest of the stellar cast. He was absolutely terrific though as Herod! I loved him, he was so tongue in cheek, perfect timing and a strong voice. I’m really disappointed for him – and for anyone who has tickets for the show – to be having to bow out of the production. I hope another vehicle comes along that can make use of his talents, I would love to see him in another musical.

  6. This is very sad for him. From all the reviews I have read of this production, he comes very close to stealing the show. Hope he has a speedy recovery.

  7. bit of a shame. me and my wife saw JC Superstar on wed night and she was great – especially his throwaway line about rudd – “join us tomorrow night for a new game – resurrection starring kevin rudd”

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