Wow! UK theatre legend joins cast for Stephen Schwartz's 'Defying Gravity' concert in Malta
The much-anticipated ‘Stephen Schwartz: Defying Gravity’ concert on the 29th of September is set to become even more spectacular. Alongside an already impressive lineup of Broadway, both West End, and Maltese talent, the concert’s producers have announced that UK theatre legend John Owen-Jones will be joining the cast.
John Owen-Jones, affectionately known as JOJ, is a world-renowned tenor who has captivated audiences with his iconic performances. He is most celebrated for his portrayal of The Phantom in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, a role he has performed nearly 2,000 times in the West End.

He is also revered as one of the definitive Jean Valjeans in ‘Les Misérables’, a character he embodied for over 20 years. At just 26 years old, Owen-Jones became the youngest actor to play Jean Valjean, and he remains the first British performer to take on the role on both Broadway and the West End.
Reflecting on the upcoming concert in Malta, Owen-Jones said, ‘I have a feeling that my visit this time around will be more special… A beautiful venue, a phenomenal orchestra, and an amazing company of performers singing the songs of one of the greatest ever musical theatre composers, Stephen Schwartz. And best of all, Stephen Schwartz himself will be part of the show too. What a gift!’
The concert will feature the legendary Stephen Schwartz himself, marking his first-ever performance in Malta. Accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and renowned local artists, including the tenor Joseph Calleja, pop singers Ira Losco and Destiny, the event promises to be extraordinary.
Audiences will be treated to symphonic orchestrations of Schwartz’s most beloved works, such as ‘Defying Gravity’, ‘The Wizard and I’, and ‘When You Believe’. With tickets selling fast, this concert is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for fans of musical theatre.
Tickets for the 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm shows are available at showshappening.com.
Are you attending this concert?