36 years into the role, Neeley helms tour of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

By: JOEL D. AMOS - For the North County Times | Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:55 PM PST ∞

There are certain actors who are synonymous with career-defining parts. In the world of musical theater, mention "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Ted Neeley's name immediately arises.

"I could not be more fortunate and appreciative for the adoration I have received as a result of this show," the actor said in a telephone interview from a tour bus for a production that arrives this weekend in Escondido.

"I know this has influenced hundreds of thousands of people for years, and because of the fact that I was one of the players in that work I am the luckiest man alive. To be able to still be accepted by audiences for playing the role is an honor, and I can't wait to jump onstage and do it again tonight."

Neeley, 68, created the role of Jesus in the Andrew Lloyd Webber/ Tim Rice rock opera's 1971 Broadway debut and he reprised the role in a 1973 film version. He has continued to play the part in stage productions ever since. This current production is being billed as Neeley's "Farewell Tour."

"My life is so enriched as a result of being a part of this for so long. Every night I get a whole new shot of that adrenaline from the wonderful folks who come to see this piece," Neeley said.

The 2007 incarnation of the rock opera, directed by Dallett Norris and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, finds its way to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, stage this weekend for three shows. Joining Neeley on his first musical tour is former Living Colour vocalist Corey Glover as Judas.

"This is a lifelong dream for me," Glover said. "I saw this movie when I was a kid. It really influenced a lot of things in my life, not the least of which is being a rock singer."

As for performing with a legend like Neeley, Glover said he feels like he's learning a lot on the tour. "It's great to be around him. Every night, it's an acting class."

Neeley, with his slight Texas twang, said it was his Christian upbringing that not only played into his securing the part in the beginning but also his decades-long resonance as the title character.

"I can't play this particular character and think of it as just another role," Neeley said.

The often-used phrase "big shoes to fill" not only applies to the titular character, but to the actor who has embodied the work of Webber and Rice since "Superstar's" debut. "I do have huge feet, I have to say that," he said with a laugh.

"People have asked my counsel from the first day I stepped into that position because I had a deeply religious background. I know the Bible well. Church every Sunday was a part of life for me growing up."

Webber and Rice's first Broadway collaboration launched a soundtrack that hit Billboard's top spot on three different occasions and produced hits including "I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Superstar." Neeley said he thinks the musical has transcended cultural and religious divides.

"Since it's based on the greatest story ever told, that is a story that will never die. I remember being in Israel in '72 making the film. It seemed the same war was going on then that is going on now, just different costumes. In essence, this show has the same effect, years later. Everyone is looking for some source of spirituality, a peaceful connection, and they are finding it still in this piece," Neeley said.

"We have been on this tour since September and every night after the show I'm hearing the same kinds of stories now that I've heard since the '70s, about how this project has influenced their lives or brought people to a place of spirituality and hope."

A chance to portray Judas, a character who has inspired millenniums of animated discussions, was just one reason Glover jumped on the "Superstar" bus.

"He's going through a lot of emotions here," Glover said of the biblical character who betrays Jesus and is then overcome with remorse. "Judas does love this man and believes he has the answers. He's just in the middle of a situation that has gotten too esoteric. To me, it is the best role there is to have. Ted's amazing. I'm so glad I'm here."

Although this "Superstar" tour has been billed as Neeley's last, the man who received a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Jesus says he may continue in the role out of the respect he possesses for his part in a show that has influenced the cultural landscape.

"This is not about religion. It's about humanity. It looks at Jesus Christ in the last seven days of his life through his contemporaries," Neeley said. "This show is about the human spirit that connects us all."

"Jesus Christ Superstar"

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 24; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 25

Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido

Tickets: $47-$65

Info: (800) 988-4253

Web: www.artcenter.org

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