“Jesus Christ Superstar,” Sunday, March 14, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Weinberg Theatre, Scranton Cultural Center (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton). Tickets: $35-$57 Info: www.BroadwayScranton.com
by Michael LelloWeekender Editor
When he auditioned for an early stage production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Ted Neeley just wanted to play Judas. Now known for his longtime title role in the popular musical and the “Superstar” film, playing Jesus was not something he was interested in whatsoever.
“We in this business have critics, and if you do that role, everyone sitting in the seats is a critic, because everyone knows Jesus,” said Neeley, who will star in “Superstar” for two shows on Sunday, March 14, at the Scranton Cultural Center.
But after singing Judas’ “Heaven On Their Minds” for Tim O’Horgan — whom Neeley worked with in “Hair” — the director had different plans for Neeley. O’Horgan got out of his seat, put his arm around Neeley and asked him to try out for the Jesus part. Due to his love for working with O’Horgan, Neeley complied and landed the role that has defined his career.
The “Superstar” phenomenon began with the 1970 rock opera album, featuring Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan as Jesus. Soon after, “Superstar,” adapted for the stage by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, made its Broadway debut.
However, it was when the film hit movie theaters in 1973 — with Neeley as Jesus — that “Superstar” truly became a part of American pop culture.
Speaking from a tour stop in Saint John, New Brunswick, Neeley said that after all these years he just wants to see if he can get the role right.
“I don’t know,” he said with a laugh when asked if he thinks he’s achieved it. “I sure hope so. And quite honestly, it’s almost impossible for me to say now. When people want to do (‘Superstar’) over and over again, it’s something that I’m always welcome to do.”
The positive reaction from theatergoers helps, too.
“If I may subscribe to one of the seven deadly sins, I would say I do take pride in it,” he said.
For Neeley, it’s a fine line between real life and the stage, one that could give some actors a God complex. He said he has been told that some children that have met him think they have met Jesus.
“I can’t speak from their point of view, but I can only speak from what I’ve been told,” he explained. “There are times when they actually speak of that. First, I thank them for their kind critique of what we just did. But then I remind them that I’m a rock ’n’ roll drummer from Texas that screams high notes for a living.
“I know exactly who I am,” he continued. “It’s a very thin sheet of ice between reality and what is imagined. It’s so much more than a show because of that spiritual connection.”
When Neeley first played Jesus, there were protests from religious people, which is to be expected when the story of Christ is told via rock music. Neeley said he was happy to speak with the protesters outside the theaters.
“I would ask them if they saw the show,” he said. “I would then invite them to come in and see the show as my guest and then talk to me afterward and tell me what was the problem. Not one person (that saw the show) took issue.”
Neeley credits the music for the show’s longevity. But he also notes the groundbreaking approach “Superstar” has taken in portraying Jesus as human.
“The concept is based on the last seven days of Jesus’ life as seen through the eyes of his contemporaries,” Neeley said. “People had a problem relating to Jesus as a man. Now, this piece does not integrate the fact that Jesus was the son of God. … When I was a child, I knew nothing about Jesus as man, and church was as common as having breakfast with your family. But nobody referred to Jesus as a man; he was a stained-glass window, always there yet unreachable.
“This (show) made me realize if we look at Jesus as a mere mortal, then we all can achieve anything.”
w
.JPG)
.JPG)