The Fountain

Almost 40 years after its debut on Broadway, the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” can still bring a crowd to its feet.  

It happened again Saturday night in Reynolds Performance Hall when the national tour visited campus. The production featured Ted Neeley, who played the role of Jesus in the 1973 film version. Neeley, 66, defied his age with the energy and passion in his voice as he reached the highest notes. The audience stood for his curtain call.  

This newest production of the show has been traveling the nation since 2006.  Orginally, it was booked for one year but was extended to meet demand for the show. It is booked through the end of this year.  

The lighting, though not as elaborate as the orginal production, accented the emotions in the story. It effectively enhanced the holiness of Jesus, the anguish of Judas, the anger of the crowds and the pain of the crucifixion.  

The costumes were often elaborate and symbolic. When a crowd of lepers and beggers approached Jesus, only their heads were visible above a black sheet that covered them. Judas Iscariot appeared in a white Elvis-like costume to sing the show’s best-known song, “Superstar.”

Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ

Neeley met with several audience members who gathered outside the back door of the performance hall after the show. I was one of them. The tour manager saw us and arranged the meeting. He led us to the green room where Neeley was waiting for a cab.  

Neeley spoke with each of us individually. He asked me if I wanted to be in musicals. I told him that it is my dream. He told me to never give up on it because he never imagined it could happen to him either.  

He signed my playbill. I asked if I could shake his hand. He gave me a hug instead.