ALLENTOWN, Pa. — In community theaters, concerts and screenings across the country, actor Ted Neeley has resurrected the role of Jesus for 53 years.
As with any messiah, portraying the Lord Savior in the 1971 Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," and later its 1973 film adaptation, didn't come without controversy.
"When we did the Broadway show, every single performance was protested out in front of the theater," Neeley said in a recent phone interview.
"They didn't want us to go in that horrible place and do that horrific, ugly thing. They could not believe that Jesus was singing and singing with a rock 'n' roll band.
"That's the attitude they had. And we had to fight our way through those protesting crowds to get into the theater to do the show. It just was unbelievable."
As part of his "farewell tour," Neeley will attend a screening of the movie at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Civic Theatre of Allentown.
Tickets to the movie and a meet-and-greet with Neeley are $25 for adults and $23 for students, seniors and military.
The 81-year-old Neeley's visit coincides with the historic theatre's two-week run of the musical, directed by Rae Labadie.
Civic Theatre will present a stage production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" that will through March 9.
Tickets, at $35 for adults; $30 for seniors, students and military members; $13 for ages 13 and younger, are available at the Civic Theater website.
"I hope that our production will like challenge audiences to step away from the context of Jesus, Judas, Mary, Caiaphas and see them as them as everyday people that we know. People that we meet in our community, and the obstacles that we face in condemning and condoning public figures.""Jesus Christ Superstar" Director Rae Labadie
It was Labadie's idea to put on the production — which she said is among her favorite musicals of all time — and to arrange for Neeley to visit the 19th Street theatre.
"I hope that our production will like challenge audiences to step away from the context of Jesus, Judas, Mary, Caiaphas and see them as them as everyday people that we know," Labadie said.
"People that we meet in our community, and the obstacles that we face in condemning and condoning public figures."
Dealing with protestors, loyal fans
The clash over Neeley's version of "Superstar" has since subsided — though, God forbid, anyone else take it on, is the opinion of some fans.
Last week, when it was announced that "Wicked" star Cynthia Erivo would play the Lord in an upcoming adaptation of "Jesus Christ Superstar," uproar followed.
"People cry throughout the movie, whether they believe or disbelieve that there ever was a Jesus Christ, when they see this movie, there's a very passionate response to everything that goes on."Actor Ted Neeley
"A lot of people are doing the same thing now, [commenting] about who's playing Jesus, just like they did when we played it," Neeley said.
"In the 1970s, we would have to really literally squeeze our way through the protesting people to get into the theater.
"But the thing about it is the more they protested, the more television was covering the protests that were going on at 52nd and Broadway.
"So they were actually advertising the show for us."
Neeley said his encounters with fans are more pleasant these days, if nothing short of miraculous.
"The love for it has never stopped," he said. "And when you think about something going on for fifty-plus years. And we've got so many more fans than we had before.
"Thank goodness for those who had children and passed it on. The audiences are still just going crazy over it, it's just an absolute miracle.
"People cry throughout the movie, whether they believe or disbelieve that there ever was a Jesus Christ, when they see this movie, there's a very passionate response to everything that goes on."
Cast, crew take on demanding roles
In the Civic Theatre's rendition of "Jesus Christ Superstar," Jesus is portrayed by Diego Cervero Butler (Mason McGown is the alternate Jesus and will star in two Saturday matinees).
The role of Judas is played by Diego Rodriguez.
"The cast and crew have been really supportive of each other. It's a beautiful thing."Rae Labadie, director
Labadie, who joined Civic Theatre last year and is directing on its main stage for the first time — said she has been impressed with the camaraderie among the crew — very poignant, given the subject matter.
"The cast and crew have been really supportive of each other," she said. "It's a beautiful thing. There's no kind of competition among them. They just lift each other up.
"It's a really demanding role, not just vocally, but emotionally, as well. Jesus is beaten on stage nearly to death and then dies in a crucifixion.
"And it takes a toll on our actors, to go through that and they're right there for each other. I love that we have that support in our cast."
