ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Stage actor Ted Neeley's travels have taken him all over the world — to the deserts near Jerusalem and to the bright lights of New York City.
Now, he is due to arrive in the heart of Allentown's West End next month, where he is bidding his fans farewell.
Neeley, who received two Golden Globe Award nominations for his portrayal of Jesus in the 1973 film "Jesus Christ Superstar," will be at The Civic Theatre of Allentown on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Neeley will attend a special screening of the film in conjunction with the theater’s upcoming production of the rock musical.
"I can't wait to see all of you in Allentown," Neely wrote in a Facebook comment. "And celebrate Jesus Christ Superstar!"
General admission tickets, at $25 and $23 for students, seniors and military, are available at the Civic Theatre website.Civic Theatre
The event will offer a rare opportunity to see "Jesus Christ Superstar" on the big screen alongside Neeley, who gained fame for his role in the film and original Broadway production of the musical.
The evening marks one of the final legs of Neeley’s farewell tour, making it the last chance for fans to meet him and view the film.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the public. Neeley will be available at a merchandise table until 7 p.m. for autographs and photos.
General admission tickets, at $25 and $23 for student, senior and military, are available at the Civic Theatre website.
Fans also can buy tickets for VIP experiences that include premium seating, souvenirs, photos with Neely, autographs and an intimate meet-and-greet.
VIP tickets, at $200, are available at Neely's page at the National Acts website. Premium VIP seats already are sold out.
Critically acclaimed film role
As a singer, Neely released a self-titled debut album in 1967, and appeared in stage productions of the play "Hair" before appearing in the chorus (and understudying the titular character) of the Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1971.
His role in the "Jesus Christ Superstar" movie got him nominated for Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and New Star Of The Year — Actor.
The film was 1973's highest-grossing musical in the United States and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and Best Adaptation Scoring.
The movie's soundtrack reached the Top 25 on the Albums chart.
Neely followed the success of "Jesus Christ Superstar" with
musical theater performances including "The Who's Tommy," "Waiting for Godot" and "Rasputin," a rock opera inspired by the downfall of the Romanov family.
He also has film and television credits that included a 1981 novel adaption of "Of Mice and Men," 1987's "A Perfect Couple" and, most recently, a cameo role in Quentin Tarantino's action thriller "Django Unchained."
