Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971 with Jeff Fenholt playing Jesus. In 1972
Ted Neeley was cast in the lead role for the touring production, picking up a following as loyal
and sometimes controversial as Christ himself. In 1973, Neeley was cast in the film version
which soon became one of the most popular movie musicals in history.
Thirty six years later, the "Farewell Tour" starring Ted Neeley proves a great show never dies -
or in this case, it will resurrect itself and come back stronger. Neeley defies time. At 63 years
old, twice as old as Christ himself, Ted seems ageless and if anything, he has deepened his
grasp of this character from his Messiah-like appearance to the open conversations he has
with heaven. While his mannerism seems a bit meeker and his speaking voice a bit milder,
Neeley still delivers a stellar performance and hits all the money notes effortlessly. The
crucifixion scene is intensely riveting as Neeley labors to breathe and speak for what seems to
be forever.
Filling the big shoes of the late Carl Anderson is Corey Glover playing the difficult role of Judas
Iscariot. The Living Colour front man wastes no time engaging the audience in the role and
right into the action. Glover steals the scenes with powerful, stylized vocal work but fails to
muster up much pity for his confused character.
The supporting cast is sufficient while not extraordinary. Tiffini Dodson plays a voluptuous Mary
Magdalene with a lovely legit voice that carries the part but lacks passion for the character.
Craig Sculli plays Pontius Pilate with a stiff intensity that also stifles any hint of conflict or
confusion for his weighty decision.
Herod is played over-the-top, as expected, by Aaron Fuksa. The chubby, bathrobed Fuksa
nails a "Saturday Night Live" presentation of "Herod's Song" backed by his trio of tango singers.
The 12 apostles and remaining company are all quite strong with well delivered songs and add
to the support of a show which is tight and flows nicely. Chris Gleim does an admirably job as
Peter.
The sets are simple, dark, multileveled with a bridge and a few platforms which allows the
performers to capture each scene and song. The classic direction of Dallet Norris is a
refreshing version for this tour which allows the piece the dignity it deserves.
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics: Tim Rice, Costumes: Fabio Toblini, Sound Design:
Duncan Robert Edwards, Lighting Design: Rick Belzer, Choreographer: Arlene Phillips,
Director: Dallet Norris
"The Farewell tour of Jesus Christ Superstar" played at the Commerce Bank Arts Center,
Sewell, NJ on May 2, 2007
Ted Neeley was cast in the lead role for the touring production, picking up a following as loyal
and sometimes controversial as Christ himself. In 1973, Neeley was cast in the film version
which soon became one of the most popular movie musicals in history.
Thirty six years later, the "Farewell Tour" starring Ted Neeley proves a great show never dies -
or in this case, it will resurrect itself and come back stronger. Neeley defies time. At 63 years
old, twice as old as Christ himself, Ted seems ageless and if anything, he has deepened his
grasp of this character from his Messiah-like appearance to the open conversations he has
with heaven. While his mannerism seems a bit meeker and his speaking voice a bit milder,
Neeley still delivers a stellar performance and hits all the money notes effortlessly. The
crucifixion scene is intensely riveting as Neeley labors to breathe and speak for what seems to
be forever.
Filling the big shoes of the late Carl Anderson is Corey Glover playing the difficult role of Judas
Iscariot. The Living Colour front man wastes no time engaging the audience in the role and
right into the action. Glover steals the scenes with powerful, stylized vocal work but fails to
muster up much pity for his confused character.
The supporting cast is sufficient while not extraordinary. Tiffini Dodson plays a voluptuous Mary
Magdalene with a lovely legit voice that carries the part but lacks passion for the character.
Craig Sculli plays Pontius Pilate with a stiff intensity that also stifles any hint of conflict or
confusion for his weighty decision.
Herod is played over-the-top, as expected, by Aaron Fuksa. The chubby, bathrobed Fuksa
nails a "Saturday Night Live" presentation of "Herod's Song" backed by his trio of tango singers.
The 12 apostles and remaining company are all quite strong with well delivered songs and add
to the support of a show which is tight and flows nicely. Chris Gleim does an admirably job as
Peter.
The sets are simple, dark, multileveled with a bridge and a few platforms which allows the
performers to capture each scene and song. The classic direction of Dallet Norris is a
refreshing version for this tour which allows the piece the dignity it deserves.
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics: Tim Rice, Costumes: Fabio Toblini, Sound Design:
Duncan Robert Edwards, Lighting Design: Rick Belzer, Choreographer: Arlene Phillips,
Director: Dallet Norris
"The Farewell tour of Jesus Christ Superstar" played at the Commerce Bank Arts Center,
Sewell, NJ on May 2, 2007
