Jesus Christ Superstar a Hit at the McCallum

By Kelly O'Connor

Photography by Robin Carroll

Seen and loved by thousands, Jesus Christ Superstar, the original rock opera, was a hit at McCallum Theatre Nov. 28-30.

The groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by legendary writing team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice was performed for five audiences.

Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre. Featuring such notable songs as "Superstar," "Everything's Alright," and "I Don't Know How to Love Him," the musical earned five Tony Award nominations.

Set in two acts, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The musical dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. And once again, the production left its audiences captivated by its power.

As relevant and timeless as ever, the rock opera vision of "the greatest story ever told" is perhaps more potent in today's troubled world than when it was first produced. Now, for the new millennium, this magnificent story came, once again, vividly to the stage with Ted Neeley re-creating his unforgettable performance as the title role.

Director Dallett Norris (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Can-Can, South Pacific) says, "What could be better than having Ted Neeley, so grand in the film, on board as we delve into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's brilliant musical telling of this timeless story. Their idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, twenty-one centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: we need the message of this story now more than ever."