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'Jesus Christ Superstar' graces Gammage stage


March 12, 2010

"Jesus Christ Superstar," the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by legendary writing team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is coming to ASU Gammage in Tempe, April 6-11 for eight performances.

The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for musical theater. Featuring such notable songs as "Superstar," "Everything’s Alright" and "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," the musical has earned five Tony nominations.

Set in two acts, "Jesus Christ Superstar" tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Superstar 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. Perpetually changing the face of musical theater "Jesus Christ Superstar" will leave audiences captivated by its power.

As relevant and timeless as ever, this 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 comes once again vividly to the stage with Ted Neeley re-creating his unforgettable performance.

Internationally beloved star Ted Neeley - best known for his Golden Globe nominated role as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of "Superstar" - will be headlining this tour. While Neeley has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theaters throughout America, appearing in a wide variety of productions from "Hair" to the works of Samuel Beckett, he is world-renowned for the title role in "Jesus Christ Supestar." Creating a fan base that borders on a cult-like phenomenon, this production heralds the long-awaited triumphant return of Neeley in the title role of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

"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?" said Dallett Norris, the show's director. "Their idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, 21 centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: We need the message of this story now more than ever."

Already seen and loved by thousands, don’t miss the opportunity to introduce a new generation to this exhilarating and significant piece of musical theater, "Jesus Christ Superstar," the original rock opera.

Tickets are on sale at ASU Gammage and Ticketmaster: 1-800-982-2787 or asugammage.com. "Jesus Christ Superstar" is a special ticket offering of the PROGRESSIVE® Broadway Across America – Arizona season presented by ASU Gammage and Broadway Across America.