Neeley discusses role of Jesus in ‘Superstar’

BOSTON ? Boston audiences have the only opportunity to see Ted Neeley in his final appearance in Jesus Christ Superstar when the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber record-breaking musical comes to the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre for five performances next weekend.Neeley starred as Jesus in the Broadway production, in touring productions and in Norman Jewison’s motion picture of the same name, for which he received Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actor and Best Newcomer.When asked how long he has been in the role, Neeley joked, “Slightly more than 2,000 years.”?On this tour I’ve actually been in this role (Jesus) for four years,” he said. “Back in the 1970s I auditioned for the role Judas because he had great songs but the director told me he wanted me to be this other guy.”Even though he has played Jesus for decades, Neely said every show is a challenge.?Walking on stage is a challenge every night because people know the story and have expectations from seeing it before,” he said. “I have to live up to those expectations every time I play this role. I know children are watching and to me that is the ultimate challenge ? making sure children are treated right.”The show is packed with hit songs including “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” “Could We Start Again Please” and “Superstar.” The driving rock rhythms, energetic power chords and emotional ballads make Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score unforgettable.?It’s an evening of entertainment for me as well as an evening of experience as an actor,” Neeley said. “My favorite number is a piece called Gethsemane. It is a magnificent piece of music and overwhelmingly new each time I perform it. That’s my moment in the show.”Neeley said he is looking forward to performing for Boston audiences again.?Boston is magnificent,” he said. “It’s a thrill to be able to get a response from Boston audiences. I love playing there.”A singer, actor, and composer, Neeley appeared in both the Broadway and Los Angeles companies of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Hair,”as well as the stage productions of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Tommy” in Los Angeles.Currently focusing on writing and producing, Neeley is working in collaboration with his longtime friend and music partner Pepper Martin, writing and recording songs for their new country music album. In addition, Neeley has written and is now developing his new musical work, Pandemonium, for the Broadway stage.The show is at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., will be performed May 7-9. Tickets are $28-$98 and are available at the box office, online at www.citicenter.org or by calling 866-348-9738.