Ted Neeley - Farewell Tour Interview

[shlbycindy1]

I saw Ted Neeley play this part in the 1970's.  You cannot come away from it without feeling touched and in awe of his magnificent voice and stage presence. I am a Christian but even if you aren't this is well worth seeing. It's nice to know that in addition to being a wonderful actor and singer, he is also a nice person.

[CyborgJediNinja313]

He is completely right. I am not a Christian, however I hold respect for them. Watching this and seeing Jesus as a man and not all the stories I hear about (which is a big part of the story of JCSS, that these stories are becoming more important than his real message.) just makes it infinity more enjoyable for me to make my own descisions about it.

[Mikhamc]

Тед Нили - Вы лучший исполнитель Иисуса Христа. Ваша Гефсимания - это Шедевр. Я живу в России на далеком острове Сахалин. Вы Тед открыли для меня Библию. Я вас люблю. Возможно я Вас когда-нибудь увижу

[cerealbowls]

I was born in 1968 & watched Jesus Christ Superstar in the theater. My mom was sensitive enough to remind me that it was "ketchup" when Ted was whipped in the scenes. Years later in my teen years, I had to get the records and memorize all lyrics because they were that good. Having VHS come out was wonderful because I could watch the passion when these talented singers did there thing! I am an Atheist and I can't get enough of the CD, DVD, ETC........

[pantowriter]

I've seen the show countless times and I'm no nearer being a Christian than I am to being a follower of Buddha or Islam...so let's be realistic..he's an actor...nothing more......he claims some deeper spirituality but it's just another gig....hence the Jack Nicholson reference....

[puregraffiti1]

I saw him on this in Montreal

[MDkid1]

some people are born to play certain roles....Ted Neeley was born to play Jesus!

[byecrikey]

This is one of my favorite musicals of all time and really no one can top Neely on this performance! It's a brilliantly written book and score. To be quite honest you don't have to be religious to love it. I'm an atheist and his portrayal of this man in this story gives me chills every time. I hope I get to see this live sometime in the near future.

[cerealbowls]

@byecrikey I am happy to see someone else see it my way alittle. I am too am an Atheist and Jesus Christ Superstar has been my all time favorite movie for more than 20 years. Forgetting religion, one can just simply appreciate and be in awe of the talent of these singers/actors. When they sing, their passion made me get the goose bumps. I did see Carl and Ted 20 years later in San Diego, Ca at a play before Carl died.

[CyborgJediNinja313]

@cerealbowls I feel very much the same, I'm not Atheist, but a Deist so I don't believe in Jesus being a Messiah but the feel of it is still amazingly beautiful even for those who don't follow him.

[NicholeChimere]

Wonder what cousin Ted is up to now?

[Rawego]

if Jesus is the son of God, does God also have a wife? what about a daughter? how far do God's generations go? who was the original God and who was before him/her/it? and before that? does he have a pet dog? i can go on... :))

[SherryAnn68]

I never knew Ted Neeley was a Christian so I was really happy to hear he is. He has had an incredible mininstry for Jesus playing this part. I'm sure he has touched so many people's lives and helped turn them to Christ. God bless you Ted...

[JoleneRamsahai]

he's from texas? ok he just got WAY more awesome, which i thought wasnt possible.

[denisethepainter]

He has an incredible voice and great role he played.

Ironic, in a sense, that the role of 'Peter ' was played by porn star-turned Vivid Entertainment director Phil Tobus aka: "Paul Thomas" ("PT), who's also a wonderful singer, composer and pianist.

He too did a fantastic job.

Ted Neely's aged very very well and his voice stands the test of Time.

[Schlotzinger]

This "Get out" is unbelievable. Thanks, Ted. I've been loving JCSuperstar my whole life. It was so much different to boring services and conservative official christians...

[cosmiczamboni]

Ted, you have transcended religeon with your work. I appreciate what you've done, there could be no higher accomplishment. I was blessed to be able to see you at the Maxwell King Center in Melbourne, FL a couple of years ago. I waited many years, but I'm thankful I didn't wait too long. I wish you all the best!

[Reyelee]

I never got a chance to see the musical live. The Ted/Carl tour came to my city 14 years ago but I couldn't afford tickets. I have the songs on my iPod and watch the musical every Easter on tv. And of course YouTube vids. I cry everytime I see the bloody thing. Even if I'm laughing at a funny video and click on a JCS song two seconds later. Instants tears. I had know idea he was getting up there in years. He just seems timeless to me. I hope he stays around for a long time.

[Tesssssuh]

When i Met Him I actully Felt Like He was Jesus because he was so kind to me and my Family!!

[TheaterRaven]

@Tesssssuh Me, too. I met him after I saw him onstage and he was truly kind. He was very soft-spoken and just had this wonderful sense of calm peace about him. Brilliant actor, singer, and a lovely human being. He even gave me a hug! :) (I got some very strange looks the next day when I told people that I'd gotten a hug from Jesus :))

[Tesssssuh]

I Met Ted Neeley when i was 8 and im 13 now!But he was the sweetest man ever met!!i got his autograph and he took pictures with me and and i told him how i wanna be a brodway dancer and he actully gave me encouragemnt he goit eye level with me and his daughter has the same name as me!!I wish he was my grandpa!

[evebil123]

I've got the DVD of JCS and We're performing it in my Drama group! Makes me cry every time!!! x

[armegaz]

Love his performance at the movie and still rocks as jesus

[elmaranon]

I love you, Ted~

[DianeKellyFilms]

I love jcss and Ted Neeley! I worked with him in '83 in blame it on the night... Our meeting was a religious experience for me... He does have that kind of effect on people. A great guy. God bless!

[Rekaaa001]

Does anyone know if there will be any more performances, 'cause the JCS tour was from 2009 to 2010... I really hope there will be, 'cause I want to see him live :)) But does anyone know? And when and where will it take place???

[hpprl]

It would have been so great to see him perform this. Dont know if he's ever performed in the UK but he really should for us brits, I would totally be willing to fly over to America just to see him perform in this musical (that is when he did play the role), I strangely dont think anyone else I know would ;)

[MissGraffitiSky]

Sadly I've never seen Ted Neeley in the role, however I did see a fantastic local production in Stoke-on-Trent. It was so moving I actually threw my arms around the guy who played Jesus afterward. I agree with Ted, the musical is something that we can relate to and is easier to take in than any book or any time spent being preached to in church. This made Jesus more...accessible, if that makes sense? Music is powerful after all.

[creaturanoctis]

He's probably a bit too old to play Jesus, sure;) But well, as long as the audience buys it...I guess it's ok.

I saw a video of his other play; Rasputin. I think that role suits him best. He has a more distinguished voice now, and that's perfect for playing a rough Russian;)

[h0wud0in2]

what message?????its a musical for gos sake

[h0wud0in2]

of course no one can challenge that.. lets not take any chance of being open minded

pfff as if youd expect anything else from people from texas. anyway I like his 1973 performance but i think hes too old now

[creaturanoctis]

Has he actually ever been to Europe for this play? I would love to see him here, in JCS or well, any other role:) Please Ted, come to Holland sometime or somewhere around this neighbourhood. It would be so cool:)

Love the Texan accent by the way. Never thought i would ever say that, but Ted makes it sound like music somehow:)

[creaturanoctis]

He seems one of the sweetest persons alive on this planet:)

I loved him in JCS and he was quite a cutie too then! Actually he's still a cutey; just some years older;) It's great he's still performing, still singing those high notes and loving what he does.

Would love to get one of his famous bear-hugs sometime;)

Go Ted!

[Caireboo]

@JCS954 Ohhhh how wonderful it would be if he came to the UK. There must be an immense audience for him and the show here. Let me know if you have any success reaching him. Good luck x

[MarielAnQui73]

I admire him so much!!! I think Ted Neeley is and will be the "official Jesus" of USA.

Greetings from Quilmes city, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

[Cristina1940]

eccellente:) grazie

[TheMikesMaiden]

he looks fabbbbbbbbbbbbbb and sounds incredible i see JOHNNY DEPP in his face omgggggggggggggggggg love him xxxxxxxxx

[mczee2958]

I think it's amazing that even thought he is older now he still hits those amazing high screech notes SOO COOL!!! And I got the AMAZING pleasure of meeting him in person and he is so kind and humble. I LOVE TED NEELEY!!!

[mczee2958]

I got to meet him and he is the sweetes man EVER!!!

[DivingHawk1]

What a Cool Man!

[chirichillirox]

che brutto Ted Neeley con questi baffi!

[pinkydogbear]

that was really moving, i saw the movie, he is so excellent!

[RichieEastside]

Damn if I was him I'd travel with my daughter too, i wouldn't let her out of my sight lol

[HBV216]

A seventy-year-old Jesus.

It seems to me quite a morbid thing

[radiojim1023]

I met him after a performance at the Warner Theatre in washington,D.C. and this man is the most humble man I have ever met!!! Someone to really look up to ( in a manner of speaking)

[ElleDrake]

Ted Neeley is the ONLY person I have ever sent a fan letter to! After I saw Jesus Christ Superstar when I was 11 years old. He's amazing!

[HaligonianType1]

I saw JCS in 95, and It was THE best live performance I have ever seen, bar none. I was totally blown away. I had seen the movie a few years before and became an instant fan and watched it over and over. I know the script verbatim. Amazing performer. I wish I could have had the chance to see Carl Anderson at some point as well. RiP Carl Anderson.

[Escondido123]

Great interview!

[BearHogan]

I also saw him in Riverside in April, 2010 at a Saturday matinee and the dude nailed it ..

[ronofontario]

Teds voice always sent chills up my spine. Truly a god.

[BlueJeanBaby012]

I just saw him twice in Tempe. His voice is still amazing, just mature and gruffier.

[SpankRamen2]

Does it seem like he sings as he talks? His speaking voice has a melody to it.

[rosina1975]

Saw him twice in Riverside this Easter weekend...he is still Amazing at 66! I hope he can continue for a few years yet....

[familypaladin]

I just saw him last Saturday in Riverside, California ... he still has it and we will miss him greatly when he stops performing.

[marinaolivera51]

por este hombe perdi la razonnnn

[crashdance54321]

xOxLexyBabexOx its also in holland and other countries in europe but then with another cast

[KryMeARvr]

Just saw JCS with Ted Neeley for the first time in Riverside, CA and I was blown away!!!  I have loved the movie and know the soundtrack by heart, but I will never forget the amazing and moving performance given by Ted Neeley! Wow!!!!

[xOxLexyBabexOx]

he is so amazing. I would LOVE to see him live! But of course, I've already given up. its impossible xD Anyway, all my life i've loved this musical, and all my life i've loved how Ted Neely performs in it. He brings such a depth to the character that, at least how i see it, we can actually understand better what Jesus went through. Im not so religious, but this is too deep to ignore.

[acerimmer234]

@xOxLexyBabexOx He is still performing as JC in JCSS I saw him in Edmonton Alberta Canada in 2008 and 2009 From what Ive heard he will be back again in Christmas 2010

[xOxLexyBabexOx]

@acerimmer234 no what i meant is that i can't see it anyway cos i live in Malta (Europe). The tour is only in the USA I think...so that is why its impossible :'( Thanks for the information tho! xxxx

[RosesNightengales]

I really wish i had seen him. My mom didn't want to see this play =[

[iHeartSantaFanta]

i saw him a few weeks ago! he was absolutely amazing!!

[insanemistosingsmore]

@iHeartSantaFanta YOU ARE SO LUCKY, I'VE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO WATCH THE MOVIE...NEVER SEEN IT LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[knoxvilleguy2]

This guy sounds so sincere & real & likeable. I've seen the movie version & liked it. I'd like to see a good version on stage.

[carlogiove63]

Video stars!!

[KosephMivyotlh]

I saw him tour in 1995 and again just last week. Amazing!

[WraithBait]

I just saw him perform tonight and it was amazing!!!

[joeblowthehot]

wow 63????????

[DivaSatanica1988]

Aww man this guy and Carl were awesome, I remember seeing this on broadway as a child.  And even meeting Ted Neeley. He was so nice.

[yowife]

saw him last night. blessed by this role has portrayed flawlessly all these years! \o/

[jkers10]

I just got to see him do this show last night. He was still amazing.

[Giraffelova101]

Omg meeting him was one of the best minutes of my life he truly is a great and pure soul. He gives amazing hugs too. He sees the good in anyone and everyone. God bless him!

[Thatblondeguy315]

I would love to meet this man. He's an amazing performer.

[novaracr14]

Always incredible! After these many years I will always go when it's in town! Wonderful in Wichita (again)

[alot2me]

I NEVER get tired of this video...NEVER!!!!

[Saphirechevy]

@alot2me and I like it too!:D

[DEADAGONE]

i just got back from this play it was amazing

[rubiconmaster]

Same here at the Gallo in Modesto, he was amazing. Could have watched it all day.

[percussin8or]

I got to see him in the tour at Wolf Trap summer of 2006. The cast was incredible, and it's incredible to see how strong Neeley's performance is after 36 years!

[PreciousEarthquakes2]

And 4 years later they are STILL going!!!!! HE is still going!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Purushadasa]

He looks damn good for a man his age.

[jetergirl]

I saw him 3 times and he is just so amazing. I can't see anyone else play this role.

[suppersassysaylee23]

omg i want to meet him soooooooooooo bad

[94SHS]

You guys know he originally tried out for Judas in 1973, but instead got the part of Jesus. Mind -blowing.

[moviesrule23]

I am seeing this play in january with Ted Neeley in it. I am so excitied bout it.

[DrFlaxWebFLOO]

You won't be disappointed, mate. The boots uploaded on Youtube do not do his performance justice.

[moviesrule23]

Well yea i know i won't be dissapointed lol. I have seen various youtube video's of his AMAZING singing of Jesus Christ Superstar movie/national tour. But now i am so excited i am seeing it january.......

[JMOSR]

hi... where is going to be ted neeley , and when?? thanks

[moviesrule23]

HI well the actually tour starts in 2010. And i checked on the broadway across canada website and it says it starts Apr. 6-11, 2010 at ASU Gammage

[alexianmartin]

@moviesrule23 I absolutely hated the 73 movie with him in it, but he was just here in Phoenix, and he was so incredibly amazing, can't even put words on it!

[rockytopva]

5 Stars. My favorite actor of Jesus.

[cubsrule7648]

i love the voice of the girl who's playing mary magdelene in the clip in the video! :D

[goo83]

1:37 look at that guy's hair!

[Aegidia01]

I love JCS and Ted Neeley's performance in the film is stunning, but I am always confused when people say this film has deepened their spirituality - for me, it was a confirmation of my atheism, precisely because of the sympathy for Christ and Judas the film evoked. It almost feels like a betrayal of Neeley, but... well, forgive me, Mr. Neeley. Your perfomance touched me, though apparently not in the way you intended.

[MrHevychevy]

You hit the nail on the head!

[MrHevychevy]

I will tell you, Ted Neeley is, and acts exactly as one would think Christ would act, if you met him on the street. I have seen him in JCS many times, and after the show, would wait for autographs and pics. Ted would wait until every single person was accomodated, and he spent as much time as you needed with him, He is quite simply a humble, good human being.

[knoxvilleguy2]

He sounds like he has taken his role to heart, & is a genuinely " spiritual " being, although maybe not in the traditional, church - going, " religious " sense. A lot of Bible - thumping Christian types could take a lesson from him.

[JCS954]

@MrHevychevy does anyone know how to contact Ted directly? I sent an email to his neeleyontheroad addy but have had no reply. I wanted to know if Ted would ever bring JCS to Britain, as I'd love to see him.

[marthadiv]

@MrHevychevy

I found the same thing. He actually got on his knees to be eye level with my children. Gave them his full attention, a treasured few moments captured on photographs, but held sacred in our hearts.

He's simply the best..

[sostenuto99]

I met him this past spring.  He is by far the most humble and sincere of anyone I have ever met. He talked to me for about 2 hours along with a fraternity brother. He is AMAZING!

[sickboy3883]

what a great guy

[gasmmusic]

Wonderful interview.

[Zebonka]

I wish they'd do a DVD.. being in Australia I obviously won't get a chance to see it.

[henrysvg]

you aren't really missing anything. i've seen it twice but the production is totally lack luster in my opinion. Corey Glover and Darrel Whitney were mind blowingly awesome as Judas and Caiaphas respectively though.

[Zebonka]

Heh - call me an old fanboy if you like, I'd really only be in it to see Ted!

[phantomyshkin]

Watch the movie from 1973. One of the best movies ever, IMO.

[Zebonka]

Not that I'd mind watching it again,

but why recommend me to a movie I've been watching since I was a toddler?? Haha.