The first collaboration Lloyd Webber and Rice to be performed on the professional level, Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the live stage. After exploding onto the scene with a Broadway debut in 1971, Superstar changed the face of musical theater. 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.
Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera vision of "the greatest story ever told," is still as powerful and timely as when it was first produced. Now, for the new millennium, this magnificent story comes once again vividly to the stage with international star Neeley headlining the production. Neeley received a Golden Globe-award nomination for his role as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of Superstar. While Neeley has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theaters throughout America, appearing in a variety of productions from Hair to the works of Samuel Beckett, he remains world-renowned for the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar.
A singer, actor, and composer, Neeley appeared in both the Broadway and Los Angeles companies of Jesus Christ Superstar as the stage productions of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in New York and Tommy in Los Angeles. He composed music for and appeared in Robert Altman's film A Perfect Couple, and was also seen in A Touch of Gold with Ray Charles, and the NBC movies Of Mice and Men and McClaren's Riders. Neeley composed and performed the music for the Tri-Star feature film Blame It on the Night, NBC's Highway to Heaven and The Big Blue Marble for the Children's Television Network. He also wrote the music for and starred in Cowboy Jack Street at the Mark Taper Forum Lab in Los Angeles. Currently focusing on writing and producing, Neeley is working in collaborating with his long-time 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.
Featured in the role of Judas is Corey Glover known as the lead singer of the Grammy-winning, platinum selling rock band Living Colour ("Cult of Personality"). Glover has also released albums as a solo artist and acted on television and in films including Oliver Stone's Platoon. Glover reunited with his Living Colour band mates for a 2001 tour. Jesus Christ Superstar marks Corey's theatrical debut.
Jesus Christ Superstar is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. through Sunday. The remaining performances are: Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Individual tickets range in price from $20 - $75 and can be purchased at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., and 18 W. Monroe St.), through the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers (including Carson Pirie Scott stores, Hot Tix, select Coconuts and fye stores) or online at ticketmaster.com.
For more information, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.
