After almost two years on the road, the recent production of Jesus Christ Superstar came to an end in Tampa, FL in late June 2008.
Based on the final days of Jesus Christ, the musical explores the relationships between Jesus and several of his followers, most notably Mary Magdalene and Judas, prior to his crucifixion and ascension. The show also explores the driving forces of people, including Pontius Pilate and King Herod, during these final days.
Originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice as a rock opera, the show first came to Broadway as a stage production in 1971. While popular, the show also drew criticism from religious groups over the show’s content, notably how the show portrayed Jesus as a man dealing with the sacrifice he must make and for portraying Judas as a sympathetic character concerned with Jesus' popularity and how he sees as the gradual wearing away of his master's ideals.
Since that initial performance, the show has been performed all over the world, been made into a film and has retained a high level of popularity due to its mixture of rock music and religious themes. Several local churches booked tickets for the Tampa show and attended the one-weekend only performance at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
This most recent production, which featured Ted Neeley as Jesus and Corey Glover of the band Living Color as Judas, began in 2006 and did not end until June 29, 2008, almost two full years after it started. The production featured no stage changes beyond lightning, strobe effects, fog and a large crucifix at the show’s climax, giving the production a stripped-down appeal that focused more on the performances of the individuals.
After a standing ovation, the cast remained onstage and addressed the audience about their thoughts on the end of the show’s run. Neeley, who also portrayed Jesus in the 1973 film version of the show directed by Norman Jewison, thanked the audience for making the tour such a hit and promised further productions would continue as long as the demand continued.
“There is a magnificent connection between you and us,” Neeley told the audience after the final performance of the tour. An audience member then yelled “Amen!” and Neeley, in character, responded “Bless you, my child,” to further applause.
Plans have already begun for another tour of the show to start later this year. While Neeley said he would be open to returning, he told the audience he did not speak for everyone currently in the show, some of whom he said would be “moving on to bigger and better things.”
Joe Harless - I am a freelance writer based out of Tampa, FL. Since graduating the University of Central Florida in 2003 my career has included the ...
