Star of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' appears at Tibbits next Saturday with the film

COLDWATER — Ted Neeley, star of the film "Jesus Christ Superstar," will appear in person next Saturday, March 23, at Tibbits Opera House to host a 50th anniversary screening and discussion of the once-controversial film.

The screening is the only Michigan showing of the remastered film during the nationwide tour of cast members for the anniversary.

Norman Jewison wrote the film script as an adaptation of the 1973 Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice Broadway show based on the Passion of Christ.

In a telephone interview with the Daily Reporter, Neeley said cast members during the tour are honoring Jewison, also the film's director, who died in January at age 97.

Neeley said of Jewison, "This man was a dear friend and father figure to me. He gave me a career, filled with everlasting memories."

The film plot

In the film, the cast travels by bus to the Israeli desert to re-enact the Passion of Christ with modern-day costumes and props.

As they make their preparations and dance to the film's overture, the Judas Iscariot character wanders away from the company, and the cast becomes part of ancient times to tell the story with songs.

Neeley explained, "The whole idea was the last seven days in the life of the man called Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of his friends and his foes."

The passion unfolds through crucifixion and resurrection until the characters return to the modern world.

The film cast were unknown

When Jewison had trouble finding marquee name stars who could sing for the lead roles, a friend suggested Neeley and Carl Anderson, who played Judas Iscariot, for the roles.

None of the cast were big-name draws when the movies opened. Neeley was an understudy on Broadway. He played Jesus in the first national road company, then played the role in Los Angeles.

Like the stage production, Neeley said the film caused controversy across the county. "The reactions were primarily from the church organizations; before they saw it, they just heard about it."

Neeley said that once people saw the film and how it followed the life of Christ, their opinions changed.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the Tibbits presentation.

The film impacted Neeley's life. "Absolutely, magnificently, everything been positive from the day we first stepped in the sand over there in Israel."

During filming in 1972 Israel, Neeley met his wife, Leeyan, a dancer on the set.

Tickets and appearances

The 79-year-old Neeley still performs the part in stage productions, and for the past nine years, he has been taking the still-popular film on the road, making live appearances during screenings.

At a pre-show VIP reception, Neeley will share stories with a limited number of ticket holders. Those VIP tickets are available at https://tedneeley.com and range from $175 to $250.

The film begins at 7 p.m., and a bonus showing of the documentary "SUPERSTARS" about its making begins at 6 p.m.

After the film screen, Neeley will meet and greet attendees. Exclusive souvenirs, memorabilia, photos with Neeley, and autographs will be available for purchase.

Admission is $20 for Tibbits members, $23 for nonmembers, and $25 for the day of the show. Tickets are available at Tibbits.org, by calling (517) 278-6029, or at Tibbits administration office at 93 West Chicago St, Coldwater.

-- Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com 

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Ted Neeley, of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' fame, with film next Saturday