Published: May 07, 2008 04:04 pm            

"Jesus Christ Superstar" in Chattanooga May 29

Submitted by Chattanooga OnStage



"Jesus Christ Superstar," the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is coming to the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga on Thursday, May 29, for one performance.

The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, it is one of the most popular

and enduring works ever created for the musical theater. Featuring such notable songs as "Superstar," "Everything’s Alright" and "I Don’t Know How to Love Him," the show earned five Tony nominations.

Set in two acts, "Jesus Christ Superstar" tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. It 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.

Now, for the new millennium, this magnificent story comes once again vividly to the stage with Ted Neeley recreating his unforgettable performance.

Neeley, best known for his Golden Globe nominated role as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of "Superstar," will be headlining this tour. While he has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theaters throughout America, appearing in a wide variety of productions from "Hair" to the works of Samuel Beckett, he is world-renowned for the title role in "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Featured in the role of Judas will be Corey Glover, best known as the lead singer of the Grammy winning, platinum selling rock band Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”). Glover has also issued albums as a solo artist and acted in television and movies, 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.

Director Dallett Norris ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Can-Can," "South Pacific") says, "What could be better than having Ted Neeley, so grand in the film, on board as we delve into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s brilliant musical telling of this timeless story. Their idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, 21 centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: we need the message of this story now more than ever."

Tickets available at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office, by phone at (423) 642-TIXS and online at ChattanoogaOnStage.com.

        

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