Broadway comes to Athens in a one-night show of superstar proportions, as the touring company of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar performs tonight in a much-anticipated event.
When we are trying to book a show
we talk to a lot of student groups said Andrew Holzaepfel, associate director for the Office of University Events. A lot of people were really excited about the show coming here.
The musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, portrays the final week of Jesus Christ's life. The show is told from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, Christ's betrayer, through a series of song and dance routines, including such well-known songs as I Don't Know How to Love Him and Hosanna.
From a Broadway musical perspective the names (Webber and Rice) suggest quality
Holzaepfel said.
The rock opera will star Ted Neeley in his farewell tour as the title role in the drama. Neeley has portrayed Christ both on stage and in the 1973 film version of the same name.
Erial Ramsey, public relations spokeswoman for the Black Student Cultural Programming Board, one of the show's co-sponsors, said Jesus Christ Superstar is a worthwhile cultural event for students because of the rave reviews it has received over the years.
Jesus Christ Superstar has been produced theatrically in over 15 countries. At the close of its original run, the show was the longest running Broadway musical at that time, according to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group Web site, http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/jesus.
Holzaepfel said students should attend the show because it is a chance to see a major touring Broadway show in Athens
Ohio.
Holzaepfel said this is not just a small company, but rather the same show that is playing in major cities across the country.
The production begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are still available.
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Ted Neeley, the title role in [I]Jesus Christ Superstar[/I], is in his farewell tour for the famous rock opera.
