Jesus Christ Superstar ~ Lots of Changes

PROFILE: Jesus Christ Superstar TIM O�BRIEN, guest anchor: Anyone in the theatre can tell you about the extraordinary lengths some actors will go to put themselves into the lives of the characters they play. Imagine playing the role of Jesus -- and not just for a week, or a month but for 36 years. That�s what actor Ted Neeley, a former rock musician , has been doing, performing the title role in �Jesus Christ Superstar.� Now, this is not a story about how someone has found Jesus, but rather how someone who portrays him has been affected by that role. Bob Faw of NBC News has our story. BOB FAW: He has been Jesus on stage longer than Jesus was on earth. For 36 years, Ted Neeley has played the title role in �Jesus Christ Superstar.� TED NEELEY (Actor): Don�t anyone believe that I am Jesus Christ. I am a rock and roll drummer from Texas who hits high notes and [I have] gotten very, very fortunate to do this character and be in this play. Mr. NEELEY: (onstage performing in �Jesus Christ Superstar�): I�d have to know. I�d have to know. I�d have to know my Lord, have to know my Lord, have to know. FAW: Now 63, the Jesus he portrays here is the same figure Ted Neeley portrayed in the 1973 film version: a Jesus tormented by doubt, anger, passion -- fully human. Mr. NEELEY: (onstage performing in Jesus Christ Superstar): I have changed. I am not as sure as when we started. Then I was inspired. Now I�m sad and tired. It is saying that while he was here on Earth, he walked as a man. It is dealing with those last few moments of the man who is transcending humanity into God and questioning every move that he makes. because he knows his time is running out. and he feels he hasn�t accomplished what he came here to do. UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS (onstage performing in Jesus Christ Superstar): Everything's alright, yes, everything�s fine. FAW: Human, yes. His relationship with Mary Magdalene, for example, is sensual, almost earthy. But this Jesus Christ is also divine. (to Mr. Neeley): Do you consider Jesus as a wise man, as a prophet, as the son of God, or all of the above? Mr. NEELEY: All of the above, yes, I do. I still have my beliefs, my Christian beliefs. I believe in Christ as the son of God, and I believe that so deeply that -- that is so deeply set in my spirit that no one can challenge that. FAW: That duality of Christ, mortal and immortal, and the story of his last seven days on Earth account, says Neeley, for the play�s longevity and enduring appeal. Mr. NEELEY: Everybody in the world knows this story, whether they agree with it or disagree. FAW: Part of what this performance does is to take something spiritual and to make it more human? Mr. NEELEY: Absolutely right. They will go to their respective church and listen to sermons and sort of understand. Then they look at this film or see this play, and the fact that they can actually see human beings portraying the roles and can hear through the dialogue the language that�s much more understandable -- they can relate to it, and they find solace in that. UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: You changed my life, you changed my life. Mr. NEELEY: I must say the majority of people with whom I have had the pleasure of speaking after the performances literally tell me they have found their spirituality as a result of seeing the play. FAW: Growing up in West Texas, Neeley was a churchgoer. He does not attend church frequently now because, in one sense, this role serves the same function and more. (to Mr. Neeley): Being Jesus Christ has changed you. It�s had a huge impact on you. In what way? Mr. NEELEY: It has deepened my faith. It has deepened my faith beyond recognition. Without even trying I have become, in the minds of many, a minister, because I am so committed to that which I do during the performance.===>Click headline for complete interview . . .

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