Who is Jesus? If you're talking to Jesus Christ Superstar fans, the answer is Ted Neeley, who has been putting on the robe for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera longer than Jesus was alive. The curtain first rose on Neeley as the son of God on June 28, 1972, at Universal Studios Amphitheater. A year later, he starred in the movie adaptation of the musical, and he has reprised the role in several productions in the ensuing decades. Now in his 60s, Neeley may be a little more grizzled than J.C. should be. But he has been betrayed, crucified and deified as the holy one more times than possibly any other actor. (How's that for passion, Jim Caviezel?) This evening, Neeley and the rest of the latest Jesus Christ Superstar cast wrap up a two-night engagement at the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921). The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35.50.
Wed., Jan. 21, 8 p.m.; Thu., Jan. 22, 8 p.m., 2009
