I won’t talk about Judas, who sold Him for a few coins, or the fearful Peter who denied Him three times or Pontius Pilate who washed his hands of Him: or cowards who left the place when the soup got too hot. It is unbelievable how a drama of ancient history reminds one of contemporary news items. At the Philharmonic Center for the Arts of Naples we were able to admire the amazing performance of artists who were part of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
Ted Neely, who played the role of Jesus, was part of the first representation of this musical on Broadway, in 1972. He also played the role of Jesus in the outstanding film of the same name, in 1973. Since then, except for a few interruptions to play in Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon, he continues to personify Jesus, all over North America.
He is in his sixties, frail, vulnerable, touching and endearing. A quiet strength emanates from him. His voice is absolutely fascinating: it reaches a strident peak when he chases the thieves out of the temple. All the sadness in the world goes through his vocal cords when he is alone, abandoned in the garden of Gethsemane. His agony on the cross sends shivers through the audience and provokes tears. Spectators often confide to Ted Neely that his face is how they perceive Jesus in their minds.
President Bush must be very proud!!! Jesus was born in a small town, in Texas where he became a drummer in a rock and roll group that performed all over Texas.
Mr Neely must be thankful to God for allowing him to play such a great role.
As for me, this show is carved in my memory, in the everlasting souvenirs section.
Hurry to rent this film, just for the pleasure of seeing and hearing this very talented artist. We will be see the stage version again in Quebec City on May 2nd 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment