NEELEY WILL HIT THE ROAD AGAIN, WILL WOW THE AUDIENCES AGAIN

"Jesus Christ Superstar" superstar Ted Neeley is about to take the show on the road again.  He's the guy who played the title role in the movie way back in 1973.  He earned a Golden Globe nomination for that performance, and he's earned thousands and thousands of fans with all the performances since. 

For the last two tours we've been lucky enough to have the show stop right here at the Pikes Peak Center. I've interviewed Mr. Neeley on both stops and actually gotten to know him pretty well.  Here are a couple of pictures from his last appearance on KKTV 11 News at 4.  With him is James Delisco, who played Judas.  This was in November of 2008.

I've been a fan the show and of Ted Neeley since I was a teenager so it was a thrill to spend some time with him.  We send e-mails back and forth once in a while.  In one of them this summer I asked about a return to our city.

"I would love to return to Colorado Springs," he wrote, "the people there have always been so warm and friendly."  He also went on to explain that, as we all might expect, he has absolutely no say in where the tour does and doesn't stop.  This time it won't stop here.  I double checked with the PR department at the Pikes Peak center last week and they confirmed that it won't happen this time.

Ted Neeley live on stage singing "Gethsemane" is one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen, and I've seen it many, many times.  If you've never seen it, you should try, here's how.  The tour will stop in Fort Collin for several performances, next April 21st - 24th.  

He's in his mid-60's now, so there's always speculation about whether any new tour will be the final one.  I've asked Ted several times about that and he says as long a he's able to perform the role , and people want to see him do it, he'll do it.  The last time I saw him in person was in February in Madison, Wisconsin.  I can tell you, he is certainly still able to perform the role! Those thousands and thousands of fans will let him know That they still want to see him do it in dozens of cities.......just not this one.  That's OK, Fort Collins isn't too far a drive, and it'll be well worth the trip. 

Soon I'll write more specifically about how one of my longtime favorite performers became a friend, and why my sister and I first got a chance to break bread with "Jesus". 

We'll talk again soon.

Don