Jesus Christ Superstar 'Timeless and for Our Time' Opens at Academy of Music, January 30-February 1
JANUARY 5, 2009
Ted Neely
Tickets On Sale Now!
Jesus Christ Superstar, the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by legendary writing team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is coming to Philadelphia's Academy of Music beginning Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 for a limited five-performance weekend engagement.
Part of the Kimmel Center's Broadway Series, tickets are now on sale ranging in price from $25 to $70. A limited number of VIP premium seats are also available for $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10am to 6pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.
Performances include: Friday & Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sunday evening at 6:30pm. Matinees Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 1pm.
The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre. Featuring such notable songs as "Superstar," "Everything's Alright" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him," Jesus Christ Superstar earned five Tony Award® nominations.
Set in two acts, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus Christ Superstar dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar will leave audiences captivated by its power.
As relevant and timeless as ever, Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera vision of "the greatest story ever told," is perhaps more potent in today's troubled world than when it was first produced. Now, for the new millennium, this magnificent story comes once again vividly to the stage with Ted Neeley re-creating his unforgettable performance.
Internationally beloved star Ted Neeley, best known for his Golden Globe nominated role as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of Jesus Christ Superstar, will be headlining this tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
While Ted has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theatres throughout America, appearing in a wide variety of productions from Hair to the works of Samuel Beckett, he is world renowned for the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar. Creating a fan base that borders on a cult-like phenomenon, this production heralds the long awaited triumphant return of Ted Neeley in the title role of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Director Dallett Norris (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Can-Can, South Pacific) says, "What could be better than having Ted Neeley, so grand in the film, on board as we delve into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's brilliant musical telling of this timeless story. Their idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, 21 centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: we need the message of this story now more than ever."
Already seen and loved by thousands, don't miss the opportunity to introduce a new generation to this exhilarating and significant piece of musical theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar, the original rock opera.
During the 2009 Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre also includes Ain't Misbehavin' (Jan. 9 – 11); Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8); Happy Days – A New Musical (Mar. 24 – 29); Riverdance (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin' Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28).
All performances of the Kimmel Center's Broadway Series are supported by CITI. Promotional support is provided by WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Kimmel Center's Broadway Series.> index of news releases
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