Bible rock
Actor reprises his classic role as Christ

By KELLY HARAMIS
Collegian Arts Writer

Adding rock music to a famous biblical story might seem strange, but Pam Luu is looking forward to seeing composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice's interpretation of this tale.

"I've heard a lot about it and I enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber's music," said Luu (freshman-film and video).

The play Luu is hyped about is the acclaimed religious rock 'n' roll musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, which will be performed today and tomorrow in Eisenhower Auditorium.

The musical stars Ted Neeley reprising his role as Jesus Christ from the Broadway production in 1971 and the motion picture in 1973. Neeley said the play is much more simplified compared to the movie version, which incorporated jets and tanks into the story.

"We're not out there preaching -- we're doing theatrics on the last seven days Jesus was alive," Neeley explained. "(The play) brings Jesus down from the stained glass window and turns him into a man."

And it is just this aspect of the work that has made it so controversial.

But the Rev. David Arseneault said the play is positive because it makes people think about religion.

"I've seen it in the past -- I don't see anything wrong with it," said Arseneault, the Catholic campus minister.

Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar have proven to be quick sellers. When tickets to the first two performances sold out, the Center for Performing Arts added a third performance for 3 p.m. Saturday. This is the first time another show has been added as can be remembered in CPA history, said Kathy Piatt, CPA publicist.

"The community response has been phenomenal," said Rick Feingold, CPA marketing director. Nearly 600 tickets have already been sold to the show on Saturday and the CPA is expecting a full house, he said.

Students, faculty and area residents still have time to buy tickets for the matinee tomorrow.

Many students who have already bought tickets are looking forward to the performance.

"I enjoy watching musicals -- it should be entertaining," said Jamie Reskof (freshman-English). Reskof said she is looking forward to seeing the performance.

Neeley said the tour was originally supposed to be only three months but is now booked for another year and might be extended even longer. But Neeley does not mind the elongated tour because he enjoys playing this character.

"I love doing this -- I love every moment of this play," Neeley said. "It's a great thing to be a part of."

Neeley resumed this, his most famous role, in 1992, when the Jesus Christ Superstar tour began again. Neeley said with a chuckle, he has been playing this role "a little under 2000 years."