Remembering classic piece of theatre with 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

It was 1969, or maybe 1970, that I was invited to Robert Rudy's home in Elizabethton, Tenn., for a special evening. At that time I was a theatre arts major in Johnson City at East Tennessee State University. Robert was a good friend and tremendous musician and composer in his own right. He also enjoyed a bit of Southern Comfort on the weekends, but that's another story altogether.
Anyway, Robert had just returned from Charlotte where he had purchased the newest and hottest album since The Beatles hit the charts a few years earlier. The album was actually a two-record soundtrack set in a modestly decorated burgundy cover that was being offered at the astounding price of $7.98.
There were no recognized name voices singing or musicians playing on the record. It was a big deal for theatre folks. About a dozen or so of us journeyed to Robert's antebellum home one Friday night to listen to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's new "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Being a super audiophile, Robert had the best of the best of Macintosh amplifiers and receivers complemented with four towering Infinity speakers strategically placed and producing the newest in quadra-phonic sound. This was going to be good.
Robert also set forth some rules for the "event." Once everyone was settled in and the first side of the album began with the overture, no one could speak or leave the room for any reason until that side was completed. Then there would be a brief break and he turned the album over to play side two. This rule applied until all four sides were played.
Being immersed in theatre at that time, all my fellow student actors and technicians were in hog heaven, being able to be some of the first to listen to this marvelous work. We had never heard or experienced anything like it before.
It took me a few months to save up enough to purchase my own "Superstar" album and it remains in my archives today. I have not listened to it in more than 30 years, but it is nonetheless a treasure to have.
What began as a 33 1/3 rpm album quickly was staged in London and soon afterward came to Broadway for a heralded run. A. Webber's modus operandi usually takes the form of his adapting a historical or classical characters and events into a rock opera or high musical. "Evita" and "Phantom of the Opera" hold true to this formula while "Cats" might be viewed as a bit of a diversion. We are at least familiar with the players and usually know the surprise ending. What makes them special is the way in which they are told, and Webber is one of the best.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" met with a considerable amount of controversy when it first came on the scene as a recording and then even more when it was staged.
Some of that sentiment follows it today, but so does the aura of its magnificence. At first many churches blasted the show and boycotted performances. Editorial letters filled the newspapers and protesters marched in front of theatres where it played.
We've come a long way. On Sunday with a matinee curtain of 3 p.m., "Jesus Christ Superstar" will be eagerly viewed and enjoyed by not only a general audience and MainStage season ticketholders at CoMMA.
Church groups, young and old from near and far, will take their seats to experience not only a classic piece of theatre but also one of the most moving and touching pieces staging that has ever been produced. It truly is a religious experience for many.
Ted Neeley takes the CoMMA stage in the lead role of "Superstar." He has been performing the part since he starred in the film version which came out in 1973. His voice, stage presence and characterization are beyond marvelous.
There is no doubt that people are staying close to home for their entertainment today for there are about 100 tickets remaining for "Superstar." And unlike my first experience at Robert's, we won't have to visualize the scenes and characters by just listening to the music and lyrics.
The only break will be intermission.
Speaking of full houses, last Friday nearly 1,000 Burke County students had the opportunity to view and experience the Ashville Lyric Opera's touring production of "The Elixir of Love" at CoMMA. Presented by Arts on the Move "CartWheels" program, the performance was offered at no charge.
Our thanks go out to Superintendent David Burleson and his staff once again for making it happen. Mr. Burleson's support of live performances for students has realized more than 60,000 Burke students being exposed to live stage events over the years.
Tickets are still available for the March 28 performance of "To Kill a Mockingbird." "Mockingbird" has been marketed heavily to those in the region who are participating the "The Big Read" project. You won't want to miss it either.
Also, don't forget your tickets are on sale now at rockbottom prices for "Bye Bye Birdie," coming to CoMMA on April 15. Great seats remain, and if you'd like to pitch in and help the Burke Council on Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency, their board members are currently selling all the VIP seating.
We can never get enough of Elvis, whether it's at CoMMA, on television or on the radio. Ryan Pelton brings his "It's Elvis" tribute to Morganton on April 21. His long run in the "Legends" show at Myrtle Beach, as well as television and Las Vegas stints, speak highly of the talent he brings to the concert, complete with his touring show band.
How do you get tickets for these great performance events? It's easy, just call 433-SHOW. It's been said — more than once… "You're gonna love it!"