JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Comes To The Rosemont Theater 4/30-5/2

"Jesus Christ Superstar," the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by legendary writing team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is coming to the Rosemont Theatre Apr. 30 - May 2 for four performances. Tickets are now on sale.

The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is one of the Featuring such notable songs as "Superstar," "Everything's Alright" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Jesus Christ Superstar" was honored with five TONY nominations.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The beloved musical 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 theater, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has left untold audiences captivated by its power since it debuted in 1971.

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 in the title role.

Internationally beloved star Ted Neeley, best known for his Golden Globe nominated performance as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of "Jesus Christ Superstar" leads the distinguished cast of this production. While Neeley has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theaters throughout America, appearing in a wide variety of productions, from "Hair" to the works of Samuel Beckett, he is world renowned for his portrayal of 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.

"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," says Director Dallett Norris (who has directed national tours of "Joseph...," "Can-Can" and "South Pacific"). "The author's idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, twenty-one centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: we need the message of this story now more than ever."

"Jesus Christ Superstar" opened on Broadway on October 12, 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre and was the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced on the professional stage. The original Broadway cast recording starring Ian Gillan (Jesus), Murray Head (Judas) and Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) topped the American album charts three times. Ted Neeley headlined the first touring company that opened at the Universal Studios Amphitheater on June 28, 1972. Also in 1972, the London production opened and ran a record-breaking 3,358 performances. Academy Award winning director Norman Jewison's motion picture version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was released in 1973. Directed by Gale Edwards and designed by John Napier, a new production opened in the Lyceum Theatre in the fall of 1996. "Jesus Christ Superstar" earned a TONY nomination for best musical revival for the production that opened April 16, 2000, at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

The performance schedule for "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, is as follows: Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, May 2 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets, which range from $35 - $69, are now on sale and may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Rosemont Theatre box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets.