Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band Premieres 1/20 at Rubicon Theatre
By: Kelsey Denette
Ted Neeley, best known as the star of the Norman Jewison film of "Jesus Christ Superstar," as well as the Broadway and National Tours, helped launch Ventura's Rubicon Theatre Company back in 1998. He starred in the then-fledgling Rubicon's first production -- a concert version of that same show at the Majestic Theatre Fourteen years ago. Initially announced for two performances only in the 1,400-seat venue, Rubicon's Superstar quickly sold-out, a third show was added, and Rubicon Theatre Company was born. Each performance received a standing ovation. Critics from both the Ventura County Star and The Reporter summed up Neeley's performance in one word: "stellar."
Neeley returns to the company his talent helped christen next month with the debut of his new concert, "Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band," an up-close-and-personal musical event which previews January 20, opens January 21, and continues for a limited run through January 29 in Rubicon's intimate 190-seat home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District.
Neeley will tell a few anecdotes about his career and will sing in a variety of styles and genres, representing his own eclectic musical passions. Neeley will sing folk and pop hits by his favorite songwriters of the past few decades (both electric and acoustic); perform highlights from rock musicals such as Tommy, Hair, Sgt. Pepper's… and Superstar; offer excerpts from his film scores for Robert Altman and others; and premiere new, never-before-heard compositions from shows he's developing for future production. Neeley will be backed by a "little" five-piece band of instrumentalists with big talents.
Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased with cash, check or charge through the Rubicon Box Office at 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 (Laurel entrance). To charge by phone, call (805) 667-2900 during normal box office hours (Noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday). Specific seats may also be selected and purchased online 24-hours-a-day through the company's website: www.rubicontheatre.org.
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