A Tribute to Ted Neeley

My Tribute to Ted Neeley

Once upon a time, a few years back in my life, my Mother took me to see a midnight showing of Jesus Christ Superstar...........
That's when it all began for me, instant adoration! She purchased the movies soundtrack and I learn every word to every song. That record took many a whirl on the turntable needless to say, and now I have the same album after so many years (well... not so many years!) finding it just recently in some old boxes my Mom had tucked away.

Years later, I remember seeing an advertisement on television for a stage performance to be shown in Toledo, Ohio. Well, I was 9 months pregnant with my third child and I couldn't get anyone to take me. It was quite a long distance to drive, so the fear of me going into labor played it's part.

Well, a couple of years later, my second chance to see the opera rolled around again and once again I missed the opportunity. Poor pitiful me.....

Finally, the old saying "the third time is a charm" rang true for me. I had been very ill, contracting viral meningitis, and had been home from the hospital but a few days when my Mother called me to tell about the opera coming to our area. There was no way I was going to miss this performance. The opera was in it's final year of touring. So we purchased our ticket and a few days later made the trip to Tampa to fulfill my lifelong dream.

The opera was absolutely wonderful and the final act was just phenomenal! After it was over, I purchased my t-shirt and was happy and content. But the day didn't end there..... we had just happened to park in a lot next to the side of building instead of the parking garage. And on our way to the car, we noticed a small crowd gathering at some double doors. I drug my Mom and Sister over there and a few minutes later the cast started to emerge. It was a total thrill! We met and talked with Carl Anderson first. Others had asked him how he felt about playing Judas for so many years. He answered them by telling them how he was a christian and that early on in his career it did bother him but that he did finally realize the importance Judas was to fulfill God's plan of redemption.

Finally, after a long wait, Ted Neeley joined his peers and the fans. We waited very patiently for our chance to meet Ted. I was overwhelmed with the love and kindness this man shares with others. Knowing that he had to be exhausted and yet still taking the time to talk and sign autographs with each and everyone who approached him. After the crowd started to thin out we finally had our chance. He gave us all hugs and talked with us for quite awhile. He was so excited because he would be seeing his children in couple of days. He talked about his own amazment about the following JCS has had even after so many years. Before we left, he had given me another big hug because he knew that I am his greatest fan!! :)

Below are some midi's that I've collected on the web and some links to other great sites. Enjoy them and pass them on!