Ted Neeley

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 4:27pm

Anyone else on here think that Ted Neeley is WAY too old to still be playing Jesus? I personally never thought his performance was THAT impressive to begin with.

[ChristineAngel]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 4:35pm

Are you serious? I believe no one else can sing the part like he can. I mean Michael Crawford never played Jesus but he sang Gethsemane really good. Ted I know he may be too old but who else can you see in the role that's anywhere near good? A lot of people liked Ian Gillan I never really liked him or anyone else from that cast except Pilate.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 4:37pm

According to my parents and others who saw him on the most recent tour, he is WELL past his prime in the role.

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 4:39pm

I don't like nasal singers. And please, you can't honestly believe that he is the ONLY ONE who can sing the part. That's complete B.S.

[jennamajig]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 4:46pm

According to my parents and others who saw him on the most recent tour, he is WELL past his prime in the role.

My friend would agree with this statement when he saw him this past spring in the tour in Boston. His assessment after pausing to think about it: "Well he was okay when he was screaming."

There are plenty of talented folks out there who can sing the part - I saw a great actor do it years ago at Theatre by the Sea in RI. Incredible voice.

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:12pm

I've seen production photos where his hair is so very grey. Yes people in their thirties have grey hair too, but I don't think that's the type of authenticity they are striving for with HIS grey hair.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:13pm

I love Ted Neeley as Jesus, but it's time to call it quits, IMO. He was 30 when he died!

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:16pm

I think he was actually 33, but you are completely right.

[trekchristi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:34pm

I've seen him in the current tour a few times....yes he definitely doesn't look 30 but his voice is exactly the same. It was amazing to hear him hit those high notes.

[ChristineAngel]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:36pm

I've heard plenty of Jesus's, wish I heard more but out of all I heard I liked Ted only. Sebastian Bach imo wasn't all that great. Neither was Glenn Carter. I've heard more but those two are the worst. Who do you actually like as Jesus?

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:38pm

Zac Efron.

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:38pm

I actually liked Glenn Carter a lot and Jeff Fenholt.

[brochatkid]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:40pm

I saw him in 1994 and I thought he was too old even then. I love him a lot, but I did notice his voice, even back then, was not what it used to be. How old is he now anyway?

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:41pm

Zac Efron?

Are you joking? Because if you are I think it's hilarious, but if you're serious then I would like to cry.

[rjjn]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:42pm

Definitely agree. I saw him a few years ago at Wolftrap, and the only thing he was good at was those really high rock-style notes. Everything else was wobbly.

[ChiChi]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:42pm

I don't know...I think he's 93 1/2.

[jennamajig]

Posted: 1/9/09 at 5:50pm

^^He turned 65 last September according to wikipedia. There's a pic up there as well from January 2008 (noted as while touring).