It was not a "farewell" tour 15 years ago, and it's not a "farewell" tour now. 15 years ago, it was a celebration of the anniversary of the film release at the time. Now, it's just a tour that was initially billed as a "farewell" tour in a bid to sell tickets. It's not actually a "farewell" tour. Ted has made it plain he will continue to play Jesus for as long as he is physically and vocally able, and I say God bless him for it, he's the only good Jesus the show has ever had!
"There is no problem so big that it cannot be run away from."
~ Charles M. Schulz