‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ comes to O.C. for weekend

Actor Ted Neeley will recreate his Golden Globe-nominated performance in the movie “Jesus Christ Superstar” when the stage production returns to the Orange County Performing Artscenter for a limited weekend engagement Jan. 11 to 13.

The original rock opera, which opened on Broadway in October of 1971, marked the first collaboration by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber to be presented on a professional stage.

Neeley was in the title role when the first touring company of “Jesus Christ Superstar” opened at the Universal Amphitheater in June of 1972, and was re-cast as Jesus when Academy Award-winning director Norman Jewison began shooting the film version on location in Israel in 1973.

The two-act musical recounts the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

In a written statement, director Dallett Norris described the story as timeless. “Here we are, 21 centuries later, and it is oh so clear: We need the message of this story now more than ever.”

Tickets are $18.25 to $68.25. Call (714) 556-2787 or go to www.ocpac.org.

— Sue Thoensen