\u201cJesus Christ Superstar,\u201d which began as a concept album before creators Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber adapted it for Broadway, drew both controversy and acclaim for its reimagining of Christ\u2019s final weeks, set to the sound of early 1970s rock.<\/p>\n
Director Norman Jewison, known for \u201cIn the Heat of the Night\u201d and \u201cFiddler on the Roof,\u201d cast Neeley, a former Texas rock drummer and stage understudy, in the lead role. The role defined Neeley\u2019s career, with the actor returning to the part on stage for more than 40 years, according to a Turner Classic Movies essay<\/a> on the film\u2019s history.<\/p>\n Doors open at 2 p.m. for the 3 p.m. screening at the theater, 1013 K St. in Sacramento. Neeley is expected to introduce the film and meet fans afterward.<\/p>\n Admission is $20. Tickets are available online at cresttheater.com<\/a> while VIP tickets are available at tedneeley.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 10:34 AM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n