tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30445850.post8849865388646472403..comments2023-07-27T08:11:54.233-04:00Comments on Winter's Soldier Story: Jesus Christ Superstar; Good For the Soul, and the Bushnell Center for the Performing ArtsRon Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08183872232524118092noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30445850.post-10533483980623837712008-05-24T15:24:00.000-04:002008-05-24T15:24:00.000-04:00Mr. Winter, I just saw JCS in Pittsburgh at the en...Mr. Winter, I just saw JCS in Pittsburgh at the end of April and had a chance to speak with Mr. Neeley afterwards. Both were extremely rewarding experiences.<BR/><BR/>I saw the movie in 1973 when first released and admittedly went in with the preconceived anti-religious prejudice. But I can clearly remember at the end, as the credits were running, that I felt deeply moved by everything on screen. <BR/><BR/>The portrayal of Jesus as an character "unsure of his purpose” was something that caused me trouble when I brought it up in Catholic school. It seemed as if my teachers wanted to deny that Jesus was in any way human and would have had any doubts about the ultimate plan for him. Oh, how many hours I spent in the principal's office.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Neeley portrayed (then and now) that uncertainty and then commitment to the nth degree. He still does. That is not even touching on his continuing vocal skill which you so aptly pointed out. You are correct, he hit all the high notes he needed to hit when he sang. The rest of his voice is a lot like a fine wine or beautiful painting that just gets purer, powerful, and more beautiful as it ages and gains experience.<BR/><BR/>When the show was over in Pittsburgh and I got to speak with Mr. Neeley himself, he seemed generous with this time and very kind to those who wished to speak with him. Never cut anyone short and was totally focused on the individual though I would venture at that hour he was exhausted from performing. He stayed for nearly two hours plus though they still had a six-hour bus ride ahead of them to their next stop. I wanted to stay and talk with him. I could have stayed for hours and hours but I realized it would not be fair to him.<BR/><BR/>I walked away with a sense of contentment and peace as he seems to take his role as Jesus to heart, to the depths of his soul.<BR/><BR/>I have reached out to this program in times of personal stress and have always come away with a good feeling because of the performances (live and DVD) and have been touched to the very depths of my being. I can't say that about any other show I have ever attended. Please don’t ask how many times I have seen it. I lost count after 100. I really hope the show never stops but I realize that it too much to ask. I’ll just enjoy what I have seen and hope that there will be a next time. <BR/><BR/>Funny, this last time (maybe because I believe I might not see it live again) has even made me go to the Bible to see if I can find some answers on my own.<BR/>.<BR/>Sorry for going on so long, but I appreciate your comments and am happy I found them.Risk Takerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10607727636756687338noreply@blogger.com