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{Updated 7/5/10}
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UPDATE 12/16/09:
ANNOUNCING THE FOURTH LEG CAST:
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TED NEELEY JOHN TWIFORD SARAH HANLON BENJAMIN VAN DIEPEN ANDREW HARTLEY DARREL R. WHITNEY ALEX MACKYOL MATTHEW G. MYERS ADAM SCOTT CAMPBELL ANGELO RIOS BILLY PISCOPO JOSEPH ALMOHAYA AJ MENDOZA PATRICK LEWALLEN NIK ALEXZANDER DJ BUCCIARELLI ADAM G. MINEGAR JEREMY SONKIN ETHAN WILCOX JEREMY GASTON CHRISTOPHER D. LUKOS RASMIYYAH FELICIANO LIA SUMERANO AMBER NELSON MARA JILL HERMAN AMBER HURST-MARTIN SUSANNA MERRICK |
JESUS CHRIST JUDAS ISCARIOT MARY MAGDELINE PONTIAS PILATE KING HEROD CAIAPHAS ANNAS SIMON ZEALOTES, U/S JUDAS, ASSISTANT PETER, U/S JESUS Priest, U/S Caiaphas Priest, U/S Annas Priest Apostle, U/S Judas Apostle, U/S Pilate, U/S King herod Apostle, U/S Simon Apostle, U/S Priest, U/S Annas Apostle, U/S Priest Apostle, Guard Apostle, Guard Apostle Apostle Soul Singer, Disciple, U/S Mary Soul Singer, Disciple, U/S Mary Soul Singer, Disciple Disciple, U/S Soul Singer Disciple, U/S Soul Singer Maid by the Fire, Disciple |
CAST BIOS AND PICTURES:
Here is Ted’s bio, augmented from its' appearance in the program for the Jesus Christ Superstar One Night Only YouTHeatre-America! Benefit on 8/13/06, a far more updated bio than the one listed on the tour website: TED NEELEY (Jesus) created the title role of Jesus of Nazareth in Norman Jewison's motion picture Jesus Christ Superstar (for which he received Golden Globe® nominations for both Best Actor and Best Newcomer). A singer, actor, rock-and-roll drummer, composer and record producer, Neeley appeared as Jesus in both the Broadway and Universal Amphitheatre productions of Jesus Christ Superstar. He performed in the Broadway and Los Angeles companies of Hair (Claude Hooper Bukowski), and created the title roles in Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in New York and Tommy in Los Angeles, followed by a national tour of a concert version of Tommy, again in the title role.
His extremely long association with Superstar includes guest starring with original Broadway and motion picture stars Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman in the 1976 Santa Barbara California Youth Theatre Production and in the 1977 Concord Pavilion California Youth Theatre Production, again with his close friend, Carl. In 1992, Ted and Carl, along with Irene Cara (Fame) and Dennis DeYoung (STYX), embarked on a three month tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the motion picture. Within the first 8 weeks the A.D. tour would enjoy amazing success and continue to run for 4 years, becoming the longest running revival in North American theatre history. This incredible fortune allowed Ted the opportunity to reprise his role over 1700 times and created the phenomenon now known as TEDHEADS, currently referred to as: "Ted Family." In 2006 he took to the road once again (possibly for the last time) in Troika Entertainment's current tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (nee: The Farewell Tour). Originally scheduled, again, to only tour for a few months, this tour has performed on the road for the past three years, and is about to embark on its' fourth leg - and year - on 12/21/09 for six more months, with its' first stop in St. Charles, MO. Mr. Neeley composed music for, and appeared in, Robert Altman’s film A Perfect Couple, and the NBC movies Of Mice and Men and McClaren’s Riders. He was also seen in A Touch of Gold with Ray Charles. Mr. Neeley performed the music for the Tri-Star feature film Blame it on the Night, NBC-TV’s Highway to Heaven and The Big Blue Marble for the Children’s Television Network. He also wrote music for and starred in Cowboy Jack Street at the Mark Taper Forum Lab in Los Angeles. Ted recently produced, performed in a workshop production and recorded and produced a concept album of a new rock musical entitled Rasputin - Miracles Lie in the Eye of the Beholder, a story about the fall of the Romanov dynasty as seen through the eyes of Alexei, heir to the throne and friend to the "mad monk" (a role created by Mr. Neeley). The musical reunited him with Michael Rapp (music and lyrics), with whom he had previously recorded the hit concept album Ulysses: The Greek Suite. Michael also wrote Ring of Paradise and The Enchanter exclusively to showcase Ted's amazing vocal talents. His most recent non-Superstar appearance was as Lucky in the Rubicon Theatre Company's Waiting For Godot, which was the centerpiece of their BeckettFest in September, 2004. Through his company Blue Bonnet Surprise, Ted is also in development of several new works in collaboration with The Rubicon Theatre Company and Gary Goddard Entertainment. |
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JOHN TWIFORD (Judas) has been performing in Los Angeles as lead singer / songwriter of a modern rock band. This is his first National Tour. Previous musical theater roles include Harold in The Music Man and Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady.
SARAH HANLON (Mary Magdalene) is excited to join the JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR family. This is her tour debut and she’s having so much fun. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support!
BENJAMIN VAN DIEPEN (Pilate) Credits: Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus). He has performed on numerous occasions with the Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera. All thanks to Joann, Scott, Richard, and my ever supportive and loving family.
ANDREW HARTLEY (King Herod) is excited to be on his first National Tour! He has recently been seen in The Full Monty and The Producers. He thanks his family, especially his wife, Lenora, for their support.
DARREL R. WHITNEY (Caiaphas) is thrilled to be returning in the role of Caiaphas for the fourth year. Born in Erie, PA, some of Darrel’s regional roles include the title role in Sweeney Todd, Che in Evita and Father in Children of Eden. He would like to send his love to his friends and family, especially Mom, Dad and Dusty. “If all is grounded, you should go make a mountain out of it.”
ALEX MACKYOL (Annas) is appearing in his first National Tour. He recently graduated from AMDA LA with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and would like to thank his Mom, Dad, family, friends, Walter and Britney.
MATTHEW G. MYERS (Simon, U/S Judas, Assistant Company Manager, Assistant Stage Manager) BFA NYU/CAP21. NYC credits: Rocky Horror Show (Frank-n-Furter), Songs for a New World (Man 1), Wild Party (Oscar). Regional credits: Grease (Danny), Guys and Dolls (Nicely-Nicely), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas and Simon). Matthew is excited to return for his fourth season with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and is thankful to Michael for his eternal love & support.
ADAM SCOTT CAMPBELL (Peter, U/S Jesus) is thrilled to return to the National Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for his second year. Regional credits include Judas and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Freddie Trumper in Chess. He is proud to call San Francisco, CA his home.
JOSEPH ALMOHAYA (Priest) received his MFA in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University. He is overjoyed to be returning for another year with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! This performance is for Mom, Dee Dee and Gramp.
NIK ALEXZANDER (Apostle, U/S Simon) is overjoyed about making his touring debut with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Nik is currently on leave from NKU. Other credits include: Hair, Les Miserables and Working. Nik would like to thank his GREAT family and his few friends for their fantastic support.
DJ BUCCIARELLI (Apostle, U/S Priest, U/S Annas) was most recently seen singing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. Other credits include Theatre IV’s tour of Stone Soup and Hersheypark’s The Ultimate Road Trip. Graduate of Syracuse drama. Love to Mom, Dad, Patty, Nick and Krys!
RASMIYYAH FELICIANO (Soul Singer, Disciple, U/S Mary) has been a member of this tour since it opened in 2006 and thanks all those who’ve made it an amazing journey. 2006 NYU graduate. All my love to Mom and Glenn.
JEREMY GASTON (Apostle) is thrilled to be making his National Tour debut! Favorite credits include: Victor in Smokey Joe’s Café, Mereb in Aida. Love to Mom, Nana, family, friends & Mo for endless support. Forever ours. Thank you Jesus!
MARA JILL HERMAN (Disciple, U/S Soul Singer) National Tour debut! Regional: Nerds (Sally u/s-perf), Baby (Lizzie), and Utah Shakes. Film: Trophy Kids. Recordings: Stage Stars and The Battery's Down. UARTS ’07. Thanks KTA, Clemmons Casting, creative team, family and friends for this dream opportunity.
AMBER HURST-MARTIN (Disciple,U/S Soul Singer) gratefully returns to the cast of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for her second year. She graduated from Fordham University Lincoln Center with a BA in Music and Theatre. She would like to thank her mom, Judy, for her unending support.
PATRICK LEWALLEN (Apostle, U/S Pilate, U/S King Herod) is excited with his first National Tour! Regional leading roles include Jekyll/Hyde (Jekyll & Hyde), Tommy (Tommy), Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell), Danny (Grease) and Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors). Thank you, family and friends for your ongoing support.
CHRISTOPHER D. LUKOS (Apostle) has worked internationally as a performer, writer and director. He is pumped to get out on his second National Tour with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. He would like to thank MDJLBJJLJT.
AJ MENDOZA (Apostle, U/S Judas) AJ is thrilled to join the JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tour! Favorite roles include: Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show, Ren in Footloose and Jack in Into the Woods. Endless love to friends and family. ROCK!
SUSANNA MERRICK (Maid by the Fire, Disciple) is thrilled to be making her National Tour debut! A Kansas City native and a recent graduate of American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Productions include Tommy (Acid Queen), Seussical The Musical (Mayzie), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie). Thanks to her family!
ADAM G. MINEGAR (Apostle, U/S Priest) is making his National Tour debut. Favorite credits include Les Miserables (Grantaire), Assassins (Proprietor) and the American premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera (Steve) in his hometown of Chicago.
AMBER NELSON (Soul Singer, Disciple) has performed worldwide from Bahrain to Japan in theme parks, on cruise ships and in regional theatres since receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre from CSU Fullerton. National Tour debut! Aishiteru Russ!
BILLY PISCOPO (Priest, U/S Annas) is honored to return for his second year on JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. A New York City native, Billy attended The Boston Conservatory and currently is the Artistic Associate for the Staten Island Children’s Theater Association. Past performances include Pippin (Pippin), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Percy), Urinetown (Bobby Strong), The Who’s Tommy (Tommy) and A Little Night Music (Henrik). This one’s for “the Chief”-God Bless Us!
ANGELO RIOS (Priest, U/S Caiaphas) is pleased to join the JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tour. Tours and credits include: If This Hat Could Talk, Dreamgirls (Curtis), Miss Saigon (John), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), CATS (Old Deuteronomy), Aida. Performer in the USO Liberty Bells and workshops for Radio City Music Hall. Training: AMDA NY. Thanks to God and family. “Dare to Dream.”
JEREMY SONKIN (Apostle, Guard) is thrilled to be joining his first National Tour! Recent credits: Frankie in Forever Plaid, Jester in Once Upon a Mattress, Ethan in The Full Monty. Thanks Troika for this opportunity! Love to family and friends.
LIA SUMERANO (Soul Singer, Disciple, U/S Mary) is thrilled to be making her National Tour debut! With a BFA in Theatre Studies from Niagara University, her favorite credits include Maria Elena in Buddy and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Thanks to family, Nathan and God above all else.
ETHAN WILCOX (Apostle, Guard) is honored to rejoin the cast of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for his third year. This marks his ninth production of Jesus Christ Superstar (including the Hollywood show reuniting the original movie cast alongside Ben Vereen and Jack Black). Other roles: Cousin Kevin (The Who’s Tommy), Claude (Hair), Pilate/Peter (Jesus Christ Superstar). Love to family and Sweetness.CAST MEMBERS CORNER!!!
UPDATE 9/28/06: Bruce Pasha, whose son Jeremy plays Annas in this tour, wrote me a really sweet e-mail yesterday evening and sent me some really nice pictures. With his permission, I am posting both his e-mail and the pictures for all to see. ENJOY!
From: Bruce Pasha
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 7:47 PM
To: cverbelun@core.com
Subject: JCS Utica NY
Hi Cindy,
My name is Bruce Pasha. My son Jeremy is playing Annas in the current tour of JCS with Ted. My wife and I went to Utica NY to see the show and we were amazed at how wonderful the show is and how wonderful Ted is. I am attaching a couple of pictures you can post if you wish. The whole cast is fantastic! Thanks for maintaining your JCS website. We have gotten valuable info and enjoyed the reviews. Keep up the good work-and you are right. Ted's hugs are amazing. Got one of several this morning.
Best regards,
Bruce Pasha
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