Back in the sandals again Ted Neeley, the original ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ returns to the role for a final tour

Ted Neeley has been portraying Jesus for more than 30 years. And not just any Jesus, but the high-pitched, electric-guitar-backed rebel (with a cause) in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Although he is best known for playing Jesus in the 1973 film version, Neeley has also starred in stage shows and top-billed a successful tour in the 1990s. He’s got his sandals back on his feet again this year in a “farewell” tour that is already booked through 2008, with a stop at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at the Bangor Auditorium. (For tickets, call 990-4444.) Originally, Neeley was a drummer and had a band back in his home state of Texas. He has also been a producer, actor and composer. But Jesus has given him his star power.

How many times have you played Jesus?

I don’t know. But I do know that the last three-month tour turned into a five-year tour, and I did the show more than 2,000 times. I have no excuses for not knowing the words or the music.

Have the audiences changed over the years?

Audiences are still magnificent. They come out in droves. Most of them know the words better than we do. They cheer us on as if it were a Beatles reunion.

When you first did the show in the ’70s, Jesus was a hippie icon. Now he’s more in the conservative camp. What do you make of that?

It’s a change of perception. In 1971, we had to go through picket lines to get into the theater. People thought the show was blasphemous. Now we don’t get picketed at all, and the show is considered the ultimate teaching tool for showing children what spirituality can be. It’s the spiritual parallel of “Sesame Street.”

Do fans treat you as if you are Jesus?

Yeah. I meet people all the time who say: “You are my Jesus.” They ask me to bless their babies. I can’t tell you how many people say that it’s because of the film that they embraced Christianity.

Are you religious?

I prefer to say spiritual. I was born and raised in a tiny Texas town with churches on every corner. I’m tremendously spiritual these days but I’m not a person who spends time in church except for weddings and funerals.

What do you do with that Southern accent when you play Jesus?

I stuff it in my back pocket.

Jesus was 33 when he died. Aren’t you a little old for the role?

Does it really matter? I’d say it embellishes the role because of my life experience.

How old are you?

Thirty-three. I shall forever be 33. Look, everyone knows I’m in my 60s.

Can you still hit the high notes?

Oh yes, thank you very much. And nobody is more surprised than I.

What are you doing for Easter?

I’m being crucified. Wait. Let me look at my schedule, and I’ll tell you where – Grand Rapids, Mich.