|
EFG
|
Whoa...a little harsh.....wasn't the best show and it's probably time for Ted to retire...but the music still rocks!!
|
|
Coco
|
Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Did you see the same show that we saw? The set may be simple, but the young talent in this cast was outstanding! Corey Glover was dynamic, Tiffini Dodson's voice is amazing and Aaron Fuska is hilarious. There were eight people in our group and we thought that the show was great!
|
|
Gail Wilde
|
Are you kidding me? Thisn was the best musical I've ever seen and I've seen Phantom of the opera 3 times and Les Mis etc. I coud not believe the inspiring and beautiful performances of all of the characters. Shame on you. It was magnificant.
|
|
New Ted fan
|
I saw JCS for the first time a few days ago, and Ted Neeley gave one of the best performances I've ever seen. My hair stood on end and I wept. I’m glad I didn’t have a pre-conceived notion of what the show should be (like Frank Rizzo obviously did). He harped too much on Ted’s age. I hope I have half the voice Ted does when I’m his age. And nothing about Corey Glover’s Judas was ‘crack addict’ like in any way. Where did that even come from? Just looking for something negative to say about the 2 time Grammy winner, Mr. Rizzo? And I saw the Andrew Lloyd Webber episode of American Idol… Tiffini Dodson’s Mary was nothing like that crap. She has a beautiful voice, and sings the song exactly the way it was written (or at least the way I‘ve always heard it on recordings).
What he forgot to say in his review is how the crowd leapt to its feet (myself included) as soon as the lights came up for the bow. It’s a wonderful show. Go see it!
|
|
A Rose is a Rose
|
Stunk.
|
|
Shawn McKay-Sanders
|
Mr. Rizzo...plain and simply...you just don't get it. With my Dad's permission, I re-post his comments after his viewing of Gesthesame through Troika's website. My Dad is the same age as Ted...just as smart, young, and vibrant.
"I look at the various crosses that dangle from people’s necks. Some plain gold and silver; others ornate to the point where they look cheap and grotesque. Most being costume jewelry worn to impress friends.
Then I see Ted do Gethsemane. He is in, my opinion, his best voice ever. It’s a deadly serious voice… as deadly as the ordeal the Christ is about to face the next day. I pause a moment and look upon Ted and think about his mission taking on the leading role. I’ve realized it before, and I will continue to do so, that Ted Neeley has done more to promote the true spirit and meaning of Jesus Christ than, perhaps, anyone else. Ted could have performed the role for a few years and been done with it. He would have been famous - but to do the role for over forty years - is worthy of thoughtful reflection. For Ted Neeley, the role of Jesus is far more than a stage musical reenactment and portrayal. No, Ted was given a job to do by God, and by God he has done it. He has done it magnificently.
What makes Ted’s interpretation of Jesus so valuable is that he communicates the ugliness of the act of the crucifixion. Unlike what most evangelicals will tell you, to become a Christian is not primarily an act to save one’s soul. Actually, God is the exclusive owner of the souls, and what He so desires of them is a done and as such is beyond our power. No, what becoming a Christian means is that each and every true believer has accepted Jesus’ invitation to die with him on the cross. That is the true cost of Christian discipleship. The cross is not a thing of beauty, but instead represents the full foulness of the entirety of mankind’s sin. Right there, right at that one spot on a hill called Gogotha, the son of God took on the obscenity and weight of our sins and consumed them. Then, he destroyed the sin evil. This is precisely what Ted Neeley portrays on stage every time his voice pleads and shrieks through the plaintive prayer at Gethsemane. I will tell you now, daughter, if most who call themselves Christians today really understood the meaning of the cross, or at least gave a fair listen to Ted’s singing, I don’t know if there would be many Christians left to be counted. It takes courage to be a follower of the Christ and Ted has made sure everyone who hears him understands that precisely."
|
|
Allyson
|
Dear Frank,
May I call you Frank? Since you are obviously not old enough to understand the term "respect". Of course you are entitled to your opinion but anyone who watches American Idol should not try to be a theater critic. Forgive me but you missed an opportunity to be moved by an actor/singer who plays the part better than anyone. Going in with your expectations that it should be played by someone "younger" stopped you from seeing what was really going on. Ted Neeley is phenomenal. He brings a depth and passion to this role that no one else can even touch. Yes, you are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to be rude.
|
|
Old Ted Fan
|
Good thing I went to see the show 5 times before Mr. Rizzo wrote his opinion! Ha! I can tell you that each and every performance I attended had a standing ovation at the end. And these performances were in different theaters on different nights, thank you. I personally don't listen to reviewers because all he or she is doing is stating a personal like or dislike, just as I would do. The difference is they are getting paid to write their opinions. Go see the show and make up your own mind, friends. I've got a feeling you won't agree with Mr. Rizzo anymore than I do.
|
|
Long time Ted Friend
|
A standing ovation at every single performance! Always, and not just Jesus Christ Superstar. Do you not have ears to hear and eyes to see?
|
|
Long time Ted Friend
|
A standing ovation at every single performance- ALWAYS - and not just for Jesus Christ Superstar! Do you not have ears to hear and eyes to see? Please!
|
|
Rachel Temple NH
|
I have seen the show 4 times so far this year and each and everytime the house was sold out! There are tears, there are standing ovations and folks are profoundly affected in a very positive way at each performance.
Ted Neeley's portrayal of Jesus is filled with such passion, he brings out the human side of Jesus with such clarity. Ted is blessed with such talent and an incredibly beautiful voice! He is the best, no one could or will ever replace him!
So as a critic you have failed miserably, YOU JUST DIDN"T GET IT!!!
|
|
linda b--
|
You know I find this review to be totally one sided...Mr. Rizzo, you did such a lovely job of interviewing Ted before he got to Hartford, your questions to him were fun and clever. As were his answers. But I think you missed something in your interpretation of the show...The set is minimalist for a reason, to focus on the characters in the musical. And each director brings his own vision to what he wants to see happen on stage. As for the acting/singing of each actor, I think the audience response to what they are doing is much truer and more honest of an opinion of whether they like the show they are seeing or whether they don't like it...And so far, the responses I have heard from other people who attended this show, point to the audience being extremely happy with the cast of this show....So, next time you "review" a musical, Mr. Rizzo, please keep your eyes open and watch how the audience responds. You would have been much better off interviewing some of the members of the audience on their way out of the show instead of your own not so humble opinion....
|
|
Missy
|
Yes, a little harsh... but he had some valid points as well... and at least he gave kudos where they were warranted. EFG wrote: Whoa...a little harsh.....wasn't the best show and it's probably time for Ted to retire...but the music still rocks!!
|
|
Missy
|
He doesn't agree with you therefore he's rude? Actually, I found his wording entertaining and hilarious at points. I certainly don't agree with everything he says... but I don't feel he's being rude to me simply because we don't agree. BTW, if age is not an issue, why is it obvious that Mr. Rizzo doesn't know the meaning of "respect." Allyson wrote: Dear Frank,
May I call you Frank? Since you are obviously not old enough to understand the term "respect". Of course you are entitled to your opinion but anyone who watches American Idol should not try to be a theater critic. Forgive me but you missed an opportunity to be moved by an actor/singer who plays the part better than anyone. Going in with your expectations that it should be played by someone "younger" stopped you from seeing what was really going on. Ted Neeley is phenomenal. He brings a depth and passion to this role that no one else can even touch. Yes, you are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to be rude.
|
|
Missy
|
Methinks you protest too much. If he's so great he shouldn't need such vehement defending. I have seem a few performances with Mr. Neeley as the star. Some had standing ovations... some did not. Long time Ted Friend wrote: A standing ovation at every single performance- ALWAYS - and not just for Jesus Christ Superstar! Do you not have ears to hear and eyes to see? Please!
|
|
Sharon C
|
I don't think we were watching the same show. Ted's stage presence is inspiring. His voice is strong, vibrant and passionate. He evokes emotions from the audience who applaud frequently and end with a standing ovation. People just love the spiritual connection that this show provides. Playing the world's most famous icon is very difficult but Ted passes with flying colors. He portrays a very believable Jesus - one you can't help but relate to. The rest of the cast are successful professionals who make their characters come alive. The music rocks! The minimalist props only emphasizes the importance of a strong cast. This is not a modern special effects movie. This is a play with a very important message.
I'll be seeing this show again and again with Ted Neeley as Jesus. Age is only a number. His experience is what is important here.
|
|
Missy
|
Failed miserably as a critic? Well, he's certain go your knickers in a twist. I think that's part of a critics job, to evoke comment... or at least make you think about what you're seeing. A critic does nothing more than express on opinion on a particular matter. In that respect he did a marvelous job. Witty and entertaining. I think maybe you don't get it. Just my opinion. Rachel Temple NH wrote: I have seen the show 4 times so far this year and each and everytime the house was sold out! There are tears, there are standing ovations and folks are profoundly affected in a very positive way at each performance.
Ted Neeley's portrayal of Jesus is filled with such passion, he brings out the human side of Jesus with such clarity. Ted is blessed with such talent and an incredibly beautiful voice! He is the best, no one could or will ever replace him!
So as a critic you have failed miserably, YOU JUST DIDN"T GET IT!!!
|
|
Rachel
|
He didn't make me think about what I was seeing but rather made me wonder about what he was seeing and hearing or even if he was on this planet at all! Witty and entertaining, I think not! I found no humor in any of what he said, he was rude, crude and unpolished! So you see, I did get it! Missy wrote: Failed miserably as a critic? Well, he's certain go your knickers in a twist. I think that's part of a critics job, to evoke comment... or at least make you think about what you're seeing.
A critic does nothing more than express on opinion on a particular matter. In that respect he did a marvelous job. Witty and entertaining.
I think maybe you don't get it. Just my opinion.
<quoted text>
|
|
Debbie Bitker
|
Mr. Rizzo, perhaps you need to realize to play the role of Jesus you have to be a fantastic actor. No one can play this part better than Ted Neeley. He sings and acts like no other can in the part, and deserves the respect he is due. Everynight he steps on the stage, he sings from his heart. Anyone can get up there and act a part, but no one can, or ever will be able to match Ted. Age is irrelevant. Seems you went in there with the idea in your head about his age. You should have just sat back and enjoyed the show, you would have then realized what you seemed to have missed this time. I hope you see it again with an open mind.
|
|
Allyson
|
Just a quick question:
Missy, why do you feel the need to "review" our comments? You claim to have seen the show. Did you agree with his review? Is that why you need to defend it?
|
Judge it!
