From Feb. 29 through March 2, Broadway Across America - Columbus will present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palace Theatre in downtown Columbus.

Jesus Christ Superstar is the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Superstar created shockwaves when it first premiered in New York in 1971, and has since changed the musical theatre genre.

The Tony Award-winning musical follows the life of Jesus of Nazareth and is told through the perspective of one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who would later betray him. Originally produced only as a record due to the musical’s controversial content, it was made into a musical by 1971 and now has been translated into both film adaptations and traveling shows.

Allison Thomas, director of public relations of the Columbus division of Broadway Across America, is quick to point out that the show has been to Columbus previously and they are quite excited to have a return engagement.

Jesus Christ Superstar revolves around the character of Judas, who began to perceive Jesus as only being a man. With Jesus’s extensive following, Judas fears Jesus has become dangerous. This fear prompts Judas to lead the soldiers to Gethsemane. Once he’s done so, however, Judas realizes he’s been tricked by God into becoming an instrument of Jesus’s martyrdom. Judas is furious that Jesus will forever be remembered as a ‘superstar’ and he will forever be remembered as the ‘traitor.’ His fury leads him to hang himself.

The musical includes a well-known score of songs like I Don't Know How To Love Him, Hosanna, Everything's Alright, Superstar, and Heaven On Their Mind along with striking sets and costumes. Thomas says what’s exciting about having this production here is its sheer ability to excite people about Broadway.

“It’s been around for a while and is still selling tickets- it’s timeless,” she says.

Furthermore, the music is “identifiable” and includes “a lot of Rock ‘n’ Roll, not quite what people expect when they come to see this musical,” Thomas adds.

This traveling production of Superstar stars Ted Neeley, a long-time cast member, in the title role and Living Color’s Corey Glover, who joined the tour recently, as Judas.

For more information or tickets, contact the Palace Theatre at 614-431-3600 or visit www.BroadwayAcrossAmercia.com.