Decades later, Ted Neely, original star of the movie version of Jesus Christ Superstar, is still playing the title role in the national tour of the show, performed this weekend at Wolf Trap. From the moment he steps on stage, it’s clear the man is more than comfortable in the robes he’s been donning for years. But his portrayal of Jesus starts off a little subdued, his voice a bit more traditional musical theater than raw, unhinged rocker. One starts to wonder if Neely has mellowed in time, and whether he can muster the fire, magnetism and soaring, soprano-reaching vocals he once had.

Then he enters the temple, overrun by vendors, and all doubts are laid to rest. Neely tears the place apart, all guttural screams and corresponding high notes. From that point forward, we’re treated to a satisfyingly complicated portrayal of Jesus, a man by turns overwhelmed by his miracle-making abilities, dismayed by the disappointments from his followers, angry and finally resigned to the task his father has asked of him. All these elements culminate in Neely’s masterful performance of “Gethsemane,” the devastating ballad Jesus sings to God, begging him to explain why he needs to sacrifice himself.

While Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Superstar can occasionally show its age in by its lyrical references and 70s feel, its infectious rock opera melodies and the complex way it treats its iconic characters awards it longevity. Pontius Pilate (a heartbreaking Craig Sculli) is wholly pitiable; a sympathetic Judas (Corey Glover) is driven more by skepticism and political fear than personal greed. The real villians in this story are the Roman guards, and leaders Annas (a sniveling Jermey Pasha) and Caiphas (Darrel R. Whitney, his bass reaching sinister-sounding depths) are deliciously evil.