Conceived and Originally Directed by JOHN-MICHAEL TEBELAK
MUSIC AND NEW LYRICS BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
Originally Produced on the New York Stage by
EDGAR LANSBURY / STUART DUNCAN / JOSEPH BERUH
Fridays and Saturdays
December 2 - 17, 2022
At 7:30PM
“Day by day.”
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.
Run time: 2 hours with a fifteen minute intermission.
Production Team
Joey Moray
Director/Choreographer
Drina Keen
Music Direction
Rod Oden
Production Design
Ariel Stansell
Stage Management/Light and Video Operator
Sound Engineer/Master Carpenter
Zac Hunter
Credits
John Michael Tebelak originally wrote Godspell as his Masters Thesis project at Carnegie-Mellon in 1971. Subsequently, he directed productions of Godspell at La MaMa Theatre, the Cherry Lane Theatre, the Promenade Theatre, and on Broadway. He received the 1971 Drama Desk award for Most Promising Director. In 1972, Mr. Tebelak directed the play, Elizabeth I on Broadway, and off-Broadway staged The Glorious One in 1975 and Ka-Boom in 1980. He is also co-writer of the 1973 film of Godspell with David Greene. He was dramaturg for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York and staged liturgical drama there, and the church's theatre bears his name. John Michael Tebelak died April 2, 1985 of a heart attack in New York City.
Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED, and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING (which he also adapted and directed), RAGS, and CHILDREN OF EDEN. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s MASS and wrote the title song for the play and movie BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO. He has also worked in film, collaborating with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s ENCHANTED as well as the animated features POCAHONTAS and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and writing the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature THE PRINCE OF EGYPT. His first opera, SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and New York City Opera. A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies.
Cast
Michael Brooks
Jesus
Hayden Waugh
John the Baptist/Judas
Sharon Foster
Sharon
Robin Rogers
Robin
Xander Bauder
Xander
Evynn Rose Grignon
Evynn
Tori Carpenter
Tori
Kiera Whittemore
Kiera
Simmon Moray
Simmon
Raquel Oden
Raquel
Program
Reviews
"A Hit. A big, big Hit. Godspell believes in God – and people – and possibility."
– The New York Post
"Exhilarating.... A rapid fire musical fun house."
– New York Magazine
"Blessed indeed! Godspell has anointed a new group of Broadway stars, and we are the richer for it."
– Associated Press
"Godspell turns the theatre into a joyous palace."
– Billboard Magazine
"A family-friendly show that deserves to run forever!"
– The Wall Street Journal
"Godspell is a love feast... dedicated to light and joy and love. The music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz are remarkably eclectic, drawing on rock, folk, gospel and Broadway.... It is delightful."
– Women's Wear Daily