On this date in 1971, the Musical Godspell opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York. 10 things you might not know about it.
The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz and it’s based on a book by John-Michael Tebelak.
John-Michael Tebelak was a drama student in Pittsburgh who’d thought about becoming a minister before deciding to study drama. He was inspired to write Godspell after attending an Easter service and thinking the joy and energy of the teachings of Jesus were lacking.
The show is based on the Gospel of Matthew.
It began as a project for drama students which eventually moved to La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan.
There are ten characters – Jesus, Judas and eight non-biblical characters who act out the parables. The names of the latter characters vary, often taking the names of the actors playing them. In the original script, Jesus and Judas were known as David and Stephen, after the actors in the roles.
All ten actors are on stage throughout the whole of the production.
The biggest hit song from the show was Day by Day. It has been covered by Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, Shirley Bassey, The New Seekers, Judy Collins and many more. Other numbers include Learn Your Lessons Well, Turn Back, O Man and By My Side.
In the original production, members of the audience were encouraged to go up onto the stage during the interval to drink Wine and dance with the cast.
Godspell opened in London in November 1971 and was on at the same time as Jesus Christ, Superstar. It was made into a film in 1973.
Needless to say there was some criticism from religious groups, because Jesus was shown wearing a Superman t-shirt and the resurrection wasn’t included. The cast answered the latter by saying that of course Jesus rose from the dead – how else could He appear for the curtain call?
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