Godspell

Act One

As the show begins, Jesus declares himself as God and King. The company emerges as philosophers: Socrates, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Leonardo DaVinci, Nietzsche, and Jean Paul Sartre debate the existence of God (“Prologue”). The debate grows more and more incoherent and eventually becomes mere babble (“Tower of Babble”).

Interrupting the chaos, John the Baptist enters and brings order to the proceedings (“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”). He then baptizes the company as they exit. When Jesus wishes to be baptized, John kneels in hopes of being baptized by Jesus instead. Jesus helps John back to his feet and John baptizes him as he calls to his followers (“Save the People”). The company returns, dressed in clown garb, which they proudly show off to one another. From this point forward, the actor playing John the Baptist becomes Judas. Jesus paints the faces of his followers to distinguish them from society. He assures them that he has not come to abolish the laws of the