Overview
Synopsis
Based on the Gospel according to Matthew, Godspell is the first musical theatre offering from composer Stephen Schwartz who went on to write such well-known hits as Wicked, Pippin, and Children of Eden. The show features a comedic troupe of eccentric players who team up with Jesus to teach his lessons in a new age through parables, games, and tomfoolery.
Godspell also features the international hit, “Day by Day”, as well as an eclectic blend of songs ranging from pop to vaudeville, as Jesus’ life is played out onstage. Even after the haunting crucifixion, Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance and love lives vibrantly on.
Show Information
- Book
- John Michael Tebelak
- Music
- Stephen Schwartz
- Lyrics
- Stephen Schwartz
- Conceived By
- John Michael Tebelak
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1971
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy, Farce, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- contemporary
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Rock Combo
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, High School, Includes Young Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Godspell, conceived by John-Michael Tebelak, was the first major musical written by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden). The show originated in Tebelak’s 1970 master thesis project as a play with no music. He moved the show, and much of the original cast, from Carnegie Mellon to New York for a two week run at the La MaMA Experimental Theatre Club in 1971. Several producers took notice and wanted to open the show off-Broadway. Stephen Schwartz was hired to write the music and
to read the context for Godspell and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
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
to read the plot for Godspell and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
Songs
ACT ONE
- “Opening” - Company
- “Prologue - Tower of Babble” - Company
- “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” - John the Baptist and Company
- “Save the People” - Jesus and Company
- “Day by Day” - Robin and Company
- “Learn Your Lessons Well” - Gilmer, Jesus, and Company
- “O Bless the Lord” - Peggy and Company
- “All for the Best” - Jesus, Judas and Company
- “All Good Gifts” - Lamar and Company
- “Light of the World” - Herb, Peggy, Jeffrey, Robin and Company
ACT TWO
- “Learn Your Lessons Well” - Reprise: Company
- “Turn Back, O Man” - Sonia, Jesus and Company
- “Alas For You” - Jesus
- “By My Side” - Peggy, Gilmer and Company
- “We Beseech Thee” - Jeffrey and Company
- “Day by Day - Reprise” - Company
- “On the Willows” - The Band
- “Finale” - Jesus and Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A short story that conveys a moral message.
A musical theatre work using rock music.
A traveling group of performers.
Videos
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