Godspell: full cast announced for Broadway revival

'American Idol' finalist Diana DeGarmo will co-star alongside the previously reported Tony Award nominee Gavin Creel, who will play the title role of 'Jesus,' in the Broadway revival of the rock musical Godspell, opening on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 23 Oct 2008, following previews from 29 Sep 2008.

They will be joined by Uzo Aduba, Andrew Arrington, Sara Chase, Celisse Henderson, Joshua Henry as 'Judas', Morgan James, David Josefsberg, Telly Leung, Kyle Post, Dana Steingold, Maria Thayer and Daniel Torres).

This new production of Godspell will mark the first Broadway revival of the American musical since its run ended thirty years ago.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, The Magic Show) and book by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell will reunite the creative team of the critically-acclaimed 2006 Paper Mill Playhouse conception in a completely new production, marking the Broadway debut of director Daniel Goldstein.

The new production of Godspell will feature choreography by Christopher Gattelli ('Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me') scenic design by David Korins ('Passing Strange', 'Bridge and Tunnel'), costumes by Miranda Hoffman ('Well'), lighting by Ben Stanton ('Altar Boyz') and sound by Randy Hanson.

Godspell embraces the 21st century in this new production of one of the longest-running Off-Broadway musicals. Using improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate the parables, Godspell brings these lessons to life through the grand tradition of musical theatre.

The score, by Academy and Grammy Award winner and six time Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), features recognizable songs, such as "Day by Day", that have become staples of both the American musical theatre and popular culture alike. With a book by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell is based upon "The Gospel of Matthew."

Godspell opened off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre on 13 May 1971 and in August of 1971 moved to the larger Promenade Theatre where it ran for 2,124 performances making it one of the longest running Off-Broadway musicals in history.

After five years of sold-out audiences Off-Broadway, Godspell made its Broadway debut on 22 Jun 1976 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show moved to the Plymouth and the Ambassador before closing on 4 Sep 1977 after 527 performances. In all, the musical achieved more than 2,600 performances both on Broadway and off.

Biographies:

Gavin Creel (Jesus) was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical when he made his Broadway debut as 'Jimmy Smith' in 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' (2002). He last appeared on Broadway in 'La Cage aux Folles' (2004 revival). He played the role of 'Bert, the chimney sweep', in the London production of 'Mary Poppins'.

DeGarmo was the runner-up in the 2004 season of 'American Idol.' Her debut single, 'Dreams,' went to the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Singles Chart. In 2006, she made her Broadway debut as 'Penny Pingleton' in Hairspray.

Uzo Aduba made her Broadway as 'Toby' in 'Coram Boy' (2007), she was in Daniel Goldstein's production of 'Godspell' at The Paper Mill Playhouse.

Andrew Arrington is making his Broadway debut. Recent credits include: '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' (Chicago Company) and 'Showboat' (Carnegie Hall).

Sara Chase is making her Broadway debut and returning to Godspell after being a part of the Paper Mill Playhouse production. She most recently starred in and produced the sketch comedy 'Jen and Angie' at the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre in NY and LA.

Celisse Henderson's credits include the national tours of 'Wicked' and 'Andrew Lloyd Weber in Review,' and also 'Jerry Springer the Opera' (Carnegie Hall).

Joshua Henry (Judas) is a member of the cast of In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award winning Best Musical. He played the role of 'Judas' in Godspell at The Paper Mill Playhouse.

Morgan James is making her Broadway debut.

David Josefsberg has been seen on Broadway as 'David Fonda' in 'The Wedding Singer' (2006), 'Roger' in Grease (1994 revival) and Marius in 'Les Miserables' (1987).

Telly Leung's Broadway credits include Rent (Steve and Angel), Sondheim's 'Pacific Overtures' (2004 revival) and 'Flower Drum Song' (2002 revival). Telly also originated the role of 'Boq' in the Chicago company of 'Wicked.'

Kyle Post comes to Godspell directly from the final company of Rent on Broadway.

Dana Steingold is making her Broadway debut, credits include playing 'Logainne' in the National Tour/LA production of 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'.

Maria Thayer is making her Broadway debut, her television guest appearances include Grace's daughter on finale episode of 'Will and Grace.'

Daniel Torres made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of 'The Woman In White' (2005), he was also in the enseble of 'The Pirate Queen' (2007).