Godspell looks set to bow on B'way in Spr/Sum 2011

An Equity casting notice confirms that Producer Kevin Davenport is moving ahead with his plans to mount the first Broadway revival of Godspell. According to the casting notice the musical aims to bow on Broadway during the Spring/Summer of 2011. There has been no official announcement.

As yet no theatre has been announced for the upcoming production, but in Dec 2009 Davenport told Variety that his revival of Godspell will be housed in one of the smaller Broadway theatre's and will have a 'modest capitalization pricetag.'

Davenport said of the project "G'Spell is one of the most beloved musicals on the planet, by one of the most "popular" musical theater composers on the planet, and is the type of unique theatrical experience that audiences crave, and then talk about."

The Broadway revival will reunite director Daniel Goldstein (Boradway debut) and choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Tony Award-winner: South Pacific), the creative team of the critically-acclaimed 2006 Paper Mill Playhouse production of Godspell.

Goldstein and Gattelli are the same team that were to have helmed the 2008 Broadway revival of Godspell by producer Adam Epstein that was set to open at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 23 Oct 2008. In Aug 2008 Epstein announced that his production had been indefinately postponed. That revival was to have starred Gavin Creel in the title role of 'Jesus,' alongside 'American Idol' finalist Diana DeGarmo as 'Mary.'

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

The original production of 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.

The casting notice shows that all the roles in the musical are available (i.e. not yet offered and accepted.)

Note: For all roles, improv, physical comedy and/or musical instruments experience are pluses.

Jesus:
Man, early 20s. Charismatic and intelligent, young leading man-type. Has a gentility mixed with a natural strength. You shouldn't be able to take your eyes off of him. Essentially, a star. Should be boyish and yet very masculine. Strong singer (baritenor). Along with the rest of the cast, performer needs to be a very funny, creative actor. Should be a strong mover.

Judas / John The Baptist:
Man, early 20s. Charismatic and young. Very masculine. Something mysterious about him—sexy, even—he's the rebel of the bunch. Incredibly charming and seductive. He's a little dangerous. Strong singer (baritenor). Should be a strong mover.

The following roles are identified not by character names (which will be the same as the actors cast) but by the songs each character sings:

"All Good Gifts":
Man, early 20s. Has a warmth and innocence about him. Childlike. He's the last of the bunch to come aboard. Wide open face. Innocent without being dumb. Just a little naïve; simple. Strong singer (tenor). Should have a pure and amazing voice.

"Light Of The World":
Man, early 20s. Role for an extremely funny, creative character actor. Character is handsome, sexy and funny. The kind of guy who can keep a room entertained with stories and imitations for hours. And gets the girl at the end of the night. Without being annoying. Strong singer (baritone). Voice should rock a bit. Actors not typically musical theater actors encouraged.

"Day By Day":
Woman, early 20s. Somewhat simple in her thinking, but incredibly open emotionally. The first to join the group in full. A bit of a leader. Smart and creative, with a purity of spirit that can break your heart. Strong singer (soprano/belter).

"We Beseech Thee":
Man, early 20s. Impish and mischievous, though that doesn't necessarily mean a small guy. Impish in spirit. Highly intelligent and energetic. Playful. Busting with energy; maybe a little ADD. Strong singer (tenor). Should be able to have a bit of gospel in him.

"Learn Your Lessons":
Woman, early 20s. A bit shy at first, but comes out of her shell. Should be goofy and silly without really trying. Slightly awkward physically. Waiting to come into her own ... and when she does, she is radiant and amazing. Strong singer (soprano/belter).

"Bless The Lord":
Woman, early 20s. Incredibly confident, and game for anything—always the first in line, just wants to experience life to its fullest. Extremely funny—not just jokey, but her entire being. Just looking at her makes you laugh. Strong singer (soprano/belter).

"Turn Back, O Man":
Woman, early 20s. Should be sexy, but not slutty—urban, cynical and sophisticated, not trashy. Certainly likes being the center of attention, and uses everything she's got to stay there. Strong singer (alto/belter).

"By My Side":
Woman, early 20s. Shyer than the others—has an earthy warmth to her. Should be vulnerable, easily hurt. Uses humor as her defense against the world. Strong singer (alto/belter).