Godspell, rock musical to be revived on Broadway in the summer of 2008


Producer Adam Epstein (Cry-Baby, Hairspray) announced today that the landmark rock musical Godspell is scheduled to begin performances on Broadway in the summer of 2008 at a Shubert Theatre to be announced.

This new production marks 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.

Producer Adam Epstein comments "When I saw Daniel Goldstein's production of Godspell I was overpowered by its vibrancy and relevance. This Broadway production will take that experience to an even more glorious level. It is essential that the power of this production and how it moves people lives on at its highest potential."

The new production of Godspell, helmed by Daniel Goldstein 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.

Full casting will be announced shortly.

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, Godspell 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.

A film version of Godspell was released in 1973 set in modern New York City. The cast featured Toronto alum Victor Garber as Jesus, David Haskell as John the Baptist/Judas and Lynne Thigpen in her first film role. John-Michael Tebelak co-wrote the screenplay and served as the creative consultant. The song "Beautiful City" was written for the film and has subsequently been performed in major stage revivals of the show. Godspell permeated pop culture when its song "Day By Day" reached #13 on the Billboard Top 100 list.

Originally published on

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