In the 1970s, John-Michael Tebelak was studying to become a priest at Carnegie Mellon. He was inspired by a student-led worship service he had witnessed and decided to create a musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. John-Michael Tebelak wrote the original concept and script for "Godspell" as part of his master's thesis project at Carnegie Mellon University in 1970. It was a great success.
Godspell came to life after Tebelak left university. He took the show to New York City, where prospective producers suggested a new score and brought in Stephen Schwartz for the job. The rescored show opened May 17, 1971, at the off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre and became a hit still in production today.
Now, fifty-three years after the premiere, Legacy Theater Company is thrilled to present the 2012 Revival Version of GODSPELL. This masterful retelling of the original sensation has been injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements of favorite songs such as Day By Day, Prepare Ye, and All Good Gifts.
Godspell tells the story of how a small community of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing.
This community of apprentices spends time with Jesus, eventually becoming like Him and carrying on His mission of making disciples to the world. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, community, and love come vibrantly to life.