Godspell 1971 - Articles Page 9

Tickets are now on sale for The Brown Paper Box Co.'s one-of-a-kind modern interpretation of Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak's GODSPELL. Using a cast of 10 actor-musicians, this beloved musical brings the Book of Matthew to life atCollaboraction's intimate Studio space in the Flat Iron Arts Building (1579 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622). Tickets can be purchased through www.brownpaperbox.org.

Liberty Showcase Theatre presents the musical GODSPELL by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, directed by Ted McCadden and Jay Althouse, and choreographed by Doug Kotula, tonight, July 20 through July 29, 2012.

The Brown Paper Box Co. will bring to Chicago a one-of-a-kind modern interpretation of Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelak's GODSPELL. Using actor-musicians, this beloved musical brings the Book of Matthew to life in an intimate space: all performances will take place at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622. Information can be found at www.brownpaperbox.org. Tickets to go on sale in late August.

Liberty Showcase Theatre will present the musical GODSPELL by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, directed by Ted McCadden and Jay Althouse, and choreographed by Doug Kotula, July 20 through July 29, 2012.

The big day is here! Follow our LIVE coverage starting from Tony Rehearsals starting at approximately 10am. Want to know who's performing what? What order to expect the awards in and other tidbits? Spoil yourself!

My first dose of musical theater was through my uncle's old screechy phonograph recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's hippie, loud, angst-laden rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" (JCS). The classic stage hit, which was originally a concept album before evolving into a full-blown Broadway musical that follows the passion and death of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, had completed its three-year run on Broadway (1971-1973), and its first commercial movie release (1973) by the time I got to experience JCS's electrifying, personally-impactful songs in the '80s though. So when the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Toronto, Canada announced late last year that its critically-acclaimed, deemed revolutionary production of JCS, directed by Tony winner Des McAnuff, was coming to Broadway, I was delighted to hear the news; and more so when I learned that three Filipino-Canadian musical theater artists - brothers Julius and Jason Sermonia, and Laurin Padolina - are part of the show.

JULIE REIBER - the singer and actress currently playing Marion in Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway at the Palace Theater - will release her debut solo album today, April 24. Love Travels is a mix of her original tunes, musical theatre favorites by such composers as Jason Robert Brown ('Still Hurting'), Adam Guettel ('Through The Mountain') and Stephen Schwartz (the special bonus track 'Defying Gravity') - each with a special twist - and reinventions of Reiber's favorite artists including Stevie Wonder ('Knocks Me Off My Feet'), Chaka Khan ('Stay'), John Mayer ('Back To You') and Joni Mitchell ('Little Green'). She will celebrate this new recording with a concert at Rockwood Music Hall the following night, Wednesday April 25. The $20 ticket price includes a signed CD. Love Travels will also be available via iTunes, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and JulieReiber.com

JULIE REIBER - the singer and actress currently playing Marion in Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway at the Palace Theater - will release her debut solo album on Tuesday, April 24. Love Travels is a mix of her original tunes, musical theatre favorites by such composers as Jason Robert Brown ('Still Hurting'), Adam Guettel ('Through The Mountain') and Stephen Schwartz (the special bonus track 'Defying Gravity') - each with a special twist - and reinventions of Reiber's favorite artists including Stevie Wonder ('Knocks Me Off My Feet'), Chaka Khan ('Stay'), John Mayer ('Back To You') and Joni Mitchell ('Little Green'). She will celebrate this new recording with a concert at Rockwood Music Hall the following night, Wednesday April 25. The $20 ticket price includes a signed CD. Love Travels will also be available via iTunes, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and JulieReiber.com

In October of 1971, three days after the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar began its week and a half of previews, the title song of what is considered to be the world's first rock opera was heard on American television's highest-rated show.  No, it wasn't The Ed Sullivan Show, which had ended its run earlier in the year, but the controversial new sitcom, All In The Family.

A few days shy of the holiest week of the year for Christians - aptly named Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter (with Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the most sacred events on the calendar coming between) - Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's seminal rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was resurrected on Broadway by TOMMY and JERSEY BOYS director Des McAnuff - modeled after the hit Stratford Shakespeare Festival production last year and comprised of many of the same cast members, including all three leads - to hails of praise and hosannas, mostly. While JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR itself will always divide audiences and critics alike - and not merely because of its controversial content and its button-pushing treatment of the hallowed tale it tells - the magnetism and sheer power that Lloyd Webber's propulsive, throbbing rock score imbues gives the show an energy, vitality and life rare to find in even the most earnestly effervescent and energetic of comparable entities - the recently revived and similarly-themed GODSPELL in a revival a few blocks away included. Then, there are Tim Rice's lyrics - oh-so-spot-on in 1970, but still biting and edgy today in McAnuff's hi-tech and elaborately presented new Broadway production. Using the book of John as the jumping off point, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ (Paul Nolan) and his subsequent betrayal by Judas (Josh Young) and sentencing to death at the hands of King Herod and Pontius Pilate (Tom Hewitt). The twelve apostles, Mary Magdalene and her female companions, lepers, Pharisees, priests and others populate the grand story told almost entirely through song - the show is 90% music - and Webber and Rice's score never, ever lets up. While this may not be the most faithful rendering as far as the Bible is concerned, nor the most historically accurate, SUPERSTAR is now available to experience for a whole new generation thanks to this new revival and the timing could not be more ideal. The time is ripe for a revival of SUPERSTAR, and, as Andrew Lloyd Webber himself has recently related, this new production of the show is the best ever as far as he is concerned. High praise indeed - coming from no less than the Lord.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway last night, Thursday, March 22. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by Des McAnuff began previews March 1 and is now playing at the Neil Simon Theatre. Here's what the critics have to say...

Happy Birthday, Stephen Schwartz! In a career spanning over four decades, Schwartz has written such hit musicals as Godspell (1971), Pippin (1972) and Wicked (2003). He has also contributed lyrics for a number of successful films, including Pocahontas (1995), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), The Prince of Egypt (1998; music and lyrics) and Enchanted (2007). Schwartz has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.

With Godspell enjoying a renaissance in popularity following its recent revival on Broadway, it seems everyone wants in on the fun. And that's the beauty of Godspell-it's an occasion to rejoice, to delight in the irreverent retelling of the parables in the Gospel according to Matthew, to feel good about faith-whether you share this particular set of tenets or not-and, well, to jump around in your seat and rock out along with Jesus.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Russell Crowe's Chicago vocal coach, a hot new Broadway star, three productions at the North Shore Center, 'Show Boat,' Jessie and Darren's dreams come true and more....

Josie Lawrence and Gay Soper join Louise Gold and Caroline Quentin to take on the role of Pippin's grandmother Berthe in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Pippin, a colourful, imaginative and darkly humorous coming-of-age story with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, The Baker's Wife, Godspell) and book by Roger O. Hirson.

Entr'Acte Theatrix has chosen Godspell as its next production. One of the most successful Off-Broadway and Broadway musicals of all time (a current revival is playing to packed houses on Broadway), Godspell is the perfect vehicle to highlight the talents of the company's young performers.

Entr'Acte Theatrix has chosen Godspell as its next production. One of the most successful Off-Broadway and Broadway musicals of all time (a current revival is playing to packed houses on Broadway), Godspell is the perfect vehicle to highlight the talents of the company's young performers.

Broadway's new production of GODSPELL has partnered with the 2011 New York Cares Coat Drive. The GODSPELL initiative - dubbed the "Give Him Your Coat As Well" Coat Drive - takes place now through Saturday, December 31at Circle in the Square Theatre.

Joe's Pub has announced its upcoming events.

Joe's Pub has announced its upcoming events.

The 40th Anniversary production and first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's rock musical GODSPELL officially opened at the Circle in the Square Theater on November 7, 2011. Were the critics charmed? Let's find out!

The 40th Anniversary production and first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's landmark rock musical GODSPELL is now in preview performances at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway at 50th Street). Directed by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific), Opening Night is Monday, November 7 (7 p.m.). Check out new production shots from the show below!

Producer Ken Davenport announced today that a limited number of $30 rush seats will be made available via lottery for the much-anticipated OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE of the first-ever Broadway revival of the legendary rock musical GODSPELL!

The 40th Anniversary production and first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's landmark rock musical GODSPELL is now in preview performances at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre. Directed by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific), the show will open on Monday, November 7. Last night, the company visited Late Night with David Letterman and below, we bring you a clip of their performance!

JOE'S PUB at The Public Theater, reopened October 4th, 2011 from a top to bottom renovation, debuted in October 1998 and quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists. Check out the full November schedule below!