Godspell 1971

Opened: May 17, 1971
Closing: June 13, 1976

Godspell - 1971 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Godspell is a unique and joyful musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. Debuting Off-Off-Broadway in 1971, it features a catchy and eclectic score by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked and Pippin) alongside a book by John-Michael Tebelak.



A loose-knit group of performers portray Jesus and his disciples. Through a mix of games, pantomime, vaudeville, and contemporary music styles, they bring Jesus' parables and teachings to life. The iconic song "Day by Day" is featured in this energetic show.

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GODSPELL Comes to The Beverly Theatre Guild Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2024


The Beverly Theatre Guild has announced its spring musical, Godspell – 2012 Revival. Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell of Rogers Park, this production promises to be a not-to-miss rendering of the Broadway smash hit that originally debuted in 1971.

GODSPELL Comes to Players Circle Theater April 16th
by Fran Thomas - Apr 10, 2024


Players Circle Theater is ready to raise the roof with their largest production to date, GODSPELL, running April 16th – May 12th, 2024. 

Review: GODSPELL at Rochester Opera House
by Dan Marois - Mar 24, 2024


This is not your Mother's Godspell.

Stephen Schwartz to be Inducted Into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2024


The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will induct award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz. Learn more about Schwartz!

Interview: WONKA Choreographer Christopher Gattelli Says Timothée Chalamet is 'The Real Deal'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 2, 2024


In this exclusive interview, choreographer Christopher Gattelli shares insights into his creative process and working on the film 'Wonka.' Discover how Gattelli brought Willy Wonka's world to life, created authentic 1940s choreography, and collaborated with actors Timothee Chalamet and Hugh Grant.

New Cast Members Set to Join Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP in London
by Stephi Wild - Nov 9, 2023


New casting has been announced for Agatha Christie's iconic thriller The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, which continues to enthral audiences at London's St Martin's Theatre. Find out who is joining the cast here!

Interview: JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR at Ohio Theater
by Paul Batterson - Sep 25, 2023


What did our critic think of JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR at Ohio Theater? Alex Stone has not lived in a world without JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. As a result, Stone feels a little bit humbled to be part of the show’s 50th anniversary national tour that rolls into town Oct. 3-8 at the Ohio Theater (39 E. State Street in downtown Columbus).

2024 Season at Seacoast Repertory Theatre Revealed
by Dan Marois - Aug 25, 2023


The Seacoast Repertory Theater in Portsmouth has announced its 2024 season, one they are calling “The Spark of Creation!”

Review: Blackfriars Theatre Delivers A Spirited Take On GODSPELL
by Colin Fleming-Stumpf - Aug 1, 2023


What did our critic think of GODSPELL at Blackfriars Theatre?

Review: GODSPELL at Artistry
by Joe Sarafolean - Jul 23, 2023


What did our critic think of GODSPELL at Artistry?

Pandora Productions To Host GODSPELL Community Discussion On LGBTQ Issues
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 21, 2023


Pandora Productions, one of the country's longest running, Kentucky's oldest and Louisville's only theatre company dedicated and most trusted to tell the stories of the LGBTQ+ community continues the 2022-2023 Season with GODSPELL.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Announce 2023-2024 Season Featuring HAMLET, THE FIREBIRD & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 22, 2023


The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops announced details for the 2023-24 season, Louis Langrée’s eleventh and final season as Music Director of the Orchestra.

Jarrett Winters Morley Will Lead History-Based Concert Version of GODSPELL at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Jan 4, 2023


54 Below, in conjunction with Jarrett Winters Morley, will present THE HISTORY OF GODSPELL, on Thursday, January 26, at 9:30 PM.

Review: GODSPELL at Hanover Little Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - Nov 12, 2022


This production of Godspell is emotional and heartfelt. The sold-out opening night audience was brought to its feet in a well-deserved standing ovation.

Review: LEONARD BERNSTEIN'S 'MASS' at the Kennedy Center
by Alexander C. Kafka - Sep 16, 2022


Bernstein's hugely ambitious ecclesiastical fever dream is a beautiful mess well worth experiencing.

Review: GODSPELL at Porthouse (Kent State University)
by Roy Berko - Jul 18, 2022


What did our critic think of GODSPELL at Porthouse (Kent State University)? GODSPELL, which is now on stage at Porthouse Theatre, is based on 'The Gospel According to St. Matthew.' The musical tells the story of the last seven days of Christ's life. The parables have been contemporized, and Christ's followers are free spirits who sing the likes of 'Day by Day', 'All Good Gifts', and 'Turn Back, O Man.'

Review: GODSPELL at Palm Canyon Theatre
by Stan Jenson - Jul 13, 2022


What did our critic think of GODSPELL at Palm Canyon Theatre? Stephen Schwartz's 1971 musical Godspell was part of a movement during the late 60's and 70's of the reinvention of theatre norms. The movement paralleled the hippies, free love, rock bands with classical orchestras, artists such as Andy Warhol, and a host of writers. It was a period of re-examination and re-thinking of our ways of doing things, especially in the arts. Godspell is one of the most enduring works of this period, presenting Jesus as a dude in a tee shirt, addressing modern day folks in a playground.

YOU WILL NEVA ENTER OUR HIGH HOLY LAND OF BLACKNESS-HIYA! Will Get a Staged Reading in August
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2022


Concord Thearicals & Samuel French OOB Festival Presents the staged reading of Cece Suazo’s play You Will Neva Enter Our High Holy Land of Blackness-HIYA! 

BIG HAIR: A RAD AND WILD LOVE AFFAIR to Premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 24, 2022


BIG HAIR. the musical-comedy and one-woman show about two of the silver screen’s most dynamic performers, Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder, will premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival Friday, 6/10 for two shows at The Broadwater Second Stage.

MTI Acquires Global Licensing Rights for GODSPELL
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 16, 2021


Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI) announced that the three versions of Godspell represented by the company -- the original off-Broadway 1971 version, the revised 2012 version and Godspell JR. (the 60-minute Broadway Juniorâ version) -- are now available for licensing by theatres across the world. Previously, MTI only represented the rights to Godspell in the United States and with this announcement, licensing for the three versions of the show will now begin for performances taking place on or after January 1, 2022.

Lin Manuel Miranda, Rita Moreno, & More to Be Honored at Critics Choice's Celebration of Latino Cinema
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 30, 2021


Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rita Moreno, Olga Merediz, Gloria Estefan and more will be honored by Critics Choice at the 2021 Celebration of Latino Cinema!

CHASING JACK to Begin Previews September 22nd at the Jerry Orbach Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 2, 2021


CHASING JACK will begin Preview Performances Off-Broadway on Wednesday, September 22nd at the Jerry Orbach Theatre (210 West 50th Street) in Times Square on the corner of Broadway and 50th Street.

GODSPELL Will Open Danbury's Musicals At Richter 37th Season This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jul 5, 2021


The 37th season closes out with the 'Stars Out for Richter: A Community Cabaret of Talent' on Friday, August 13.

GODSPELL Kicks Off Starlight's 2021 Advent Health Broadway Series
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2021


Starlight welcomes Godspell to its stage for the very first time Tuesday, June 22 – Sunday, June 27.

GODSPELL to Kick Off Starlight's 2021 AdventHealth Broadway Series June 22-27
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2021


Starlight will welcome Godspell to its stage for the very first time Tuesday, June 22 – Sunday, June 27. This refreshing retelling of the Gospel of Matthew is a sensational musical production that is uplifting, celebratory and fun. Godspell includes songs by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, such as the popular hit “Day by Day.”

Godspell FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Godspell have there been?
Godspell has had 18 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1971, Off-Broadway which opened in 1971, Australia which opened in 1971, West End which opened in 1972, Australia which opened in 1972, Broadway which opened in 1976, Broadway which opened in 1976, Regional (US) which opened in 1979, London Fringe which opened in 1981, Off-Broadway which opened in 1988, Off-Broadway which opened in 1988, Off-Broadway which opened in 2000, Off-Broadway which opened in 2000, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 2006, Broadway which opened in 2008, Broadway which opened in 2011, US Tour which opened in 2013 and UK Tour which opened in 2015.
What awards has Godspell been nominated for?
Godspell has been nominated for several awards, including Most Promising Composer at the Drama Desk Awards for Stephen Schwartz, Most Promising Costume Designer at the Drama Desk Awards for Susan Tsu, and Most Promising Director at the Drama Desk Awards for John-Michael Tebelak.
What awards has Godspell won?
Godspell has won several awards, including the Most Promising Composer award at the Drama Desk Awards for Stephen Schwartz. The show also received the Most Promising Costume Designer award at the Drama Desk Awards for Susan Tsu. Additionally, John-Michael Tebelak won the Most Promising Director award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on Godspell. These accolades highlight the talent and creativity that went into the production of Godspell.

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