John-Michael Tebelak News

Pittsburgh's greatest musical theatre creation comes home, in a production that's something old, something new. If you're going to talk about musicals in Pittsburgh, let alone musicals FROM Pittsburgh, the story is ultimately going to revolve around Godspell. Created by bookwriter John-Michael Tebelak as his master's thesis at CMU circa the early 1970s, the musical quickly headed to Off-Broadway, with a brief Broadway run and a historic Toronto production that formed that roots of the seventies sketch comedy scene. Soon, there was a movie, and after that point, the little Jesus-clown musical from Pittsburgh was a worldwide sensation. Pippin, which shares composer Stephen Schwartz, had a similar Pittsburgh-to-Broadway trajectory, but a show as niche and nihilistic as Pippin will never be able to compete with the mix of loose hippie vibes, vaudeville throwbacks and old-time religion that give Godspell its heart.

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.'

Pittsburgh CLO's Godspell will run Jul 12, 2022 - Jul 17, 2022 at the Benedum Center. Get a first look at the production here!

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, 'Day by Day,' Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including 'Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,' 'Learn Your Lessons Well,' 'All for the Best,' 'All Good Gifts,' 'Turn Back, O Man' and 'By My Side.' Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.

Today’s subject Michael John LaChuisa is currently living his theatre life as the composer for the upcoming production of Our Town at Shakespeare Theatre Company. The production runs May 12th through June 11th in STC’s Sidney Harman Hall and features (wait for it) a FULL cast of DC performers.

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre closes its 2021-2022 season with GODSPELL, the Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak beloved and timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and love, based on the Gospel of St. Matthew.

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. 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, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life in this production.

GODSPELL, the international hit musical loosely based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, opens at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Friday, April 8, at 8:00pm.  In keeping with the theatre's pay-what-you-can opening night tradition, all tickets not pre-sold at the regular price will go on sale at 7:30pm that evening for a $5 minimum donation.

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. 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, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life in this production.

Bergen County Players will present the uplifting, toe-tapping, joyous classic rock musical GODSPELL, opening on March 19. Under the direction of Lynne Lupfer, this musical sensation, the first offering from internationally acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz, continues to touch audiences around the world with its vibrant rock score and messages of kindness, tolerance and love. Performances will take place at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, March 19 thru Palm Sunday, April 10 (Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, and Sunday afternoons at 2pm).

Bergen County Players will present the uplifting, toe-tapping, joyous classic rock musical GODSPELL, opening on March 19. Under the direction of Lynne Lupfer, this musical sensation continues to touch audiences around the world with its vibrant rock score and messages of kindness, tolerance and love. 

Led by the international hit, 'Day by Day,' Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including 'Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,' 'Learn Your Lessons Well,' 'All for the Best,' 'All Good Gifts,' 'Turn Back, O Man' and 'By My Side.'

Cleveland native, Michael Cavanaugh, has been called the 'New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook.' He came to national fame when he was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in his Broadway musical MOVIN' OUT.

Special Offer - See What I Wanna See by Michael John LaChiusa opens this weekend...Discounts available!

Michael John LaChiusa's See What I Wanna See, a musical based on three short stories by the Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa, originally premiered Off-Broadway in 2005. Nominated for nine Drama Desk Awards, this compelling musical about lust, greed, murder, faith, and redemption sheds light on truth and perspective.

Special Offer - 10% off tickets to See What I Wanna See by Michael John LaChiusa

Broadway's John Michael Dias and Jacque Carnahan will present their new show: GET HAPPY, celebrating the song made famous by Judy Garland on January 29th at the Duplex Cabaret Theater at 7pm. 

Broadway's John Michael Dias and Jacque Carnahan will present their new show: GET HAPPY, celebrating the song made famous by Judy Garland on January 29 at the Duplex Cabaret Theater at 7pm. 

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.

Christmastime is here at last and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a 12 Days of Christmas countdown. This year we've invited two stars of stage and screen, Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers, to share some of their most cherished holiday songs and performances.