What Is the Story of Godspell? The show is composed of various musical parables from The Gospel According to Matthew. Jesus Christ recruits a group of followers and teaches them various lessons through song and dance.

John-Michael Tebelak
Stephen Schwartz
Turn Back, O Man/Artists

Leung
Leung is not only connected to Academy Award-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz after originating the role of Boq in Chicago, and singing “All Good Gifts” night after night in the revival of Godspell — the two also happen to be graduates of Carnegie Mellon University.

“Beautiful City” is one of the most treasured songs in the Broadway musical Godspell. It sings of the belief of the human capability. In the musical, Hunter Parrish plays Jesus, and some productions of this Godspell would sing this as a closing song.

Yes, Eugene Levy did play Jesus, during the latter part of Godspell’s first Toronto run in 1972-73. Eugene Levy as Jesus of Nazareth is just a small part of the story. That original Toronto cast of Godspell also included Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, and Victor Garber.

Is “Godspell” A Religious Show? However, as hard as it may be to believe, this isn’t a story about religion. In its heart, Godspell is a story about community and anti-materialism and love. Picking this show for our director, Andy Barrett, was an easy choice.

In biblical literature: Meaning of the term gospel. …is derived from the Anglo-Saxon godspell (“good story”). The classical Greek word euangelion means “a reward for bringing of good news” or the “good news” itself.

What does “Godspell” mean? John-Michael Tebelak first named the show The Godspell, using the archaic English spelling for gospel, which means good news. Before it opened off-Broadway the “The” was dropped.

“Godspell” is an Anglo-Saxon word from which we get the word “gospel,” meaning “good news.” Stephen Schwartz’s musical “Godspell” takes its name from this word because it is based primarily on the Gospel of Matthew.

Mark’s explanations of Jewish customs and his translations of Aramaic expressions suggest that he was writing for Gentile converts, probably especially for those converts living in Rome.

Before meeting with director John-Michael Tebelak, she imagined period costumes would be appropriate. Tebelak, associating Biblical material with clown-like performances helped ensure that the spirit of joy would pervade the piece. (See details about the concept and development of the show in The Godspell Experience.)

GODSPELL is about the formation of a community which carries on JESUS’ teachings after he has gone. In other words, it is the effect JESUS has on the OTHERS which is the story of the show, not whether or not he himself is resurrected.

I was in Godspell. The girl who sings “Turn Back, O Man” is supposed to represent temptation. Each character represents something, whether it’s innocence, temptation, etc. Each character also has a song that represents who they are. So this song is supposed to be her trying to tempt Jesus and the other characters.

“ Learn Your Lessons Well ” – Gilmer, Jesus, and Company “O Bless the Lord” – Peggy and Company “All for the Best” – Jesus, Judas and Company “All Good Gifts” – Lamar and Company

After the reprise of “Learn Your Lessons Well”, a member of the cast sings “Turn Back, O Man”, imploring mankind to give up its temporal pursuits and turn to God. Jesus then says: “This is the beginning.” Several members of the cast then begin to question Jesus’s authority, and he responds with yet another parable.

Godspell. The show opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has since been produced by multiple touring companies and in many revivals. The 2011 revival played on Broadway from October 13, 2011 through June 24, 2012. The musical is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew.