Could someone explain the story of the musical "Godspell" ?

Question

I'm auditioning for the play "Godspell" and do not know the storyline of the play. Could someone give me the plot and list of charaters? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Godspell is written by Stephen Schwartz, who incidently wrote "Wicked" as well. Here's a link to answer your questions.

http://www.musicalschwartz.com/godspell....

Answer 2

Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak, and offers music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, Godspell is based primarily on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. Featuring a sparkling, seminal score by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell boasts a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day."

As the cast of actor/clowns makes it way through "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "Save The People," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "Bless The Lord,""All For The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side," we, as audience members get to see the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life.

The last twenty minutes, or so, of the show touchingly presents the story of Jesus' last moments beginning with the Last Supper.

The main story of Godspell is portrayed in the show's subtext--in the way the players interact with their leader, coming together to create a loving community.

Godspell opened 5/17/71 Off-Broadway; Broadway Transfer: 1976 Ran for 2,124 performance off-Broadway and 527 on Broadway."

Act One

Prepare Ye

Save The People

Day By Day

Learn Your Lessons Well

Bless The Lord

All For The Best

All Good Gifts

Light Of The World

[Note - Sometimes the optional number "Beautiful City" is sung while audience members return to their seats for Act II. In other productions it is added towards the end.]

Act Two

Learn Your Lessons’ (Reprise)

Turn Back O Man

Alas For You

By My Side

We Beseech Thee

Day By Day (Reprise)

On The Willows

Finale

From the director's script - This was written based on how the orginal cast members played their roles

JESUS -- Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow.

JOHN THE BAPTIST/JUDAS -- He has attributes of both Biblical figures: he is both Jesus? lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played by someone handsome and masculine, with an undertone of sexuality. He is the most "serious" and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy.

JEFFREY -- Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina and recorder.

LAMAR -- Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings "All Good Gifts", he must be a very good singer.

HERB -- The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. Can be a little older or more heavy-set. This is also the role that sings the least, so it is wise to cast it for a comedian rather than a vocalist.

ROBIN -- A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song "Day by Day".

JOANNE -- The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what's going on.

PEGGY -- The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an "earth mother" kind of warmth to her.

SONIA -- Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the "s**y" one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna (who in fact once played this role.)

GILMER -- The female equivalent of the class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. This is the female role that sings least, and therefore should be cast with a strong comedienne.