Godspell
Godspell is a musical based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John Michael Tebelak.
Following closely on the heels of the similarly-themed Jesus Christ Superstar, it opened off-Broadway on May 15 1971 and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since. Several cast albums have been released over the years; the most well-known song from the musical is "Day By Day" which was a top 10 hit in the summer of 1971.
The show was originally produced as a masters thesis project at Carnegie-Mellon University, but Stephen Schwartz added songs for the commercial opening. The form of Godspell closely follows the Episcopal communion service, and in the university premiere, all its songs except "By My Side" were from the Episcopal Hymnal.
The presentation of the story is typically not entirely realistic, and productions of the musical often set it in places and times other than the obvious (one notable production was set in a circus).
A film version of the musical was released in 1973, set in modern New York, and featuring Victor Garber as Jesus, David Haskell as John the Baptist/Judas, and Lynne Thigpen in her first film role. One filming location was the roof of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.
Synopsis
Act One
Essentially the cast of Godspell are playing themselves but giving life to a completely abstract world free from the restraints of time and space. In doing so, each may come to represent a set of ideals or prerogatives one minute then take up a completely different set the next.
At the “curtain’s rise,” members of the company take the parts of history’s philosophers squabbling over man’s existence in the eyes of God (Prologue). Their “babbling” heightens but is interrupted by the call of John the Baptist (Prepare Ye). The company then comes together to be baptized, christened as the disciples of Christ and separated, as it were, from the rest of society. Soon, the actor representative of Jesus Christ appears to the company, eager to be baptized by John.
Jesus then contests ideas and phrases (like “God Save the Queen”) with his plea for God to save “the people” instead (Save the People), insisting that mankind is caught in a downward spiral of bias and crime. He has come in hopes of completing “the Law and the prophets” to create a place free of those vices. With that, we are taken through parables from which Jesus teaches the company that the kingdom of heaven is obtained through love, devotion, and forgiveness. One of the disciples becomes the first to illustrate her utmost commitment to God and His teachings (Day by Day).
When some members of the company get caught up in some mischief, Judas (formerly the actor representing John) stands up in an attempt to usurp a little of Jesus’ authority. But Jesus calmly settles the matter himself and, in doing so, demonstrates that pride and greed are paths to Hades. The disciples learn that they must follow God closely in order to avoid those paths (Learn Your Lessons Well). After Jesus warns the company of the danger of materialism, another disciple praises a patient and sage God (Bless the Lord).
Jesus declares that the weak, underprivileged, and pure of heart shall inherit the kingdom of heaven despite any persecution or suffering on earth. Judas, in an outburst of fear and anger, suggests that Jesus will indeed suffer persecution by men who “say all manner of evil against you.” It’s too soon for the other disciples to know what is to come. Jesus turns Judas’ suggestion into another lesson: no matter what turmoil you live through on earth, the best is waiting in heaven. Judas, on the other hand, speaks cynically of “the best” on earth coming to those undeserving of it while the majority of man must go on in misery (All for the Best).
The company comes to understand that God is responsible for life and its sustenance and that it’s man’s responsibility to spread the word of God (All Good Gifts). In the next parable, The Prodigal Son, the ideas of being “born again” to the teachings of God are made apparent, and the company stresses the importance of ultimately devoting oneself to His teachings (Light of the World).
Act Two
Jesus and the disciples reveal their longing to mend what has been broken and build a “beautiful city” with the love of God (Beautiful City). A disciple then beckons to the audience, warning them to devote their lives to God or be damned to hell (Turn Back, O Man). But, in warning them, she makes a show of her own devotion, which Jesus advised her against.
He is then confronted by Pharisees, who question his authority. Jesus does his best to teach them that “the greatest commandment of them all” is to love God and like it. But the Pharisees are hypocrites that twist the word of God for their own benefit (Alas for You). Jesus begins to learn to accept his role as God’s messenger and the inevitability of his persecution. But he maintains an air of happiness in order to further protect his disciples (at least, for now) of what surely must happen. The company learns more lessons of a darker nature, i.e. if one is fit to be condemned, all are fit, for no one is faultless. And though one disciple has sinned, she pleads to stay by Jesus’ side (By My Side) through the turmoil that she knows not but equally fears not. Simultaneously, Judas reveals the truth of this aforementioned turmoil. He has been paid thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus to the chief priests. He only awaits the opportunity.
Now fully aware of the sinful nature of man, the company repents (We Beseech Thee) and prays that God will forgive them and lead them back to the path of the righteous—-the path of love.
At last, Jesus reveals to the disciples that Judas is his betrayer. He sends Judas to “do quickly what you have to do.” The inevitable is all too clear to Jesus, but he sits with his disciples in a recreation of The Last Supper to tell them that the bread and wine they share is the last he will share with them until they are reunited in heaven. He bids each farewell and asks them to stay awake with him as he prays (On the Willows).
Jesus prays to God that He revoke his position as God’s messenger, for the consequences are too dire for him to grasp. But his prayer ultimately becomes one of unwavering acceptance. At that very moment, Satan comes to Jesus and tempts him to leave God. But Jesus knows his place now. It is with God and God alone.
Judas returns. But it isn’t until he’s face to face with Jesus that he hesitates. It’s not as easy for Judas to accept his role in God’s plan. He tries to run but is held there by some force. “Friend, do quickly what you have to do.” And with that, Jesus kisses Judas on each cheek and meets his fate. The actor playing Judas then comes to represent those who will arrest and crucify Jesus. The others can do nothing but watch as the one they followed is killed for his beliefs (Finale).
And now, the company understands their role: to spread the word of God. To spread Jesus’ teachings of compassion, forgiveness, and martyrdom. To spread His teachings of love.
Trivia
- Godspel is the archaic Old English spelling of the word "gospel" and literally means good news.
- Holly Sherwood recorded a version of Day By Day which became a hit on the Billboard chart.
Songs
Act 1
- Prologue (Tower of Babble)
- Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
- Save the People
- Day by Day
- Learn the Lessons Well
- Bless the Lord
- All for the Best
- All Good Gifts
- Light of the World
Act 2
- Beautiful City/Turn Back, O Man
- Alas for You
- By My Side
- We Beseech Thee
- On the Willows
- Finale
- Day by Day (Reprise)