Come Sing About Love…

Before this review continues, I will take one moment to fangirl:

OH MY GOD, GODSPELL IS BACK! WOOT! AND IT INCLUDES “BEAUTIFUL CITY!”

Ahem.

I went to see Godspell this past Sunday. It was a last minute decision, something to take our youth group to see. We saw the Sunday matinee over at the Circle in the Square theater. I must note that I find it appropriate that Godspell is only a stone’s throw away from another Stephen Schwartz musical—“Wicked,” which plays at the Gershwin Theater. The theater is also appropriate as it’s a theater in the round. The stage is centered with the seats situated all around. It’s perfect for “Godspell.”
“Godspell” has a very loose plot. It’s more of an improv show with prompts coming from the lessons and parables of the Gospel of Matthew. And some fun songs thrown in to the mix. It’s high energy and thoroughly enjoyable.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord…Again

So, a couple summers ago I was unemployed and bummed. But there was a bright spot: the 2008-2009 Broadway season promised me a revival of my favorite musical ever. And then, as if it weren’t bad enough that I was a victim of the recession, Godspell became one as well. The planned revival was “postponed” and we all presumed it was just as good as cancelled.

But it is not! Playbill announced that the Godspell revival will now be mounted during the 2010-2011 season. The cast has not been announced but this is great news! At least for me, that is!

Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord

Or not.

As you can see from one of the articles currently lining the side of my blog, a Broadway production of "Godspell" has been postponed due to a backer pulling out. And as the Playbill article states, this is just the latest in a line of other Broadway productions stalled before they hit the Great White Way. At this rate, it'll just be (title of show) and Shrek the Musical up for Tony Awards next year.

I was looking forward to the production of "Godspell"--it's one of my favorite musicals ever. I've seen school productions of it but wanted to see a professional production of it. And I wonder what happened to the old "Let's put on a show mentality!" Godspell isn't a huge undertaking--the set is minimal and the costumes could be found at a garage sale, so I'm guessing the money is needed for the theater and staff.

Here's hoping these shows get back on track!