Guide Note

Godspell is a long running off-Broadway musical based on the Gospel of Matthew, and very much a product of the 1970s flower-children era. It opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971, a year after the successful religiously-themed rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since. Several cast albums have been released and "Day By Day" from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard singles chart in the summer of 1972.

Fast Facts

1. Godspell, the Old English spelling of the word gospel, means "good news"
2. Music & Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz; Episcopal Hymnal; Others
3. Book: John-Michael Tebelak
4. Based upon: Gospel of Matthew
5. Productions: 1971 Off-Broadway; 1972 Toronto; 1973 Film; 1976 Broadway
6. Gilda Radner, Martin Short, and Eugene Levy appeared in the 1972 Toronto production

1. Stephen Nathan as Jesus
2. David Haskell as Judas/John the Baptist
3. Herb Simon as Herb
4. Robin Lamont as Robin ("Day by Day")
5. Gilmer McCormick as Gilmer ("Learn Your Lessons Well")
6. Joanne Jonas as Joanne ("Bless the Lord")
7. Lamar Alford as Lamar ("All Good Gifts")
8. Sonia Manzano as Sonia ("Turn Back, O Man")
9. Peggy Gordon as Peggy ("By My Side")
10. Jeffrey Mylett as Jeffrey ("We Beseech Thee")

Film Adaptation

A film version of the musical was released in 1973, set in 1970s New York City. John-Michael Tebelak co-wrote the screenplay and served as the creative consultant.

1. Victor Garber as Jesus Christ
2. David Haskell as Judas/John the Baptist
3. Robin Lamont as Robin the window shopper ("Day by Day')
4. Joanne Jonas as Joanne the ballet dancer ("Turn Back, O Man")
5. Lynne Thigpen as Lynne the college student ("Bless the Lord")
6. Merrell Jackson as Merrell the garment trade employee ("All Good Gifts")
7. Jerry Sroka as Jerry the parking attendant ("Light Of The World")
8. Gilmer McCormick as Gilmer the model ("Light Of The World")
9. Jeffrey Mylett as Jeffrey the taxi driver ("Light Of The World")
10. Katie Hanley as Katie the diner waitress ("By My Side")