Godspell the Musical

Godspell CDs, DVD, Sheet Music, Licensing, Lyrics, History, Overview, Links...

• Godspell Movie on DVD
• New book includes never-before-told stories about Godspell's development. New Book tells the real GODSPELL STORY
• Godspell Musical Recordings - CDs Original cast album, movie album, 2000 NYC, 2001 tour, and more
• Godspell Sheet Music with Lyrics
• Godspell Poster
• Godspell on Broadway - 2010 - 2011 season
• Godspell Synopsis - overview of the show
• Godspell History and Song Stories - Read articles
• Godspell Links to cool Web pages
• Licensing - MTI and Theatre Maximus, and Show Schedule - How to license the script/score for your school, church, community group, or theatre. Where to see current productions.
• Performer tips, Directors notes, Karaoke

You are on the official fan site for Godspell composer Stephen Schwartz

Godspell Movie

This 1973 film version of Godspell uses New York City as its stage. Among its highlights is a view from a helicopter above the newly built World Trade Center towers. We see the Godspell movie cast dancing up there (bravely) as part of the "All For the Best" segment that also includes a pentouse garden, Accutron sign, and Pan-Am rooftop.

Godspell - Columbia Tristar Buy Godspell DVD [new browser window]

EUROPE: Region 1: Godspell [NTSC]or Region 2 Godspell [Region 2] [1973]

Rent it Netflix  Netflix carries Godspell and other musical movies.

Godspell Movie Cast: Victor Garber, Katie Hanley, David Haskell, Merrell Jackson, Joanne Jonas, Robin Lamont, Gilmer McCormick, Jeffrey Mylett, Jerry Sroka, Lynne Thigpen. John-Michael Tebelak, who originated Godspell, voices the Pharisee Monster.

Film locations: (In approximate order of appearance): Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, Junkyard on Ward's Island, various modern building scenes and parks, Washington Square Park (The Good Samaritan scene), Lincoln Center (Lazarus), Bandshell at Lincoln Center...Fordham University Plaza (Manhattan campus), Old vaudeville-movie house, Tugboat by Statue of Liberty, Tugboat pier, junkyard at Ward's Island, under Triboro bridge, city streets.

Songs in the Movie: Prepare Ye (The Way Of The Lord), Save The People, Day By Day, Turn Back O Man, Bless The Lord, All For The Best, All Good Gifts, Light Of The World, Alas For You, By My Side, Beautiful City, On The Willows, Finale. (Read more about the song written for the film: "Beautiful City")

The Making of Godspell - Godspell history in a book

Autographed copies signed by Godspell composer Stephen Schwartz and author Carol de Giere are available for the Stephen Schwartz biography Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked.

One of its best features is the account of Godspell's history: nearly 50 pages covering the fascinating development of Godspell from early 1970 through 1971.

In Chaper 4 of Defying Gravity you will read how John-Michael Tebelak conceived the show and the funny story of how the first college cast (1970) responded to the concept for the show.

In Chapter 5 you will find the story behind Stephen Schwartz's new Godspell score for the Cherry Lane Theatre production in 1971. You'll see photos and read stories from many of the cast members whose names are now the character names in the show: "Peggy" Gordon, "Robin" Lamont, "Sonia" Manzano, "Joanne" Jonas, "Gilmer" McCormick, Steve Nathan who played Jesus, and of course Stephen Schwartz.

There's also a SONG-BY-SONG section in the back of the book especially for Godspell fans.

Find out more at www.defyinggravitythebook.com/

Godspell Albums

Deciding which Godspell album to buy? Here's some notes:

1. Original cast album: Sung by the famous first cast; no Prologue or "Beautiful City." Most raw original sound

2. Godspell Movie soundtrack: smoothest sound, has an early version of "Beautiful City"; no Prologue

3. Godspell 2000 CD: Includes the Prologue, some script passages, and the current version of "Beautiful City."

4. Godspell 2001 CD: Includes the Prologue and a charmed rendition fo the current "Beautiful City." Contemporary rock sound. .....

1. Godspell Original Cast Recording

Original Cast Recording. Arista, 1973. Includes original hit song "Day by Day" sung by Robin Lamont. Buy Godspell [new browser window] Sung by the original cast members David Haskell, Peggy Gordon, Robin Lamont, Gilmer McCormick, Sonia Manzano, Jeffrey Mylett, Stephen Nathan, Herbie Braha, Joanne Jonas, and Lamar Alford.

• Includes: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, Save the People, Day by Day, Learn Your Lessons Well, Bless the Lord, All for the Best, All Good Gifts, Light of the World, Turn Back O Man, Alas for You, By My Side, We Beseech Thee, On the Willows, Finale, Day by Day (Reprise)

 

2. Godspell Soundtrack

Godspell Movie Soundtrack, Bmg/Arista; 1973. Available from Amazon.com and other sources. Buy Godspell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [new browser window]

• Includes: Prepare Ye (The Way Of The Lord), Save The People, Day By Day, Turn Back O Man, Bless The Lord, All For The Best, All Good Gifts, Light Of The World, Alas For You, By My Side, Beautiful City, On The Willows, Finale tracks!

This recording features the original "Beautiful City" and an all around comfortable cheery sound. Sung by Victor Garber, Lynne Thigpen, and others including many original cast members.

3. Godspell - 2000 Cast Recording

This CD includes more of the script passages than other albums (e.g. dialogue in the middle of songs). It also includes the prologue. Buy or hear clips from Godspell 2000 Cast Album . Shoshana Bean who performed in this show and sings "Bless the Lord" has been cast as Elphaba in the hit Broadway musical Wicked. Read about Shoshana Bean

• Fynsworth Alley, 2000. CD Includes: Prologue, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, Save the People, Day by Day, Learn Your Lessons Well, Bless the Lord, All for the Best, All Good Gifts, Light of the World, Turn Back O Man, Alas for You, By My Side, We Beseech Thee, On the Willows, Finale, Day by Day (Reprise), Beautiful City

This revival production of Godspell Off-Off Broadway was sold out nightly and offered spirited performances from its terrific young cast of players. It includes the new Prologue and maintains the piano- and guitar-based accompaniment.

4. Godspell - 2001 Touring Cast Recording

DRG, 2001. Buy or hear clips from Godspell - 2001 National Touring Cast [new browser window].
[new browser window]

• Includes: Prologue, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, Save the People, Day by Day, Learn Your Lessons Well, Bless the Lord, All for the Best, All Good Gifts, Light of the World, Turn Back O Man, Alas for You, By My Side, We Beseech Thee, On the Willows, Finale, Day by Day (Reprise), Beautiful City

Also available at itunes if you have their software: GODSPELL

The 2000/2001 national Godspell tour offered this CD as its cast recording. It features some of orchestrations and arrangements you won't hear elsewhere, based on modern bands like Dave Matthews, Tori Amos, and others. For contemporary rhythms and fun, try this CD. "Beautiful City" affectionados will not want to miss the up-tempo version on this recording. For more details on this CD check out The Schwartz Scene article by orchestrator Alex Lacamoire. (Also see interview with tour director Scott Schwartz)

Godspell London Studio Cast

[1993 London Cast], Jay (UK), 1997, arranged and conducted by Stephen Schwartz. Available from Amazon.com and other sources. Buy Godspell (1993 London Studio Cast) [new browser window]

• Includes: Prologue, Prepare Ye (The Way Of The Lord), Save The People, Day By Day, Learn Your Lessons Well/Bless the Lord, All For The Best, All Good Gifts, Light Of The World, Turn Back Old Man, Alas For You, By My Side, We Beseech Thee, On The Willows, Beautiful City, Finale, Bows

OR if you are in Europe you can order Godspell CDs from Dress Circle in London: Godspell - London 1993 Studio recording (opens new browser window to Dress Circle, London, UK)

 

Godspell - 42nd Street Singers (January 12, 1999)

 

Karaoke CDs

Sing The Broadway Musical Godspell (2-Disc Karaoke CDG)  "Our accompaniment/karaoke CD of songs from Godspell features 32 tracks. Tracks 1-16 contain the background tracks and guide vocals; tracks 17-32 contain the accompaniment tracks alone. This album is a re-recording in the original show key and show tempo."

Practice with Godspell Karaoke - background music for performers. Godspell karaoke

The Broadway Box- 80 Songs From 51 Shows. Here's a 5-CDG box set that contains 80 classic songs. Includes songs from Pippin and Godspell - 51 top shows in all. Great gift item

Godspell Musical - International or obscure and used recordings

"Godspell" - Europe - Miscellanous recordings at Amazon.co.uk

In the search box at Alibris! click on "Search in Music" and enter "Godspell" at Get Great Deals on Used and Hard-to-Find Music [new browser window]

Godspell songs sung as covers by recording artists

No One Is Alone [new browser window]

Laurie's inspirational album includes a special, one of a kind version of "Beautiful City." All the songs on this CD are upbeat. It's one of my FAVORITE albums--Carol de Giere

"Day by Day" sung by Catherine Carpenter on Broadway Inspirations (a collection of upbeat, uplifting songs) Broadway Inspirations (opens new browser window to Amazon.com [new browser window]

Judy Collins sings "Day by Day" on Wind Beneath My Wings

To hear "Day by Day" sung on cast albums, go back up the page to Godspell Recordings

Godspell Sheet Music with Lyrics 

Instant Downloads: "Day by Day" Download "Day by Day" now or "Beautiful City" "Beautiful City" or lead sheet for "Learn Your Lessons Well"

Best source for printed Godspell sheet music: Sheet Music Plus [new browser window] (opens new browser window)

The Stephen Schartz Songbook, includes Godspell songs as Stephen plays them as well as others. 292 pages of music.
Godspell songs included: "Beautiful City," originally from the film, but now often included in this rewritten form in productions of the show, also: "All Good Gifts," "Day by Day"

Search for GODSPELL on www.MusicalEverything.com/ [new browser window]

Complete Score: Godspell : Vocal Score [new browser window]

Vocal Selections at Amazon.com - discount for new and used: Godspell: Vocal Selections [new browser window]

Includes Schwartz songs:

All for the Best
All Good Gifts
Bless the Lord (as O Bless the Lord)
Day by Day
Learn Your Lessons Well
Light of the World
On the Willows
Prepare Ye
Save the People
Tower of Babble
Turn Back, O Man
We Beseech Thee

as well as, "By My Side" (By Peggy Gordan and Jay Hamberger)

GODSPELL CHORAL MUSIC: Visit our Choral Music from Stephen Schwartz Musicals page for more options

Godspell Posters

BUY Godspell Play and Movie Posters Select Godspell posters here.

Poster art by David Byrd.

Graphic artist David Byrd attend the same university as Godspell's creators: John Michael Tebelak, Stephen Schwartz, and the first Godspelll cast. They all went to Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Byrd received a BFA in Painting & Design in 1964 and an MFA in Painting & Printmaking in 1966.

Between 1968 & 1973, in addition to the Godspell poster, he created posters for Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, the Who & their rock opera Tommy; Traffic, Iron Butterfly, Ravi Shankar, and the Grateful Dead; also the legendary Woodstock Festival poster.

Godspell Synopsis/Overview

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." The show opened 5/17/71 Off-Broadway and transferred to Broadway in 1976. It ran for 2,124 performance off-Broadway and 527 on Broadway.

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 show also 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 is one of the most ubiquitous properties in theater history," suggests Michael Portantiere, a writer for Theatremania.com. Among the reasons he sites for its popularity is the score by Stephen Schwartz. This score "...embraces more than a dozen terrific songs--including one in particular, 'Day by Day,' that became an international hit soon after the show premiered Off-Broadway some 30 years ago."

Why else is it so often performed and appreciated by local theatre groups? "Godspell calls for a relatively small cast of 10, and its presentational, comically improvisational style appeals to just about everyone. Perhaps the greatest tribute to the show's popularity is the fact that its unabashedly religious subject matter hasn't prevented it from receiving countless stagings in every conceivable venue."

Godspell History & Song Stories

The definitive source for Godspell history is the book Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked.

Godspell’s Creative Team: Stephen Schwartz, John-Michael Tebelak, and the Original Cast.
By Carol de Giere

In 1971, Stephen Schwartz, the future composer of the Godspell score, was an ambitious twenty-three-year-old. He had a few college musicals on his resume, along with one Broadway song credit, “Butterflies Are Free,” used in the play of the same name. Fortunately for him, New York agent, Shirley Bernstein (Leonard Bernstein’s sister), had recognized his talent when he played her some songs from the college version of Pippin, and she promoted him to others.

“She had a young man with a musical that she wanted very much for us to hear,” recalls Edgar Lansbury, one of many prospective producers who came through Ms. Bernstein’s door to hear Schwartz’s work. Lansbury and his business partner liked Schwartz’s style and energy. They invited him to create a new score for Godspell so they could mount the unusual musical at an off-Broadway venue in Greenwich Village.

Schwartz was the newcomer to Godspell—a show that John-Michael Tebelak had conceived, directed, and brought to New York in a more raw and avant-garde incarnation. The two of them made an odd-looking, but genius creative pair. In charge of making the show a professional musical was the athletic and trim Stephen Schwartz at 5’8” tall. Tebelak, the more laid back and philosophically-oriented of the two, wore his hair in a bushy afro style that accentuated his height of 6’1.” Both young men had studied directing at Carnegie Melon University drama school.

At college, Tebelak developed the play’s concept, which connected Bible parables with actors behaving like clowns (or comic movie characters) in order to bring a joyful and spontaneous feeling to the material. Tebelak managed to convert a reluctant group of ten cast members to his outlandish notion. For a 1970 production of what was then called “The Godspell” in a tiny theatre on the Carnegie campus, the actors helped develop the playful performance style. The first score, written by a friend of the director, attached rock music to a set of lyrics from hymns and psalms.

Stephen Schwartz saw the version that was staged in the winter of 1971 off-off-Broadway. During their first meeting, Tebelak handed Schwartz a mimeographed script that included psalms, hymns, and parables. New song placement and tunes were now up for grabs, though the show’s basic structure would remain intact. Schwartz recalls about the status of the show, “It just had to be musicalized in a way that was more accessible or emotional, and had more variety.”

With guidance from Schwartz and Tebalak, the cast for the new version of Godspell brought their own character ideas and antics into the mix. Schwartz kept “By My Side” from the off-off-Broadway Godspell, wrote new music for lyrics already in place, and added his own original music and lyrics for “All For the Best,” and “Learn Your Lessons Well.”

Godspell opened in May 17, 1971 at the Cherry Lane Theatre. It quickly became unstoppable, and the creative work seemed, (as suggested by the song title), “all for the best.”

—Carol de Giere is the author of the authorized biography Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked—a book that includes the full “making of the musical” stories for Schwartz’s masterpieces.  www.DefyingGravityTheBook.com

Godspell Songs - Stories from Stephen Schwartz and Peggy Gordon Read stories behind "All Good Gifts," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For the Best," "We Beseech Thee," "Turn Back O Man," "By My Side," "Alas for You," and "Beautiful City"

John-Michael Tebelak

Godspell Original Cast

TORONTO Godspell 1972: GODSPELL in Toronto 1972 "Prepared the Way" For Many Stars

Godspell recordings history

Godspell history trip in NYC - Photo of Cherry Lane and Gilmer McCormick

Special "Beautiful City" page created after September 11th

"All Good Gifts" page with lyrics

Original sources from psalms, hymns, etc. for the lyrics of Godspell
lyric sources

Review from 1971 - Cleveland

Godspell Reviews for Godspell on Tour and NYC Revival

Godspell Website pages and Godspell photos

Follow this link for important information for Performers and Directors - Licensing info, tips, etc.

For singers: Visit our sister site MusicalSingers.com for tips, recorded courses on singing, sheet music, vocal health information, vocal coach links, and more. Everything for singers who love musicals

A "must read" for Godspell fans and performers: The Frequently Requested Information section of StephenSchwartz.com.

Inspired answers to some of the questions in the Music Theatre International Study Guide for Godspell

Art and inspiration - Tony's Godpell Poster Page
Tony's Godspell Poster Page

Godspell at Theatre III, West Action, MA
Great Godspell photos

Theatremania.com writer explores the development of the off-Broadway production unofficially called "Godspell 2000." This production's cast recorded an album. Theatremania.com

"Everything You Need to Know about Godspell" site. Includes details on biblical references and lots more.
www.geocities.com/Broadway

Tommy's Godspell site with notes, songfiles, and videoclips Tommy's Godspell site

Godspell movie details with midi files From Stage to Screen

Patchesandfacepaint Godspell fan site has a Stephen Schwartz page now. Patchesandfacepaint - Godspell fan site Stephen Schwartz page. For other pages on this site, see the left hand menu there.

Budding site with photos: Kelly's personal Godspell site.

Godspell's Off-Broadway Revival is the subject of this site: Godspell 2000.

Godspell has been popular "down under" since the early 70's. An Australian Godspell site is Light of the World.

STARS: There's a Victor Garber discussion group. Victor Garber archives [new browser window] has links to interviews, etc. (Link goes to a search on Garber and Godspell). If anyone knows of others, let me know. Kelly's site has a wonderful page on who's where.

Godspell production at Assumption College http://www.assumption.edu/

More photos: U of Memphis production and Royal Court Productions

More Godspell pics - 2003, They also made their own set.

From Moonstruck Godspell vocal score, selections, medley, All Good Gifts, and Beautiful City

The Filming of Godspell on video

Godspell and the Filming of Godspell is also available from http://www.facets.org [new browser window]

(Unless you are a fanatic like me who wants to know everything about Schwartz and the movie, it may not be worth buying. It does have about a 2 minute interview with Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelek that is fun. Most of the rest is commentary by the director about how the movie was put together.--Carol de Giere)

Godspell Forum and show schedule

See www.stephenschwartz.com forum for general discussion.

See www.musicals.net Forum list for their active Godspell discussion Forum.

See Stephen Schwartz musicals show schedule for a list of productions of Schwartz musicals around North America.