Modern take on 'Godspell' proves musical's versatility

David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

Modern characters and updated music keep 39-year-old musical "Godspell" fresh for theater audiences.

By TBO.COM | Staff
Published: February 10, 2010

Pick a parable, any parable, and you'll likely find that its message hits a nerve. Regardless of origin, these religion-based stories impart moral lessons -- or reminders -- that apply to everyone sometime.

The musical "Godspell," which opened Tuesday at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, is packed with such allegories, including love thy neighbor, turn the other cheek and eat dessert first lest ye die (OK, that one's mine).

Since its off-Broadway debut in 1971, "Godspell" has been reproduced over the years to the point of exhaustion. There's a reason for this redundancy: The show is unbelievably versatile.

Lyricist "Stephen Schwartz said that you can do the show a million different ways as long as you create a sense of community," said director Rick Criswell.

John-Michael Tebelak wrote "Godspell" for his master's thesis while studying at Carnegie Mellon University. Producers picked it up after seeing a performance at a small New York club, and they hired Schwartz (of "Wicked" fame) to write new songs. In 1976, the musical about Jesus and his disciples reached Broadway.

All of Act I and much of Act II reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are described in the Gospel of Matthew. Through these stories, Christ fostered a kinship between his followers. This unity is the bigger lesson that makes "Godspell" so persistently appealing.

"There are positive messages in these parables that people think of but don't assert," said Craig Sculli, who plays Jesus in the Straz Center production. "With some, I thought, 'Ouch. I've gotta start thinking that way.' It knocks you for a loop, and you think, 'I've got to do better.'"

To date, this is the largest set in the Jaeb Theater. Modern characters and an updated music arrangement, from rap to circus-themed, give the show an urban feel on top of the biblical sensibility.

"We want people to leave with a sense of rebirth, no matter what your religious background is. We get too locked into organized religion versus the human soul or spirit. This production shows you can rely on your neighbor or your friend if you treat people the way you want to be treated," Criswell said.