Godspell

A musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew

By John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz

March 22, 23, & 24,  2007

Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon, Manitoba   Tickets 728-9510

Godspell began in 1970 as a master's thesis for John-Michael Tebelak.  Most of the original lyrics came from the Episcopal hymnal and were set to music by cast members.  It played for two weeks in 1971 in a small cafe in New York's Greenwich Village before being spotted by Broadway producers.  They added songs to it and staged it off-Broadway, where it was a sensation and ran for five years before moving to Broadway in 1976.  It was made into a film in 1973, set in NYC, and included a scene at the top of the World Trade Centre. Godspell features such songs as Day by Day, By My Side, All Good Gifts, Turn Back O Man, and Learn Your Lessons Well.

Godspell tells the gospel story in a modern day setting.  Called from a confusing world by John the Baptist, the characters meet Jesus the teacher.  Through songs, mime, dance, and puppets, they learn a series of lessons in Act One.  Act Two shifts to the last week in Jesus' life and the characters follow him through the week's events to the resurrection.

Godspell in rehearsal

Director: George Buri            Music Director:  Matt Duboff            Vocal Coach:  Kara Dixon            Choreographer:  Barbara Ehnes