Hmmmmm...
Not sure what I think at this point.
Chorus Member Joined: 6/4/11
I like parts of it but i got to admit telly really let me down! he wasnt what i thought he would be!! But i love the 2nd scene that is an amazing Scene and they staged that so perfect!!
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/11
^ keep in mind their still in rehearsal and things can change......
First just a general comment about these rehearsal video clips (I remember seeing one of Anything Goes too). I realize it's only a rehearsal, but if the product isn't displayed in the best light why bother filming and releasing the clip? I know the producers want to generate interest, but you have to wonder why they would put together this 8 minute montage. Their star, Hunter Parrish, isn't shown off at all and the "staging" was lackluster throughout.
Why not perform "Save the People" and then end with "We Beseech Thee?"
I'm not condemning this revival before I see it. I scratch my head at the powers that be that want this clip to be the press for their show.
As for the video, "O Bless the Lord My Soul" sounded good, but I don't know what they were going for with that staging. The parable left me cold, and "All Good Gifts" (generally a snoozer for me) sounded like American Idol cheese.
This actually pumps me up to see this! Diverse beautiful cast of all shapes colors and sizes. Gorgeous voices, and what looks like some new life breathed into the score and staging. YES YES YES
Wondering why they didn't go with Day by Day or something more...fun. That said, I think it's well sung, but it seems hard to imagine how it'll shape up without many of the costume and set pieces that they're playing with. For the three numbers they did, I'm glad to hear that they didn't play around too much with the music.
At least for me, what they showed in the video needs to be seen in context. Don't know if they stand out on their own.
Don't get me wrong, though. I'm very excited about this production. Just wish I could have seen more, something with more energy. And they sound great, there's no denying that.
Updated On: 9/26/11 at 05:15 PM
Lack Luster.....let us hope this is better.
Like others have said, do not release something half-assed.
Chorus Member Joined: 6/4/11
im still going to see the show, just it was lack luster as everyone is saying. after i see it then i can say how it truely came together.
Hehehe. :)
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/11
everyone is saying lack luster and bad staging....
One it's ment to be seen in the round.
Two your seeing numbers without costumes a set or a full orchestra of course its going to seem bland
Rehearsal or no rehearsal, presented in the round or in the square (as Max Bialystock, with whom the producers of this revival are apparently well acquainted, would say, "where no one has a good seat"), you try to put the best face on your product. By the looks of what everyone's saying, this was not the best face. I'm just glad nothing was totally unfamiliar musically. I reserve all other comments on the show until opening night.
I will say this... for a typical production, even in rehearsal, this doesn't have even the illusion of having their **** together. The 2000 Off-Broadway and 2001 touring productions, say what you will about them, were better than what I see so far.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/20/06
Which University is presenting this?
^ This one wins.
Swing Joined: 9/26/11
I really loved it! It is awesome to be able to see a cast in the early stages of building a 2011 version of Godspell. The talent in that cast is amazing and we will smile as the production takes shape in the weeks ahead.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
I don't think Circle in the Square is quite intimate enough to make "the parable of the good samaritan as told by newspaper puppets" work in any manner. If this were one of those site specific productions, like in somebody's loft or something, it might connect.
And the big name, Hunter Parrish, is not even featured? This clip is a sales tool and we don't hear the headliner? Ouch!
And why does Hunter have a shirt on?
Broadway Star Joined: 4/7/08
I agree with almost everything that's been said. Bad song choices and no Hunter. I'm not giving up hope though.
According to Ken Davenport's blog, the telling of the Good Samaritan is "a totally original piece created by this group, inspired by music by cast member Celisse Henderson." So this is not even Stephen Schwartz's "new music"...
Understanding it is in rehearsal, here's my opinion: did not get me excited to see the show.
I'm in the rare group of not knowing ANYTHING about GODSPELL. I've heard the chorus of "Day by Day" before but that's it. Not being familiar with the story, after watching this video I was left confused, bored, and disappointed I didn't get to see Hunter featured.
It may be a problem of the creative team and cast being too close to the show that they don't know which numbers or scenes work in a showcase, out of context of the show. Otherwise, they would have performed "Prepare Ye," "Day by Day," "Save the People," "All for the Best," "We Beseech Thee"... any number of those. The staging of "Bless the Lord" just makes no sense out of context and without all of the real costumes and props.
Godspell is barely a linear plot right? I have seen it, but I don't even know how to classify it.
"Bless the Lord My Soul" is probably one of my favorite numbers from the show and Lindsay Mendez sounds fantastic! The other two numbers are less exciting though.
So is this production getting rid of all of the humor? That Good Samaritan scene/number was so serious!
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