BWW TV: Prepare Ye - First Look at GODSPELL in Rehearsal! — Page 3

You mean Glory Day!


And the largest obstacle this show has so far is negative word of mouth generated before the public has even seen it.

As theatre lovers, I would imagine a good percentage of this board have actually performed in a stage production before. Whether it be in community theatre or proffesional work, rehearsals are the same in one way: when you're rehearsing in a small room, tape marking the set, no costumes or props and a pianist, the vibe and structure of the show FEELS different once you get the lights, the set, an orchestra, costumes, a STAGE and an audience.

There is no way we can form an opinion on a production we haven't even seen. I think it looks like fun. I'm so glad they're sticking to fresh, new talent! I'm looking forward to it.

I have heard nothing but positive things about this production. As a matter of fact an inside source says that ticket sales are going really well for the holidays. They say the score is completely enhanced and the production is going to be top notch. But I guess if left up to the harsh critics on this thread, many of whom have no experience on stage at all or the business for that matter, they would love for the show to fail. Just like many other shows people want to fail. Nothing new. It's sad though.
Go Godspell.

^ I kind of think Hair got the last juice out of that lemon before Ace Young, Diana DeGarmo, and the replacement cast came in. The returns at the St. James weren't good. If they're looking to catch the Hair crowd, I think they should instead train their sights on Wicked overflow; that's a safer bet in any case.

---

There's one big difference with Godspell.

God.

That will polarize audiences today much more than it did decades earlier. We're talking about the Bible here, aka "God Is My Lyricist." And people are freakier about it now than they were even in the 1960s.

I predict it will keep more modern audiences away than it will attract, actually.

---

Updated On: 10/1/11 at 06:45 AM

I just think that even with good reviews, in this day, it's a tough sell. The key will be a youthful, talented cast attempting to make it fresh, but you've still got a major hurdle with the subject matter.

I just can't see people lining up to pay $200 to go to Sunday school.

Originally, Godspell was a fresh idea (or fresh enough). It was part of a growing movement that explored "the old" through "new" eyes. A youthful vision and vibe. It also was an Off-Broadway show with an experimental "fringe festival" feel. But really the "vibe" was greater than both the material and the production.

Now that "vibe" is a period piece itself, so you're left with judging the material, the subject, and the production values (including the cast) on their own merits. And uptown, on the Great White Way. They're more exposed, this time.

In the '60s and early '70s, religion was still a big/hot topic, but it wasn't anywhere near as polarizing as it is today. All you have to do is mention Jesus and God today and quote scripture, and people's heads explode. "Godspell" is nothing but Holy scripture set to music.

If I were them, I would be doing everything possible to recapture that "vibe," from the moment an audience walks in the theatre. And that's something you can't get from watching a rehearsal video (something they probably shouldn't have released). If they can get audiences in the right mood and frame of mind BEFORE the show starts, it might work. If not, they'll just be seeing this material for what it is.

Bible School: The Musical

---

Gee, thanks.

Next?

EDIT: Actually, the hell I did. What a waste of time. Read #3, and it applies to both posts.


polarize, polarise [?p??l??ra?z]
vb
1. to acquire or cause to acquire polarity
2. (Physics / General Physics) to acquire or cause to acquire polarization to polarize light
3. to cause people to adopt extreme opposing positions to polarize opinion
polarizable , polarisable adj

---

Updated On: 10/1/11 at 02:05 PM

Maybe I'm biased because the last production of Godspell I saw had the first act curtain falling on Jesus stopping a coat hanger abortion.

Holy crap.

---

It was an invited production at the region five Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival last January. The production was chock full of innovation: Judas selling drugs, a tranny bashing, Jesus getting hit by a train instead of crucified.

Updated On: 10/2/11 at 04:10 PM

Either I misread your posts wrong because it was late and I am feverish or the update you did to the first post took care of it, best. Either way, no big whoop.

---