Godspell-Original

Hmmm..just wondering. Did anyone on this board see the original production of "Godspell" off broadsay? I'm not referring to the 2000 adaptation with Barrett Foa, Chad Kimball, Shoshana Bean etc. I'm speaking of the production that opened at the Cherry Lane theatre in 1971 and proceeded to run for over 3000 performances before moving to Broadway in 1976 where it ran for over a year at the Broadhurst, Ambassador and Plymouth theaters (I guess back then, shows switched houses a lot). Just wondering what the original show was like. Thanks!

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I didn't see it, but I prefer the recording to the recent one.

Godspell is a fun show! i personaly like the newer cast recordings of godspell! the voices are so much better.

Updated On: 9/23/04 at 12:19 AM

Trivia - Sonya Manzano, who sang "Turn Back Oh Man" in the opriginal production, went on to become "Maria" on SESAME STREET, where she sstill resides!

More trivia - in the film version, there is a scene where they go to an old theatre and whow silent movies while they act out one of the parables. That was filmed at the Cherry Lane Theatre, where the show started.

I also prefer the 2000 Version especially Alas for You with the added guitar, and it being sung alot higher than the original.

I suspect that the original post is an effort to flush out us old guys on this board.

I saw the original production of Godspell. It was done quite simply on a mostly bare stage with a chain link fence on three sides. I just remember the show as both entertaining and touching. Although it played off-broadway, the show toured in full sized theatres around the country to good audience response. The first Act ended with the "Let's have some wine" line, and the audience was invited on to the stage where wine was poured out of gallon jugs into small paper cups. As to why it is cut, I don't know. It may have become a question of an insurance issue... inviting the audience onto the stage. Who knows.

That was quite a few years ago, but if you have a specific question I will be happy to try and answer it.

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Chad + Kimball = DREAMBOAT!

Well, he did manage to be a cow.