Godspell versus JCS

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 4:44pm

After reading innumerable threads filled with negative comments about both ungodly messes in the forms of Godspell and JCS, I have yet to reach a clear consensus about which show in particular do people find worse?

Having seen Godspell and only some clips of JCS, it seems Godspell only wins out because the cast is charismatic and engaging, elevating the material, as opposed to the vanilla blandness in the singing and acting of JCS' cast.

What say you, the people?

[smurftoo]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 4:58pm

Godpsell is a true crowd pleaser! They have a terrific cast of kids in their 20's working their magic. Great people, great music, great show! Go and enjoy!

If you're an Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, go see Ricky Martin instead!

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 5:33pm

I haven't JCS and probably won't, but Godspell is one of the only times I contemplated walking out of a theatre and is by far worst show I've seen this season. I'm not a fan of the score to begin with, so that certainly taints my opinion, but I this production made it unbearable.

I'm not really sure what the point of this thread is since I don't think you're planning on seeing either.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 7:08pm

Personally I think JCS has a better score. The sound in this production is truly amazing!

Was never a fan of Godspell's score.

[binau]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 7:11pm

broadwaydevil did you see Spider-man or Death Takes a Holiday? I don't mean this in an obnoxious way, I'm just genuinely wondering if you enjoyed those shows more than Godspell...

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 7:42pm

I have seen Godspell 2 times, JCS 2 times, this production and a previous production. IMO, the music/score for JCS is in entirely different league compared to Godspell. Ditto for the story line too. Godspell, being a series of parables based on the Gospel of Matthew, told with humor and improv. JCS, story of the last week of his life. Great songs comes from both shows.

The current casts, Godspell's cast has a nice fan base and did so prior to Godspell. JCS, fan base, little to none, basically unknowns to the Broadway community. So, I could see Godspell winning the popularity contest here. Yes, this production of JCS is told slightly different then others, maybe a little less rocking, less screaming. While some are criticizing Josh Young's take on Judas, personally I like it.

Quizking maybe you should give JCS a try, instead of relying on other people's criticism and opinions. You may actually enjoy the show.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 8:09pm

Despite it shortcomings, I thoroughly enjoyed JCS.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 3/16/12 at 10:54pm

Qolbinau - I wish I could see every show that opens but I don't have the funds or the time. I haven't seen either of those shows since I tend to attempt to avoid what I'm told is awful given my limited budget and time. Hence, as I said, Godspell is the worst show that I saw this season.

[ChildrenwillListen]

Posted: 3/17/12 at 2:30pm

Godspell is just an all around better show.

[mee.who]

Posted: 3/17/12 at 8:12pm

While I do like a lot of the cast and the score, I found myself cringing A LOT while watching Godspell.

Saw JCS for the first time this afternoon and really loved it.




Updated On: 3/17/12 at 08:12 PM

[AADA81]

Posted: 3/18/12 at 6:35am

I've seen both and appeared in "Godspell" three times. I think JCS is an infinitely better show. The score is more complex, it actually has a narrative and the score is vastly superior. What I really dislike about "Godspell" in every incarnation I've seen or been in is that the looseness and faux "cheeriness" of the narrative invites mugging and corny over-the-top antics from the cast (myself included). Every cast I've seen in this show (including me and the ones I was part of) seems to have suffered from an attack of the "cutes". I find it unbearable.

[junkyard]

Posted: 3/18/12 at 9:41am

two different musical styles provide two enjoyable envenings of theatre for the average theatre goer. Have seen both productions and enjoyed both. Neither was great but that's Broadway these days. I must admit though as my ears get older I have less tolerence for a lot of the screeching in JCS......PS I think it was a stroke of genius putting Godspell in the Circle in the Square. I don't feel it would have survived very long in a larger house such as the Barrymore, where it was scheduled to go 3 years ago.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 3/18/12 at 10:30am

You can't compare JCS and Godspell. The shows approach the subject of Jesus Christ from very different perspectives.

I think both shows are very good. JCS has the more complex, dramatic score and focuses on Jesus' last days whereas Godspell is sort of a musical vaudeville based on parables found in the Gospel According to St. Matthew.

I haven't seen the new productions currently running yet. But I do intend to.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 3/18/12 at 11:11am

The current productions or the shows themselves? If the latter, , definitely JCS. I love Godspell's score and the cast recording is great to listen to, but I find it absolutely obnoxious onstage. JCS is the musical I've seen the most times, and I've loved it every time with the exception of one high school production.

[bwaybby]

Posted: 3/18/12 at 1:15pm

I've seen both. And they are both exactly what I love for revivals to be; new takes. If you want a strong, moving story, incredible acting and cool visuals go see JCS. If you want a really fun time with universally amazing vocals go to Godspell. JCS has some outstanding star-making performances whereas Godspell is a very strong ensemble cast. I got very cheap tickets to both. Why not see both?
Luv2goToShows I totally agree about Josh Young. Would love to hear your full review of both shows.