Godspell vs Jesus Christ Superstar, Which Do You See?

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:06pm

So we absolutely know we are getting Godspell this season, and now there is rumblings of Jesus Christ Superstar coming back in spring of 2012.

So here is my question as a ticket buyer you can only see one show about Jesus, which do you choose?

[Johnnycantdecide]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:12pm

Jesus Christ Superstar. No contest.

[Nettik]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:13pm

Jesus Christ Superstar. While I like the music from Godspell more, I find the show boring in comparison to JCS.

[gypsy4]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:18pm

Godspell In my oppinion has a stronger message and score,compared to JCS. I'm always deeply moved by Godspell's simple magic. The music is also one of my favorites, when performed by a strong group of actors the book also it's moments. It's not that I don't like JCS I was just moved by the other.

Updated On: 7/7/11 at 09:18 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:31pm

Both.

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:32pm

JCS, without question. It's the only production of the show I've ever seen that has gotten across-the-board raves from critics; even critics who didn't like the show itself loved the production.

GODSPELL in this instance is another homogenized sugar-coated version of the material, just like many productions have been over the years. Its day is done in this version Davenport's trying to do. Had it been a revival of our urban/all-black cast instead, it wouldn't be about to take a wash, especially with the name talent we had in mind. But it is. Quel dommage.

Updated On: 7/6/11 at 09:32 PM

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:37pm

^ um im sorry so you choose JCS over godspell not cus its a better show but because its not going to be a all black cast?

And that last sentence also makes you sound extremely bitter to me.

Updated On: 7/6/11 at 09:37 PM

[My Name in Lights]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:37pm

Both shows are good if the production is well done. Although they both concern the life of Jesus, they are different in that JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is flashier overall, but GODSPELL is easier to follow, has great music, and will definitely move you. I have seen both shows and enjoyed both shows, but I saw JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR on Broadway, while I saw GODSPELL at the Papermill Playhouse - twice, but for two entirely different productions. Although the later production was updated for 2006, it still retained its charm and dazzle in the telling of its story without relying upon flash to convey it. The last update of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was changed so much it lost a lot of what made it spectacular and a good show. The producers went a little crazy updating the story. The point is that the story doesn't need that much embellishment, the music, the actors, and the story carry it very well enough for each production, whether its GODSPELL or JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Both are sort of situations where if it ain't broke...updating is ok but going crazy for either one is not necessary, and may be detrimental to the production and very costly. If I had to pick which one I thought would be a winner without having to try so hard, it would be GODSPELL. Adding to the overall experience of GODSPELL is the fact that it is being done in a theatre which can be very intimate if staged correctly. Circle in the Square is a great theatre for this type of production.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:40pm

JCS , I would rather have a root canal than see another production of Godspell, the music is as banal as music can be ... if you can call that crap music.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 9:43pm

@My Name In Lights this upcoming revival is being directed by the gentlemen who directed that Papermill production

[My Name in Lights]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:08pm

No matter who produces it, I hope it runs awhile. It's a good show. I'm looking forward to it.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:16pm

Superstar of course! I'd try and see both depending on who is in the cast of Godspell, but if I had to only pick one or the other I'd probably pick Superstar.

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:22pm

thismyshow:

Number one, asshole, I choose JCS because I prefer it. It was my first love. Secondly, yes, I'm bitter. Our production is more current, and it has the genuine spark and Christian sentiment of the black community to lend it more weight than whatever light, ephemeral, fey production of GODSPELL is about to bounce into Circle in the Square.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:24pm

^ first of all name calling isnt necessary second of all are you part of the production team? no? well then you have no clue what this new productions going to look like.

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:31pm

I have every clue what the production's going to look like. I have two eyes and two ears and I know that the same team as Papermill '06 is involved. Another glucose train-wreck. I'll pass, thanks. My show is better.

[hyperbole_and_a_half]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:35pm

Neither.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:36pm

yeah the papermill production that got raves across the board, sounds like its going to be terrible (rolls eyes). Take your bitterness elsewhere dude.

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:51pm

I bet the Papermill people don't have Stephen Schwartz on tape saying their show was the best production of the work he'd ever seen in its history. Takes a lot of cojones not to be bitter, amigo.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:54pm

They have the full support of Schwarts behind the production the dude recorded a video for this upcoming productions website......

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 10:55pm

Of course he recorded a video for them saying he was happy GODSPELL was coming back to Broadway. It could be GODSPELL with laser beams and dancing dwarfs and he'd do the same thing. He stands to make money. At no point does he evince an opinion, positive or negative, on their production. He says on tape that ours was the best he'd seen in the show's history. Distinct difference.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 11:06pm

GODSPELL. It's not the perfect show, but I've always found it hard to warm up to JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 7/6/11 at 11:27pm

(rolls eyes) back to topic folks.

[littlegreen2]

Posted: 7/7/11 at 4:08am

GODSPELL! There is something about Godspell that is pure magic to me. I've seen directors tackle it every which way, giving it a theme and running with it. I've seen females as Jesus and Judas and it gives the show a new life. But no two productions of that show are the same, ever. When I did a production of it, at first I felt that I wasn't being given enough guidance when in fact, any director of the show will need to look at the piece as a whole and not what each actor is doing individually. There is freedom for EACH ACTOR to treat the piece differently from their costars and there is so much beauty in that. It's so free and uplifting, and each time I leave the theatre I feel like I've just witnessed something really special, no matter how many times I've seen it. There are not many shows that make me feel like that.

[chewy5000]

Posted: 7/7/11 at 6:16am

Godspell is pretty naff

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/7/11 at 6:29am

Funny thing: if I were going to just listen to a recording, I'd listen to JCS but to SEE? Godspell. I've never seen JCS where it's been anything but an exercise to get done. Granted, I've never seen the show performed professionally, but I'm sure it's more me than the piece itself. It just doesn't do anything for me.

I'm actually a bit excited for this as I was a little let down after the cancellation a few years ago. I don't know how high this will be on my "must see" list until casting gets announced.

You don't have to LIKE Gvendo's opinion, but he did answer your question stating his reasons. No one knew you got to approve of another poster's reasons. You asked, he answered.