GODSPELL

Godspell
A Musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew
Lansbury-Duncan-Beruh / Columbia, 1973, Color, 102 minutes, ***½
Released March, 1973

Based on the hit play, Godspell presents the Gospel According to St. Matthew as played out in modern Manhattan. Colorful costumes and exciting choreography highlight this favorite that features the songs "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Light of the World," and others. With Victor Garber, David Haskell.

This film seemed almost sacrilegious when I first saw it because it was so different. But I have come to appreciate it for what it is: a light-hearted and fun interpretation of the Gospel of St. Matthew. The cast consists of a group of young folks who perform a number of dances of different styles, along with humorous skits and music. It is a fun interpretation of the Book of Matthew with a reverence of its own making through fun and a light-hearted script. It interprets the Gospel with a joy-for-life mood that is irresistible. It is a lot of fun, and the music is great! Don't miss it!

Produced by: Edgar Lansbury
Associate Producer: Kenneth Utt
Production Manager: Paul Ganapoler
Directed by: David Greene
Assistant Director: John Walsh
Screenplay by: David Greene and John-Michael Tebelak
From the Play Directed and Written by John-Michael Tebelak
With Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Produced on the Stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan, Joseph Beruh
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
Music and Lyrics of "By My Side" by Peggy Gordon, Jay Hamburger
Musical Scoring by: Stephen Schwartz
Choreography by: Sammy Bayes
Creative Consultant: John-Michael Tebelak
Production Designed by: Brian Eatwell
Art Director: Ben Kazazkow
Set Decorator: John Godfrey
Makeup Artist: Phil Goldblat
Costumes by: Sherrie Sucher
(Based on Original Designs by Susan Tsu)
Sound: Les Lazarowitz
Director of Photography: Richard Heimann
Color by TVCLabs
Film Editor: Alan Heim

Cast: Victor Garber [Jesus], Katie Hanley [Katie], David Haskell [John / Judas], Merrell Jackson [Merrell], Joanne Jonas [Joanne], Robin Lamont [Robin], Gilmer McCormick [Gilmer], Jeffrey Mylett [Jeffrey], Jerry Sroka [Jerry], Lynne Thigpen [Lynne]

Musical Program: [0:07] Prepare Ye the Way of The Lord (sung by The Company); [0:10] Save the People (sung by Victor Garber and Company); [0:17] Learn Your Lessons Well (played on makeshift instruments in junkyard by The Company); [0:22] Day by Day (sung by Robin Lamont and Company); [0:30] Turn Back, O Man (sung by Joanne Jonas, Victor Garber and Company); [0:41] Bless the Lord (sung by Lynne Thigpen and Company); [0:46] All for the Best (sung by Victor Garber, David Haskell and Company); [0:55] All Good Gifts (sung by Merrell Jackson and Company); [1:05] Light of the World (sung by Jerry Sroka, Gilmer McCormick, Jeffrey Mylett, Robin Lamont and Company); [1:10] Alas for You (sung by Victor Garber); [1:14] By My Side (sung by Katie Hanley and Company); [1:18] Beautiful City (sung by The Company); [1:25] On the Willows (sung by Stephen Reinhardt, Richard LaBonte and Victor Garber); [1:32] Finale (sung by Victor Garber and Company, includes reprisals of "Prepare Ye" and "Day by Day")