Representatives for the production confirmed that members of the Godspell band were recording the musical tracks Nov. 8, with the cast to follow Nov. 14 to lay down vocals. Kurt Deutsch and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz are producing the album. Godspell lead producer Ken Davenport first tweeted the news of the recording.
An early January 2012 in-store release date is the goal, though the disc will likely be available at the Circle in the Square Theatre before then.
Daniel Goldstein directs the first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's pop-rock take on the Gospel of Matthew, which was originally conceived and directed by book writer John-Michael Tebelak. Godspell opened Nov. 7 after previews that began Oct. 13.
Standouts in the Tony-nominated score include "Day By Day," "All Good Gifts," "Save the People," "O Bless the Lord," and "Beautiful City." The revival reflects updated orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Michael Holland. Musical director is Charlie Alterman.
In addition to the original 1976 Broadway cast album, Godspell recordings include the 1973 film soundtrack, a 2001 national tour version and the 2000 Off-Broadway revival, featuring Chad Kimball, Leslie Kritzer, Shoshana Bean and Barrett Foa. The 2011 revival cast features Parrish (Spring Awakening, "Weeds") as Jesus, Smith (American Idiot) as Judas, as well as Mendez (Everyday Rapture, Grease), Leung (Rent, "Glee"), Uzo Aduba (Coram Boy), Nick Blaemire (Cry-Baby), Celisse Henderson ("The Electric Company," In Transit), Morgan James (Wonderland, The Addams Family), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle ("Hannah Montana," "Fame") and George Salazar (Spring Awakening national tour).
James, who has been out of the production after suffering an injury during early previews, will return to Godspell later this month. She will be heard on the album. Understudy Julia Mattison has been performing the role in her absence.
Check out Playbill.com's opening night video coverage:
