Daniel Goldstein directed the first-ever Broadway revival of the funky, pop-rock musical that first played Broadway in 1976 (following a long Off-Broadway run that launched in 1971). The new, in-the-round production began previews Oct. 13, 2011, and officially opened Nov. 7 at the Circle in the Square Theatre. It is based on an original idea and concept by Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Academy Award winner Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, the upcoming Houdini).

While critics gave the new staging a mixed reception, audiences were charmed by the youthful cast, which originally featured Hunter Parrish, Lindsay Mendez and Telly Leung. The production has been struggling at the box office for several months, grossing only $156,437 in the week leading up to the June 10 Tony Awards.

	Wallace Smith and Corbin Bleu
	photo by Jeremy Daniel

Despite his passion for the production, Davenport recently indicated the possibility of a June 24 closing date on his blog, citing low box-office figures.

"I've never been more proud of a show than I am of Godspell," Davenport said in a statement released June 12 shortly before the 8 PM performance. "For nine months this incredible company of performers brought joy into the hearts of more than 153,000 people (and blasted them with over 1,000 pounds of confetti) ... forever changing their lives, and mine as well. And while this production of Godspell may not be at Circle in the Square past the 24th of June, it will be in our hearts and the hearts of everyone who saw it forever." A Ghostlight Records cast album preserves the original revival cast. Michael Holland penned the new arrangements for this latest incarnation of Godspell. Many said a major highlight of the production's new musical palette is a plaintive, arresting take on "Beautiful City."

The cast currently features Corbin Bleu as Jesus and Wallace Smith as John and Judas, as well as Uzo Aduba, Nick Blaemire, Hannah Elless, Celisse Henderson, Morgan James, Telly Leung, George Salazar and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. Understudies are Corey Mach, Eric Michael Krop, Julia Mattison and Amina Robinson.

Godspell has choreography by 2012 Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Miranda Hoffman, lighting design by David Weiner, sound design by Andrew Keister, projection design by Daniel Brodie, special effects by Chic Silber, orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Michael Holland, musical coordination by John Miller and musical direction by Charlie Alterman.

Godspell is produced by Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Broadway Across America, Luigi Caiola, Rose Caiola, Edgar Lansbury, Mike McClernon, The Tolchin Family, Guillermo Wiechers & Juan Torres and The People of Godspell. Associate producers include Dennis Grimaldi Production, Todd Miller, Pivot Entertainment Group, Chris Welch and Cedric Yau.

Tickets are $125 for all performances except Saturday evenings, which are $135. Tickets are available by calling Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or by visiting Telecharge.com.  Circle in the Square Theater is located at 1633 Broadway at 50th Street.

Visit Godspell.com for more information.