A casting notice for upcoming auditions (Nov. 14-19) reveals the production — directed by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli — will tentatively begin rehearsals in mid-June 2008 with a mid-to-late-July first preview and an opening in August.
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In a previous statement, producer Adam Epstein said, "When I saw Daniel Goldstein's production of Godspell, I was overpowered by its vibrancy and relevance. This Broadway production will take that experience to an even more glorious level. It is essential that the power of this production and how it moves people lives on at its highest potential."
Epstein will reunite the creative team of the aforementioned 2006 production of Godspell at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse including designers David Korins (scenic), Miranda Hoffman (costume), Ben Stanton (lighting) and Randy Hanson (sound).
Godspell features a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak. Based on "The Gospel According to St. Matthew," the musical, press notes state, uses "improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate the parables, [bringing] these lessons to life through the grand tradition of musical theatre." Song titles include "Day By Day," "Save The People," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side." After a five-year run Off-Broadway (the musical opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre May 13, 1971, and transferred to the Promenade in August of that year), Godspell opened at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre in June 1976. It eventually played both the Plymouth and Ambassador theatres before closing Sept. 4, 1977, after 527 regular performances. Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak.
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The 2006 Paper Mill cast of Godspell featured Dan Kohler as Jesus with Joshua Henry as Judas/John and Uzo Aduba, Sarah Bolt, Sara Chase, Holly Davis, Patrick Heusinger, Anika Larsen, Telly Leung, Kasey Marino, Julie Reiber and Robin De Jesus.