[MHoward]

I have addressed your observations within the posting. Please do not take my comments as criticism, but mere observations.


First of all, the Twelve Stations of the Cross are not universally recognized or understood. Especially in the non-denoms and more non-liturgical Protestant denominations, some folks have never been exposed to the stations.

To me, it is not important for the audience to have a theological background to understand the Passion of Christ or Godspell. First, the stations are abbreviated into the context of the playing of the Finale. The Finale is played twice and sung the second time only. To me, the Passion is the essence, as you have already noted, of Act II. Act II is meant to be the Passion.

Secondly, you just added not only an interpretation, but basically a medieval Passion Play to something that isn't even written to be there! Many of us add a resurrection, but we do it within the context of the music and bows.

This idea of the Passion is incorporated into the existing music of the show. To me, the Passion and Resurrection are two very different ideas and concepts. I use a light cue to symbolize the Resurrection; while I use the Finale music and Stations of the Cross to depict the Passion. Why water down the Passion? It is what it is.

I think what you are planning verges on rewriting, and changing the entire concept of the show. In its original form, Act One is the Life of Christ, and Act Two is the Passion of Christ. You've added an Act Three.

I respectfully disagree with your over simplification of Godspell. Act I is NOT the life of Christ. Act I is the building up of a community and the self examination of the cast (society’s archetypes) as part of a larger whole. By the end of Act I the audience and cast should understand that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Why do you think the Tower of Babble and the Prologue are there?

By depicting a more explicit Passion, ala Stations of the Cross, the audience is able to experience the pathos the show demands. Somehow, in this day and age, the idea of Jesus standing next to a chain link fence with red ribbons in his hands does not do the concept of the show justice.

As I tell my cast members, this show is NOT a vehicle to expound ones beliefs, but about the formation of a community. What I find intriguing about Act II is that after all the work the community has done to solidify itself; it is so quick to turn in on itself. To me Godspell is about a man (Jesus) selling something to a group of people with very differing needs. That “something” needs to be defined by each cast member. In general terms, that “something” is friendship, love, forgiveness: community. Each cast member will eventually buy into what Jesus has to sell, at a price.

Act II shows how delicate relationships really are. We bring the audience with us on a wonderfully funny and exhilarating ride during Act I. Act II is meant to smack the audience in the face with the unexpected realization of how difficult maintaining the community can be. Yes, it is a Passion Play of a real man nailed to a real cross. That in itself is very powerful, but not for the obvious reasons (religious). The show runs so much deeper than that.

I don't mean to hurt feelings or be unduly critical, but I don't think your audience is going to appreciate your intent.

I think each theater company has an obligation to know its audience. I directed Godspell last year with the same Finale and received standing ovations every performance. Audience members were clearly moved and left with a wonderful mix of emotions.

I have received many comments from audience members saying that the complexity of the show (symbolism etc) stayed with them long after leaving the theatre. One said that a few days after seeing the show, she figured out the subtlety of the costumes. (Cast member would remove layers of colored clothing to reveal all shades of white by the end of the show) What makes me happy about directing Godspell is that I can make people think about the show long after the theater has gone dark.

My latest production was done at a Christian high school, and all the members of the cast professed Christ as Lord, as well as the staff and musicians...but when I mentioned this to several of them at our Christmas reunion, they were stumped. Quizzical looks abounded.

Godspell can be a VERY complex show, which is what makes it worthwhile. This is a show for everyone, young and old; but don’t fool yourself, not everyone will digest the nuances.