what_the_heck013
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Godspell-2 More Characters?I am going to direct a production of Godspell at my church. I want to avoid a chorus, but include as many people as possible. Do you think by having two, new seperate characters sing "On The Willows" and "Beautiful City", I could add two more people to the cast. Of course, I would have to spread some lines around to them.
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Robinflamingo
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I had a total of twelve disciples and Jesus when I did it last year, which gives you a couple more characters, and aligns it biblically. Since everyone had their own names, I just retyped the script and assigned new names to some of the lines that wouldn't ruin the characterization of the lines that already were assigned. I don't recommend doing this, because it breaks a cardinal rule of directing, but it was sort of pushed for by the person who did the theological review on the script, and removed the parts that might be objectionable. (Yes, in Godspell.)
PM me if you want more details.
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what_the_heck013
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Hmm... I didn't even think of the biblical similarity (of course, that would be thirteen including Jesus).
Also, what are some non-usual ways of crucifying Jesus. I really don't want to do the whole chain-link fence thing.
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MHoward
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I have done Godspell several times and usually add characters. I would suggest having Judas sing Willows as a solilioque. I find it is very effective and shows the complexity of the JTB/Judas. In my current production, I have divided Lessons for two people to sing. I don't think it is necessary that each character have an entire solo. Good luck!
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what_the_heck013
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| MHoward wrote: | | I don't think it is necessary that each character have an entire solo. Good luck! |
I disagree. I see the songs as the moments in the show where each character has their revelation and decides to follow Jesus.
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MsDivaKate
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^^ I agree completely. There has to be some display of the character's devotion.
Though we added the extra disciples as well to bring it to a total of twelve disciples (including Judas) and then Jesus, so that it was "biblically accurate". Lessons was split between two girls, as MHoward mentioned for his production.
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Robinflamingo
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One of my "extra" characters took one of the verses in "You are the light of the World" and the harmony part in "By My Side" and it worked out well for her. The extra boy took another verse in "Light" and the Act Two opening reprise of "Lessons" (he played piano, and there was a cute bit where the piano player threw him out of the band area to start the show.)
Everyone had a significant "solo", and some of the defining moments came in dialogue for my cast, anyway.
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what_the_heck013
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I forgot about the "Learn Your Lessons Well" reprise. That could work.
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