Note from the Director...

This immensely successful rock opera needs little introduction, but when it was first produced on Broadway in 1971 it broke new ground in its stage treatment of the historical Jesus Christ. Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, it deals with the last days of Jesus and includes dramatized versions of several well-known parables. Yet it is something more - a religious experience, a demonstration of joy, a celebration of the family of man & most importantly to me the illustration of love. The cast are conceived as students in an abandoned theatre, improvising scenery and costumes, and using many well-known theatrical devices, pantomime, vaudeville, and varied musical styles to interpret one of humanity's greatest events. 

GODSPELL began at Carnegie-Mellon University as a directing project for John-Michael Tebelak, who was in the theatre department there. John-Michael, who had thoughts of becoming an Episcopal minister before he decided to become a theatre director, had recently attended an Easter service in Pittsburgh and was struck by the lack of joy and celebration in the service as well as by the personal hostility he felt from some of his fellow churchgoers because of his youth and long hair (it was during the height of the Vietnam War and its accompanying "Generation Gap".) The show was presented at Carnegie, where it included interpolated pop songs and Episcopal hymns set to music written by cast members, as well as the song "By My Side", written by CMU students Jay Hamburger and Peggy Gordon (a member of the cast). Being very well-received, it was presented the following year in New York City at an off-offBroadway theatre called the Cafe la Mama. This was in February and March of 1971. There it was seen by producers Edgar Lansbury and Joseph Beruh (brought there by former CMU student Charles Haid, who became the associate producer of the show). They became interested in giving the show a commercial production at an off-Broadway theatre. This is when Stephen Schwartz joined the team as the composer and lyracist. 

GODSPELL earned a Grammy for producer and composer, Steven Schwartz as well as a 2 Drama Desk Awards for Most Promising Composer and Most Promising Lyricist. In 2012, GODSPELL received a Tony nomination the Best Revival of a Musical.   

I feel that this new revival version is a  masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements - even a new song written after the 911 tragedy. As the director, I chose this musical becuase it is fun, & exciting, it is great literature & for me, it speaks/teache what I want for my students, Love. It is hard to believe that this is the 23rd musical I've directed at Austin High, and I'm proud of it. I hope that you find the fast past story telling and that the incredible talent of our cast will keep you energized and entertained tonight. 

Stephen Schwartz said that this musical has changed his perception of Jesus and of his way of trying to deal with other people. 15 years ago, I was in this musical and now after directing it, I am reminded from GODSPELL that Jesus taught two major things: "Always treat others as you would have them treat you," and the greatest commands of all, "Love the lord your god with all of your heart, soul, & mind,"   and "love your neighbor as yourself." Would that everyone who professes to be believers would simply do those two things. Imagine how wonderful our world would be...full of love, peace, and joy.