Godspell Comes To CB

Learn the history behind CB’s upcoming fall musical.

Originally written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, the musical Godspell made its debut on Broadway on May 17, 1971. Godspell enjoyed success during its opening in 1971, and has recently made a return to Broadway in 2011. Christian Brothers Theater Director Mr. Connor Mickiewicz and Music Director Mr. Ron Slabbinck hope to share this masterpiece with the CB community along with a group of talented student thespians.

Godspell is a musical and has appearances from many key figures in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke, as the play recaps parables from both gospels. The show first began as a student project as John-Michael Tebelak’s master’s project. However, after its 10 performance run at the college, it caught the eyes of producers who wanted to present it elsewhere.

These producers hired Stephen Schwartz, who rewrote the soundtrack. This rewrite was generally a success having the song “Day by Day” topping at number 13 on the Billboards in 1972.

There have been several soundtracks written for this musical, making some of the songs interchangeable while maintaining the original message portrayed by the actors. Genres of music vary depending on the ones chosen with pop, folk, rock, gospel, and vaudeville all possibilities for a production of Godspell.

Be sure to check out your Falcons in the performing arts program in this extraordinary musical later this fall.