‘Godspell’ and a different war

 

 

“Godspell” is returning to a local stage in a period of war far different from the first time the New Testament-themed play was presented.

It is about to be revived at PCPA Theaterfest. Director Mark Booher answered the question, “Do today’s young people have the same anti-war attitude as those in 1972?”

“Frankly, I think it’s doubtful,” he said in an interview.

“Godspell” initially burst upon the world in 1972, at the height of the Vietnam War, and became a huge success on Broadway. A generation of young college students and activists came to adopt it as their own.

 

The telling of the story of Jesus in a rock musical with a modern city setting resonated with the disaffected student generation of the time. “Godspell” depicts Jesus and his Disciples, in robes and sandals, wandering the city streets seeking to comfort the people they meet.

Booher said he hopes that young people will again get the message of “Godspell.” “It’s a matter of cultural literacy,” he said, “taking dramatic texts and relating them to what’s going on in the world.

 

“I think some of them (young people) are coming to realize that this story is connected to this world right now.”

The musical will open at PCPA’s Marian Theatre on April 10, continuing through May 11. It will then move to the outdoor Festival Theater from June 6 through July 27.

Among the most memorable songs are “God Save the People,” “All Good Gifts” and the hit number “Day by Day,” all written by Stephen Schwartz, the creator of the present mega-hit “Wicked.”

 

The characters — Jesus, the Disciples, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene — will sing the Gospel story, accompanied by a live orchestra.

There also will be some dancing, in a mode both whimsical and suitable to the sacred story.

During the Marian Theater run, curtain times for the evening will be 7 p.m. Evening performances are planned for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Matinees will play on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be reserved by calling (805) 928-7731.

Director Booher said he had one last thing to say to the theater-going public: “`Godspell’ is coming back to Broadway in July and now it’s here, too. It won’t be the ‘Godspell’ of the 1970’s. The setting is absolutely contemporary.

“While we’re honoring the first production, we’re making sure it feels like today.”