RIALTO CHATTER: Broadway Bound GODSPELL Headed to Circle in the Square?

BroadwayWorld.com has learned that the Broadway-bound revival of Godspell, which is now aiming for the Great White Way in the 2011-12 theatre season will likely play in the Circle in the Square Theatre, which is currently home to the open-ended run of LOMBARDI. No official announcement has been made and the production, which held its first event last week for the show's investors, had no comment as well.  

The production will be directed by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli.

Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Godspell-with a score by Academy and Grammy Award-winner and six-time Tony Award-Nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), and book by John-Michael Tebelak-uses improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate a message of kindness, tolerance and hope that still resonates today. From the moment it premiered on May 13, 1971, Godspell electrified audiences with such instantly recognizable hits as "Day by Day," and favorites like "Learn Your Lessons Well," "Turn Back, O Man" "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," and "Light of the World." One of the most popular musicals in the world, Godspell ran for more than 2,600 performances in New York. In addition to successful touring productions in major U.S. cities, productions of Godspell have been seen across the globe.

Lead producer Ken Davenport is aiming to bring together the largest community of theater lovers and investors ever assembled to produce a production on Broadway with his upcoming revival. Davenport's business model enables investors to serve as Broadway producers for this revival with a comparatively low minimum investment that amounts to a fraction of what standard Broadway investment requirements dictate.

An earlier release noted that "Traditionally, the price of one investing unit in a typical Broadway show can be as high as $10,000, $25,000 or even $100,000. One unit in Godspell is only $100 (there is a minimum investment of 10 units or $1,000)."

More information on the production can be found at Godspell.com and PeopleofGodspell.com.