Producer Ken Davenport announced today that Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Edgar Lansbury, producer of both the original Broadway production and 1973 motion picture adaptation of GODSPELL, has joined the producing team of the musical's upcoming Broadway revival.
"GODSPELL is one of the most popular and successful musicals of all time," said Davenport. "One of the reasons for its success is
Edgar Lansbury. To have him as a part of the producing team is an incredible honor. Together, Edgar and I will produce a new production of GODSPELL for the next generation, while at the same time honoring the classic show that has touched the hearts of so many around the world."
"GODSPELL has been a presence in my life for half a century, and I am privileged to be a part of this new incarnation under the talented management of
Ken Davenport," said Lansbury.
Born in London, Edgar Lanbury was the son of Belfast-born actress
Moyna MacGill and
Edgar Lansbury, a politician and businessman, and the grandson of former Labour Party leader George Lansbury. He is the younger brother of actress
Angela Lansbury and the twin brother of television producer
Bruce Lansbury.
His first Broadway producing credit was Frank Gilroy's The Subject Was Roses in 1964, which was honored with the Pulitzer Prize, the Tony Award, the Critics' Circle Award and the Outer Critics' Circle Award.
Since then, he has produced dozens of shows both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, including Gilroy's The Only Game in Town, Promenade, The Magic Show, Godspell, Gypsy, the Obie Award-winning Off-Broadway production of Curtains, Grace & Glorie,
Douglas Carter Beane's Advice from a Caterpillar and
David Mamet's Tony Award-winning play American Buffalo.
In addition to producing the motion picture adaptation of GODSPELL, Lansbury's other film credits include The Wild Party, Blue Sunshine, Squirm and the big-screen adaptation of The Subject Was Roses.
Lansbury is Chairman Emeritus of
The Acting Company, a touring repertory company of actors trained in the classic tradition, founded by
John Houseman and
Margot Harley 25 years ago.
Direction by
Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Tony Award nominee
Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific), GODSPELL begins preview performances at Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway at 50th Street) on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Opening Night is Monday, November 7 (7 p.m.).
GODSPELL reunites
Daniel Goldstein -- making his Broadway directorial debut -- and the designers of their critically-acclaimed 2006
Paper Mill Playhouse conception in a new production that has been completely re-imagined for the Circle in the Square, one of Broadway's most intimate, unique and versatile houses.
Conceived and originally directed by
John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Academy and Grammy Award winner
Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), GODSPELL has continued to electrify audiences throughout the country since its original New York premiere in May 1971.
GODSPELL's Tony-nominated score features instantly recognizable hits including "Day by Day," "Turn Back, O Man," "Learn Your Lessons Well, "Prepare Ye the Way," "Light of the World" and many more.
One of the most popular musicals in the world, GODSPELL originally ran for more than 2,600 performances in New York and spawned successful touring productions in major U.S. cities, a 1973 motion picture adaptation and countless international engagements for the past 40 years.
The new Broadway revival of GODSPELL is produced by
Ken Davenport,
Edgar Lansbury and The People of Godspell. Complete casting will be announced soon.
GODSPELL features scenic design by
David Korins (Passing Strange, Bridge and Tunnel), costume design by
Miranda Hoffman (Well) and orchestrations by
Michael Holland (Hurricane).
Visit GODSPELL online at
www.godspell.com.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos
