BkONE Announces Bold New Revival of GODSPELL

brooklynONE productions (bkONE) is currently in production of a revival of 1971's Godspell.

Using the Gospel according the St. Matthew as inspiration John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz created a tale of community, faith, hope, love and understanding that has stood the test of time and previous revivals. The play will once again find a new voice with bkONE, and a powerful local Brooklyn revival. This 2018 version, performed in a actual Church location, will bring an updated rock stylization to the music and a focus on the community of characters and their arc towards finding the message of Jesus like never before.

The production, which opens July 27th, is directed by bkONE Artistic Director and Founder Anthony Marino. "This show has been on our radar for a long time" Says Marino. "The story, the message, the community of the piece is relevant and it's important, perhaps now more than ever. We intend to put our mark on this show in a strong, respectful way, which will resonate with audiences, draw them in and make them think."

bkONE Ensemble Member John Panepinto serves as Assistant Director of the show. "I'm really looking forward to introducing the audience, even those who have seen previous productions," said Panepinto "to a whole new Godspell experience. We've been really digging into the material so people can enjoy aspects of the show they might not have realized were there. We're excited to share it".

Godspell opened off Broadway on May 17, 1971 and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since, including a 2011 revival which played on Broadway from October 13, 2011, to June 24, 2012. Several cast albums have been released over the years and one of its songs, "Day by Day" from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of 1972. The show originated in 1970 as Tebelak's master's thesis project in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tebelak then directed the show, with much of the student cast, for ten performances at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club (aka Cafe la Mama), New York City, opening February 24, 1971. A version also ran at the famed Cherry Lane Theatre in NYC. The producers hired Stephen Schwartz, to write a new song score. One song, "By My Side", written by CMU students Jay Hamburger and Peggy Gordon, was kept from the original score. As with the original score, most of the non-Schwartz lyrics were from the Episcopal Hymnal. 

Brendan Rorke has been tasked as musical director. While not rewriting the show, Brendan has found moments where the style and sound can be updated, allowing for a fresh feel to the material. The production will feature new artwork as well, by Danielle Rose Fisher. Choreography by Valerie Cirillo with Marialana Ardolino as Stage Manager.

The show stars Jannicke Steadman-Charles, Joanna Connolly, Dana DiAngelo, Erech Holder-Hetmeyer, Danielle Giacino-Papaleo, Georgie Raiola, Miguel A. Sierra and Tyler VanTassel with Anthony Marino as John/Judas and Brandon Thomas Martin starring as Jesus. Performances are July 27th at 8pm, July 28th at 3pm & 8pm and July 29th at 4pm. Redeemer St. John's Sanctuary 939 83rd St, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Tickets are on sale now at www.bkONE.org ($20) or available at the door the nights of the performances. Godspell Is presented through special arrangement with Theatre Maximus and with help from the Dyker Heights Civic Association.

 

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