Godspell at Sterling Playmakers

Based primarily on the Book of Matthew, Godspell focuses on eight strangers, all from different walks of life, coming together to tell the lessons and parables of Jesus Christ through improvisation, various games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. By the end of the show, which features a reenactment of the Last Supper and Crucifixion, the strangers learn to carry Jesus message of kindness, tolerance, and love. Featuring a score from Stephen Schwartz (famous for Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, and Wicked) with various contemporary genres from pop to rock and gospel to vaudeville, this show has made a lasting impression on American musical theatre since its New York premiere in 1971, and later film version in 1973. The version of the script Sterling Playmakers will produce comes from the 2011-2012 Broadway revival, which masterfully injects this story with contemporary references and dazzling new music arrangements.When the show premiered in 1971, our country was very much divided. We had the Vietnam War and counterculture movement, which was highly politicized and a moment of social tension in our American history. It feels right to set the show in todays time as we seem to be in need of healing during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the same unresolved social issues. Our group of strangers will begin the show divided in a black and white world as masked protesters during the pandemic. Its not until the entrance of Jesus that they begin to be in a world of color. Through the teachings of Jesus, they learn to come together and build a beautiful city of man, and spread the message of tolerance, compassion, and love.

Authors

• Jay Hamburger
• John-Michael Tebelak
• Peggy Gordon
• St. Matthew
• Stephen Schwartz