“Godspell has always been a show that brings joy and hope to audiences. It seems to me this year, we need it more than ever!" -Stephen Schwartz. "We hope that our inspirational movie version of Godspell brings comfort and solace to everyone in the midst of this ongoing pandemic." -Torin Wright.
Godspell is the acclaimed work conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Telebak with music and new lyrics by renowned composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked; Pippin; The Prince of Egypt) which tells a series of parables leading up to the Passion of Christ.
With a driving message of hope and community, Godspell is the encouragement we need after a year of divisiveness amidst a lingering pandemic. To that end, Pandemic restrictions have meant that many people have died or grieved alone. This is true from India to the United States and right into the heart of our own community here at West Pine Middle. As a way for the WPM Godspell, Jr. community to honor loved ones in our community who have passed during the pandemic and may not have been memorialized with a proper funeral, we bring honor to them at the conclusion of the movie with a poignant rendering of Godspell's heartfelt song, "Beautiful City," which eloquently reminds us that "Out of our night of struggle...slowly but truly mending, brick by brick and heart by heart...We can build a beautiful city."
This movie not only celebrates this iconic piece of musical theatre on its 50th anniversary, but also marks the 20th anniversary since the last time Directors Torin Wright and Matt Francis collaborated as directors of a staged version of the show.
This production also afforded cast members and students in the West Pine Middle School Vocal and Musical Theater classes the opportunity to have virtual acting workshops during pre-filming with Broadway actor, Jeff Kready. Additional leadership collaboration as an Audition Agent was shared with Susan B. Herrick, who up until this year had served as our long standing Artistic Director for our spring musicals.
Due to Covid restrictions in theater venues that was in place until last week, this movie version of Godspell is adapted specifically for streaming audiences to maximize the entertainment experience.
Enjoy and thank you for watching! Together we CAN build a beautiful city! - Torin Wright