- GODSPELL
- Starlight Theater
- Kansas City, Missouri
- June 22, 2021
45 years ago tonight, the musical “Godspell” opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theater. It had been performed in workshops and on the road since 1971 so this year actually marks the show’s 50th Anniversary. What a great show to celebrate the return of live musical theater to Kansas City.
Most people know the show thanks to the song “Day by Day,” which was a hit on the radio in the summer of 1972, but may have never seen the show. The story basically tells the story of Jesus, from beginning to end, in song and with a surprising amount of humor. Obviously the show has been “punched up” since 1971, and jokes revolving around COVID, Netflix and the Kardashians hit their mark. There’s even a brief mention of one of the “other” biblical musicals, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which, along with “Jesus Christ Superstar,” completed the Biblical Musical Trifecta!,
With a musical score by Stephen Schwartz, who also created “Pippin” and “Wicked,” the show is an ensemble extravaganza, with each cast member creating their own identity. What made the show special was that every actor on stage had Kansas City roots. The entire cast was brilliant but I’d like to give special mention to Eric Geil (Jesus), Patrick Lewallen (Judas) and Shon Ruffin (Shon), whose amazing voice reminded me of the great Nell Carter.
As usual, Starlight was most accommodating to the audience, with a beautiful night to go along with a beautiful presentation. “Godspell” continues its run in Kansas City through Sunday, June 28. You can buy tickets HERE.
Quite simply, “Godspell” is a blessed return to musical theater!