God-Con

​I have a confession to make, I’m not really into reunions. I did attend my high school 20 year, but only to prove that I was in fact, despite all rumors to the contrary, still alive. That being said, there is one such reunion I do plan on attending.
 
Have I piqued your interest? Read on.
 
They have them for Star Trek, Stargate, Star Wars and even Dr. Who. The popularity of these fan based get togethers has grown into a phenomenon that generate millions of dollars in revenue and continued good will to the brand. Comic-Con takes over an entire Southern California city. And now, after 50 years, Stephen Schwartz’s musical, Godspell will be getting joining the ranks of such gatherings. And why not? This little musical chestnut has launched a rabid fan base of followers and ex cast members that have never forgotten their relationship with this memorable bit of theatre history. And now, after 50 years, we’re all getting together for a virtual shindig to celebrate our experiences with a show that has become indelible part of our collective memory. Godspell has launched careers, created friendships and in the spring of 1974, in one of the first productions on the west coast, I was lucky enough to join these hallowed ranks.

​One of the secrets to getting the most out of this show is the cast. If you don’t believe me, ask Paul Schaeffer, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Sylvester Stallone or any of the thousands of others who have been lucky enough to have this show on their resume (okay, I am lying about Sly, but wouldn’t that have been an interpretation worth seeing?). We had some of the best in my own show including Robert Allen, Alan Turner, Judy Jaroz, Jerry Wolfe, Tom Graff, Michelle Mariana, Julie Wiley, Audrey Smith, with musical direction by the great jazz arranger/composer Dave Barduhn and directed for the stage by Richard Melo. To all of us, it truly was lightning in a bottle and in all my ensuing years of theatre, the experience has never been duplicated.
 
So, when a digital flier, with my own Godspell publicity photo on the cover, showed up promising a reunion of like-minded enthusiasts, I signed up. And, despite what you might think,  it was not just because of my photo. Next week, I join the ranks of fellow cast members to talk, share and compare notes. I doubt any of our war stories will rival storming Normandy Beach but am quite sure that some may very well be worth relating. 
 
I am just disappointed that no one asked me to lead one of the many panel discussions.
 
I even have an idea for my subject:
 
It’s not Jesus Christ Superstar, damn it! That’s a whole other show.
 
Anyway, I will be there and if you happened to be in any of the casts to the happiest show on earth, consider joining us.

Godspell Family Celebration