Godspell 50th (pt 2)

Two weeks ago, I reported of a reunion that promised to be a bit more, eh, out of the ordinary than your run of the mill convention. Well, Monday, May 17th (Tax Day), I attended the last day Zoom event and am happy to report that not only did I survive the ordeal but also had a pretty good time.
 
Godspell is 50 years old (350 in dog and cat years) and to celebrate, all of us involved in any sort of production, gathered virtually to celebrate. Stephen Schwartz, the original composer kicked it all off, warmly embracing more than 700 from all over the world. From here it could have easily gone all downhill. From ill prepared queues, missed video cues, skipped intros and questions, not to mention an ascot wearing, middle aged radio DJ emcee who seemed to be a bit displaced, it had the makings of a disaster. However, the three days were all dedicated to the little musical that could and all the people who in some small way brought it to life. So, somehow, in all the confusion, the light and magic of the musical based on the Gospel of Matthew managed to shine through. 
 
The highlight for me was the panel of original cast members, including Joanne Jonas who appeared in both the stage and film production. The stories of workshopping the production along with the relating of gaffes and bloopers was fun and the anecdotes of the celebrities coming to the shows, were well worth the free admission. There was also a conversation with original cast members from overseas productions as well and that was just as fun. I have to admit to enjoying the brief interlude of Godspell swag…including one of the original ventriloquist dummies from the show provided a much needed “oh yeah,” I forgot that was in the show moment.
 
Inspirationally interspersed along the way were the stories shared of how Godspell had changed lives. I was only in one production but most of the veterans had appeared in more than one and had even directed a production or two. It reminded me of the television Glee phenomenon and how it had successfully managed to assist more than one “Gleek” in finding confidence and maybe even a creative voice. Oh yeah, did I mention that I won a door prize?

​www.playbill.com/video/godspell-50th-anniversary