GODSPELL
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Barrett starred as Jesus in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway revival of GODSPELL in 2000. Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music and lyrics back in 1971, was an integral part of this 30th Anniversary contemporary version of GODSPELL. Not only did he help cast the show, he helped guide it as a whole, and even added new lyrics for an updated "Prologue" especially for this production. In February, 2000, GODSPELL opened in an off-off-Broadway theatre called Third Eye Repertory on West 34th Street to glowing reviews and fantastic word-of-mouth. The show extended for another few months, while the producers shopped around for a suitable theatre for an official off-Broadway transfer. GODSPELL reopened at the Theatre at Saint Peter's Church (a.k.a. The York Theatre) and had a hugely successful limited run from August 2, 2000 through October 7, 2000. It featured an original book by John-Michael Tebelak, direction by Shawn Rozsa, choreography by Ovi Vargas, and revamped music direction by Dan Schachner with the rock band, Shirley Temple of Doom. The cast of GODSPELL also included Shoshana Bean, Tim Cain, Catherine Carpenter, Will Erat, Lucia Giannetta, Capathia Jenkins, Chad Kimball, Leslie Kritzer, and Eliseo Roman. Purchase the 2000 Off-Broadway Cast Recording "Of all [the productions of GODSPELL] I have seen, one of my favorites is this recent NY revival, which managed the neat trick of remaining true to John-Michael's original conception while at the same time being totally fresh. I have seen many productions that either missed the humor or lost the story and character relationships. This one was both hilarious and enormously moving. The music has also been well served, with an approach to the songs that is contemporary with losing the spirit of the originals. And the voices – this is a cast of ten terrific comedians who also happen to be great singers! I am delighted to have this CD to remember and revisit a production of GODSPELL that I know I will always consider one of the very best I have seen." --Stephen Schwartz (from the liner notes of the 2000 Off-Broadway Cast Recording.) |
