In light of the Watergate Scandal, the ongoing Vietnam War and inflation, Americans needed to hear "good news" in the turbulent times of the early 1970's and "Godspell" fit the bill.
On March 21, 1973 "Godspell" hit the silver screens across the country. In the area where I grew up, people were lining up and down the blocks surrounding the local movie theaters to see the movie. One theater even decided to schedule an additional morning and midnight showing because of the demand from the public.
The movie's synopsis is taken from the Gospel of Saint
Matthew. The movie utilizes the parables within the gospel of Matthew to
tell the story of the "good news" via Jesus and his disciples in an
engaging, non-threatening format through story and the musical score of
composer Stephen Swartz. The musical score includes the iconic "Day by Day"
sung by Robin Lamont along with David Haskell's "Prepare Ye the Way of
the Lord," Joanna Jonas's "Turn Back, O Man," Lynne Thigpen's "Bless the
Lord," Victor Garber's "Alas for You," Merrell Jackson's "All Good
Gifts, and Katie Henley's "By My Side."
The movie was shot in its entirety on location within the New York City metropolitan area featuring such landmarks as The Brooklyn Bridge, Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, Andrew Carnegie Mansion, Times Square, Lincoln Center, and North Tower of the World Trade Center, Fifth Avenue, Cherry Lane Theater, Hell Gate Bridge and Randall's Island.
Little did the
producers of the movie know that its release would help to fuel the
"Jesus People" and "Jesus Freak" movement during the early 70's. Jesus
People and Freaks would go door to door handing out copies of "The Way"
and "Good News for Modern Man" paperback Bibles. Our family was one of
those whose lives were changed because of "Godspell" and the movement
which followed it.
As we move forward into the 21st Century with all
of its turmoil and turbulence, there is still the need for "good news"
and "Godspell" still fits the bill.
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