MovieChat Forums > Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew (1973) Discussion > Godspell Misconceptions

Godspell Misconceptions

posted 7 years ago by IMDBRefugee1SD (139)
3 replies | jump to latest

Some people are taking Godspell way to literally. It's not intended as a realistic recounting of the
Gospels. It's stylized. It's approach is not reverent nor really irreverent. The approach is perhaps
best described as whimsical. The clown concept is taken from "The Feast of Fools" by Harvey Cox.
And the counter cultural vibe is intentional. Susan Hsu, costume designer for the original CMU
production says, "John-Michael [Tebelak] wanted a set of costumes that incorporated both hippies
and clowns. We were all hippies at the time, so that came naturally..." And the behavior of the
cast members is meant to convey a child-like wonder and joy. It's about a community forming
in response to Jesus teachings.

[–] Owlwise (1490) 4 years ago

That's it exactly. For someone who was young at the time, all of this makes sense naturally. Those born after that time won't be quite as familiar with the vibe from then. Love that you mention Harvey Cox's wonderful book The Feast of Fools, which still has a lot to say, especially in these more cynical & dark times.

[–] Costumer (1786) 4 years ago

There is no reason that a retelling of the story has to be dry or stodgy. Godspell is simply a fun, wacky way to tell the sacred story.

When I was in Catholic high school (back in the70s) the theater department staged Godspell. The superintendent was a very conservative, very strict Catholic priest. He had vetoed some shows before or demanded heavy editing of the scripts. He didn't touch Godspell. If he didn't have a problem with it, no one should.

[–] Owlwise (1490) 4 years ago

Well said! :)

Roger Ebert's original review says it beautifully:

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/godspell-1973