Godspell JR.* is the young performer's edition of John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz's groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love.

Godspell is an engaging, innovative show that draws from various theatrical traditions, including clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville. Originally conceived for a cast of ten, the Broadway Junior version of Godspell is designed to allow you to expand your cast to include as many student performers as your stage can accommodate. Each of the parables and songs used in Godspell can be cast with a different group of students and can be rehearsed separately, allowing groups to rehearse simultaneously. If you choose to add the optional Godspell JR. Choir, you can use nearly everyone from your school or group who wishes to participate. Godspell can be performed virtually anywhere with the simplest of sets, costumes, lights and music. This show will be a favorite of performers and audiences alike!

The Broadway Junior Collection now offers this John-Michael Tebelak story and Stephen Schwartz score in an adapted format perfect for young performers!

ACT 1

PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD

[John the Baptist, Company]

SAVE THE PEOPLE

[Jesus, Company]

DAY BY DAY

[Solo, Company]

LEARN YOUR LESSONS WELL

[Solo1, Solo 2]

O, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL

[Solo, Company]

ALL FOR THE BEST

[Jesus, Judas, Company]

ALL GOOD GIFTS

[Solo, Company]

WE BESEECH THEE

[Solo, Company]

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

[Solo 1, Solo 2, Company]

ACT 2

BEAUTIFUL CITY

[Female Solo]

ON THE WILLOWS

[Orchestra]

FINALE

[Jesus, Company]

BOWS

[Company]

EXIT

[Orchestra]

JESUS

Jesus is first and foremost a teacher. He should come off very naturalistic, not high and mighty or judgmental. He should be charismatic with being affected; serious, but with a good sense of humor; somebody who everybody likes and wants to have as a friend. While he doesn't have to sing a lot, his first song, "Save the People," should sound beautiful, clear and unaffected.

JOHN THE BAPTIST/JUDAS

John the Baptist/Judas is a role played by one person. It is important to note that in the original production of Godspell, the actors all used their own names and the original script did not include characters designated as "Judas" or "John the Baptist." As you cast this role, remember it is not really two different roles, just one actor embodying the actions of these two biblical figures. The character is charismatic, but also headstrong and sometimes acts in rash ways. Be daring in your casting - this role does not necessarily have to be played by a male performer.

SOLO SINGERS

"DAY BY DAY"

The singer who leads "Day by Day" doesn't need to have a wide range, but the song should sit in a place where they can sing it out strongly and with conviction.

"LEARN YOUR LESSONS WELL"

The two soloists for "Learn Your Lessons Well" should be your singers who can enunciate expertly - the song is less about the melody and more about getting the words out quickly and so the audience can understand them.

"O BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL"

This is a big song with several changes in tempo and tone. It requires your singer with the biggest, most dexterous voice. Even though the tempo becomes very bright during the song, don't worry if you don't cast your best dancer: letting the soloist stand and sing while the ensemble moves around them works just fine.

"ALL GOOD GIFTS"

The slow, beautiful ballad of Godspell. Of all the songs in the show, this one demands your most beautiful voice.

"WE BESEECH THEE"

Here's one for the class clown! It can be almost spoken and still work well, as long as your performer has personality plus!

"LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

Another song that can almost be spoken - but remember, it's a song about making sure your light shines throughout the world - the singer has to really "sell" the song!

"BEAUTIFUL CITY"

Beautiful and sincere, the singer must be able to let the audience know that they understand the message Jesus has been teaching.

FEATURED ACTORS/ACTRESSES

NARRATORS

Most of the parables have a narrator or two. Your narrators should be among your best speakers. You should be confident that they can handle longer sections of dialogue.

PLAYERS

Some of the players have lines and some do not. All players should be encouraged to develop larger than life characters.