Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Broadway musical that inspired a generation.
Godspell, Jr.Book by John Michael TebelakLyrics & Music by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Timothy D. Turner Musical Direction by Timothy D. Turner Produced by Golden Music Academy of Casselberry, Florida Performances June 2006 All Performances at the Golden Music Academy Theatre (click for map) The original Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz and it took the world by storm. Boasting a score with chart topping songs, Godspell JR. is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. A group of disciples help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of Jesus's life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus's messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life. CastA note from the DirectorGodspell is a musical based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak.
Following closely on the heels of the similarly-themed Jesus Christ Superstar, it opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971 and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since. Several cast albums have been released over the years and one of its songs, Day By Day from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of 1972. Godspell originated in 1970 as John-Michael Tebelak's master's thesis project, under the direction of Lawrence Carra, at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University). Most of the score's lyrics were from the Episcopal Hymnal, set to music by the cast members. Tebelak then directed it, with much of the student cast, for a two-week run at New York's experimental venue Cafe La MaMa, opening February 24, 1971. It caught the eye of producers Edgar Lansbury and Joseph Beruh, who wanted to open it off-Broadway. The producers hired Stephen Schwartz, another alumnus of Carnegie Mellon's theater department, to write a new song score. Godspell became one of the longest-running off-Broadway musicals before moving to Broadway in June 1976, where it ended its run in September 1977 after an additional 527 performances, for a total of more than 2,600. It has truly been delightful to work with these talented young people. Seeing some of them blossom into true stage performers “day by day” is why I am in this business! I look forward to seeing more of their talent in other Golden Music Academy programs and courses. Your Grateful Director, Maestro Timothy D. Turner Director BiographyTimothy D. Turner has been performing professionally for 27 years in professional & commercial productions, on stage and screen, with celebrities such as Rita Marino & Marvin Hamlisch and groups like Canadian Brass & the King’s Singers. He has directed and produced theatre, cabarets, stage shows, concerts and film for more than 20 years throughout the continental United States and Europe. He holds a BM in Performance from Millikin University and works as a director, performer, performance coach, clinician, producer, composer, community organizer and writer. Currently, he resides in Longwood, Florida just north of Orlando, but he travels extensively as a working professional.
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Audition InformationGOLDEN MUSIC ACADEMY
Junior Academy Players Performing Arts Camp Godspell, Jr. June 2006 Maestro Timothy D. Turner, Director & Designer Audition Breakdown: JESUS – Jesus is first and foremost a teacher. He should come off naturalistic – not high and mighty or judgmental. He should be charismatic without being affected. Serious, but with a good sense of humor. Someone who everybody likes and wants to have as a friend. Vocal Range: D to high G # 2 “Save the People”, # 12 “Finale Dialogue Audition: page 38 JOHN THE BAPTIST/JUDAS – One person plays both of these roles. It is important to note that in the original production of Godspell, the actors all used their own names and the original script of Godspell did not include characters designated as “Judas” of “John the Baptist”. For clarity, the authors over the years have changed this in the script, but this role is not really two different roles – just one actor embodying the actions of these two different biblical figures. The character is charismatic, but also headstrong and sometimes acts in rash ways, never meaning to do wrong, but not always clearheaded about finding the best solution. Be daring in your casting – this role does not necessarilty have to be played by a male performer. Vocal range: Middle C to high G #1 “Prepare ye”, #6 “All For the Best” Dialogue Audition: page 35 “DAY BY DAY” SOLOIST – The singer doesn’t have to have a wide range, but the song should sit in a place where they can sing it out strongly and with conviction. Vocal range: Middle C to high D #3 “Day by Day” “LEARN YOUR LESSONS WELL” SOLOISTS – TWO soloists for “Learn Your Lessons Well” should be singers who can enunciate expertly – the song is less about the melody and more about getting the words out quickly and so that the audience can understand them. Vocal range: G (below middle C) to high Eb #4 “Learn Your Lessons Well” “O, BLESS THE LORD, MY SOUL” SOLOIST – This is a big Song with several changes in tempo and tone. It requires your singer with the biggest, most dexterous voice. This singer may also have a big dance role. Vocal range: B (below middle C) to high E #5 “O, Bless the Lord, My Soul” “ALL GOOD GIFTS” SOLOIST -- The slow, beautiful ballad of Godspell. Of all the songs in the show, this one demands your most beautiful voice. Vocal range: B (below middle C) to high F# #7 “All Good Gifts” “WE BESEECH THEE” SOLOIST – Here’s one for the class clown! It can be almost spoken and still work well, as long as you performer has personality plus! Vocal range: D to high D #8 “We Beseech Thee” “LIGHT OF THE WORLD” SOLOIST – Another song that can almost be spoken – but remember, it’s about making sure you light shines throughout the world – the singer has to really “Sell” the song, not be a wallflower! Vocal range: Bb (below middle C) to high F #9 “Light Of the World” “BEAUTIFUL CITY” SOLOIST – Beuiful and sincere, the singer must be able to let us know that this is the reason of the show – convey that they understand the message Jesus has been teaching and help impart that to the audience. Vocal range: Bb (below middle C) to high C #9 “Beautiful City” Featured Narrators & Players King Narrator 1, King Narrator 2, Samaritan Narrator, Rich Man Narrator, Prodigal Son Narrator 1, Prodigal Son Narrator 2, Judge, Widow, Debter, Fellow Servant, Good Soil Leader, Shy Child, Lost Sheep, Sneaky Goat, Goats, Sheep, Goat Leader, Son Pigs, Landowner, Elder Son Dialogue Audition: Page 45 |