Godspell (2001 National Touring Cast)
Jesus Christ SuperstarandHairare often named as the two best "rock musicals," but Stephen Schwartz'sGodspell--which opened off-Broadway in 1971 and on Broadway five years later--is, for many people, a sentimental favorite. The musical style involves consistently catchy pop and is inspirational without being preachy. Instead of presenting a linear narrative, the book is made up of a succession of vignettes illustrating biblical parables through a hippy prism--making it particularly easy to adapt and update. Directed by Schwartz's son Scott, this touring production (including new lyrics by Schwartz senior) is set in a hi-tech environment and incorporates references to video monitors and computers (which form an electronic crucifix). This revival is sometimes marred by weird arrangements (new orchestrations have been made by Alex Lacamoire)--as with the quasi drum & bass beat on "Tower of Babble" or the metallish guitar licks on "Save the People." Still, the performance presents an exuberantly youthful cast and is highly energetic. To hear an equally upbeat but less aggressive update of the show, you might want to check out the2000 Off-Broadway cast recording.--Elisabeth Vincentelli