Godspell (1973)

My Review

“Godspell” is a modern-day musical retelling of the life of Jesus Christ set in New York City. Director David Greene (“The People Next Door” 1970) put together the movie with contemporary music, faithful to the Gospel of Matthew, upon which it was based. Greene co-wrote the screenplay with John-Michael Tebelak, which was adapted from the 1971 off-Broadway play of the same name, written by Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz.

The cast includes Victor Garber as Jesus, David Haskell as John the Baptist and Judas Iscariot, and Lynne Thigpen as a college student. Co-stars include Merrell Jackson, Gilmer McCormick, Jeffrey Mylett, and Jerry Sroka. The music and lyrics were composed by Stephen Schwartz, most notably “Day By Day,” covered by numerous singers. The watchable “Godspell” was modestly successful at the box office for producer Edgar Lansbury (brother of Angela Lansbury) and Columbia Pictures.