Godspell

Godspell is a musical based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak.

Toronto production

Although Godspell was produced in many cities throughout the world, the Toronto production in 1972-1973 had a lasting effect on the city's theatrical community and the entertainment world as well.

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In May 1972, Toronto's theatre community was essentially limited to short runs and touring companies of Broadway and West End plays. When Godspell opened at the Royal Alexandra Theatre it was expected to be a run of a few dozen performances for what was largely an audience of subscribers to the theatre's season. However, the Toronto run had a cast drawn entirely from local performers instead of using a touring company. After an enthusiastic response from the audience, the show moved to the Bayview Playhouse after its scheduled run at the Royal Alex ended, and ran until August 1973, setting what was then a record run of 488 performances. This record was not broken until the Toronto production of Cats in 1986. Godspell established Toronto as a major theatre center which could support its own productions with its own talent.

Related Topics:
Broadway - West End - Royal Alexandra Theatre - Bayview Playhouse - ''Cats''

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Moreover, the production provided the first regular acting job for several performers who would later go onto bigger things, including Victor Garber (who won the role of Jesus in the film version), Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner and Martin Short. Radner came to the attention of Lorne Michaels during the production, which also had several performers who had worked with him on his Canadian comedy specials. Three years later, Radner was the first cast member hired for Saturday Night Live. Levy, Martin and Short got together with fellow castmate Jayne Eastwood to form the original Toronto troupe of The Second City which has been in continuous production since.

Related Topics:
Eugene Levy - Andrea Martin - Gilda Radner - Martin Short - Lorne Michaels - Saturday Night Live - Jayne Eastwood - The Second City

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