McCormick was cast in the Godspell film and continued performing with the stage production off and on in New York City for a number of years. 2016 production of Godspell in Brazil opened at Teatro das Artes , directed by Dagoberto Feliz. 'Jesus Christ Superstar' vs. 'Godspell' - A Conver Jesus (Ted Neely) with Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman) in. It is a film adaptation of the 1971 Off-Broadway musical Godspell (in turn based on the Gospel of Matthew), created by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Viewing them both in such proximity, I came away from, feeling, strangely, that it was a more authentic representation of its source text, despite its dramatic differences in setting, characters, etc. ", Jesus teaches that no man can serve two masters (God and money). The original "Godspell" was conceived and performed in 1971, at a time when peace and love and community became paramount in the face of the Vietnam war, civil rights, and the birth of rock and roll were driving culture, hippies were vogue, and Jesus emerged on the scene in both "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" as a peaceful, loving leader who would save the people from this . It was created by John-Michael Tebelak, who wrote it as his master's thesis at Carnegie Mellon University, but after its (successful) debut, its producers hired an up-and-coming composer named Stephen . The thing about "Godspell" that caught my heart was its simplicity, its refusal to pretend to be anything more than it is. [3] In the original script, licensed through Theatre Maximus, the "Christ" character and the "John" and "Judas" role are assigned the names of the original performers, Stephen and David. Obviously. The cast is told: "Keep awake, then. This is the American Cast Recording, different Cast Recordings should not be included in this MR. The dialogue and songs are loosely based on parables and quotations from the New Testament. The 2011 Broadway revival places "Beautiful City" after "We Beseech Thee" and just before the Last Supper, sung by Jesus as a slow ballad. They often make references to vaudeville shtick. Godspell, released in 1973, is the film adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical Godspell created by John-Michael Tebelak.Set in modern New York City, the film. CAST: Victor Garber, Katie Hanley, Lynne Thigpen, David Haskell, Merrell Jackson, Joanne Jonas, Robin Lamont, Gilmer McCormick, Jeffrey Mylett, Jerry Sroka, John-Michael Tebelak (voice). A retelling of the Bible story from St. Matthew's point of view, Godspell relocates the story of Jesus and his apostles to Manhattan in the '60s and '70s. "Godspell," the Tony-nominated musical by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote "Wicked," "Pippin'" and "Children of Eden," will debut on the local stage this weekend when Foothills Community Theatre (FCT) opens the . Members of the cast gather, join in Jesus' song, and throw garbage at the Pharisees. Dir . Jesus breaks the bread and shares the wine, while saying the traditional Hebrew Seder blessings. "Prepare Ye" follows this prologue. This criticism notably mirrors similar criticism leveled at the 1970 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar which also did not depict the resurrection. (All for the Best), Andrew Carnegie Mansion - 2 East 91st Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA When Garber was cast in the film, he was performing the role onstage in "Godspell's" Toronto company with co-stars Gilda Radner, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy and Martin Short; it was also an early . The first Broadway revival opened for previews on October 13, 2011, at the Circle in the Square Theatre, and officially opened on November 7, 2011, to mixed reviews. Godspell (also known as Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew) is the 1973 film adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical Godspell created by John-Michael Tebelak. Hes equal parts quirky and profound, full of energy, hopping around, etc. When Des and Dawn Lindberg brought the show to the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), it was immediately banned on the grounds of blasphemy. Godspell. A film version of the musical was released in 1973, set in modern New York. (Parable of the Seed), 68th and Park Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA [29], Part of Music Theatre International's Broadway Junior series, Godspell Junior is a revised script to be performed by a younger cast. Fast, free delivery. When . The cast then enters and takes the roles of various philosophers who sing their philosophies, first alone, then in cacophonous counterpoint ("Prologue: Tower of Babble"). The clan take on . The 1972-1973 Chicago production played at the Studebaker Theatre, with a cast of Richard Gilliland (Jesus), Joe Mantegna (Judas), JoAnn Brown-El, Sammy Chester, Karla DeVito, Carol McGill, Jim Parks, Tricia Smith, Dan Stone, and Fran Uditsky. Therefore, it is very important at the end of the show that it be clear that the OTHERS have come through the violence and pain of the crucifixion sequence and leave with a joyful determination to carry on the ideas and feelings they have learned during the course of the show. 2008-05-30. appeals to me more, though I will always have a huge place in my heart for each. So Ill just start the discussion with some general comments about each movies answer to that challenge. As in the original score, most of the lyrics not written by Schwartz were from the Episcopal hymnal. Some choose to view the curtain call, in which JESUS appears, as symbolic of the resurrection; others point to the moment when the cast raise JESUS above their heads. It is a fantasy that has surely . In 1977 Jonas made a major change. Original title: Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. The number , appears to do this, as Jesus and Judas interpret the same phrase in unique ways, but the two seem to be talking (or singing) past one another. I enjoyed both of those sequences as well. The cast then performs the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. After Godspell, Schwartz wrote the scores for Pippin, The Magic Show, Wicked, and many other musicals. "That's the challenge any film has when you're . The cast included Colleen Hewett, Collette Mann, Christopher Pate, and George Spartels. The show, which had the audience sitting ten feet away from the actors on stage (who were socially distanced themselves) required that every audience member wear a facial covering for the duration of the performance. The script of, is fairly minimalistic, including the dialogue and some notes on what was done in the original production, but in fact does not specify a setting or much of the blocking and stage directions one typically finds in a theatrical script. In the 2001 revival, Luther, Gibbon, Nietzsche, and Fuller were replaced by Galileo Galilei, Jonathan Edwards, L. Ron Hubbard, and Marianne Williamson, respectively. As compared to that full-length version, this one is about 12 . The sheep will enter heaven while the goats must suffer eternal damnation. Until then, thanks for reading. ). [16], The first production after the off-Broadway show opened at the Playbox Theatre in Melbourne, Australia on November 15, 1971. The whole thing is intense and provides a sense of intimacy, that were there listening in on Pilate and Jesus, that wouldnt have been possible in live theater. 22.5 reasons why I should be the new Han Solo, certainly better than the Batfleck, at any rate, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' vs. 'Godspell' - A Conversation with Peter Kistler, Captain America is way too fast - a runner's rant, I waited 14 years for 'Kingdom Hearts 3' and all I got was a disappointment - guest post by Tim Broxterman. Some productions use both the original upbeat film version as a prologue as well as the ballad version, either in its original place just before the Last Supper whereupon the Day By Day reprise is used as the Resurrection, or as an epilogue depicting the resurrection itself. is much more a letter of the law movie (the law here being the original text), whereas, captures the spirit of the law. Now, lets move onto some final issues/questions. In Music Theater International's Broadway Junior series, which edits popular musicals to one act appropriate for a middle school cast, "Beautiful City" is included in the show. Read about the lives of Herb Braha, Peggy Gordon, Joanne Jonas, Robin Lamont, Sonia Manzano, Gilmer McCormick, and Stephen Nathan from the original Godspell cast. Herb Braha passed away in February 2016. If we ever do get around to it, then youll find the conversation here, same Bat-blog, different Bat-time. This unlikely theater piece began its life as a master's thesis project at . It was intense. Lansbury also produced the hit Broadway musical The Magic Show, along with Beruh and Ivan Reitman. Site created by Stephen Schwartz biographer, author Carol de Giere. One of my favorite moments in Superstar is in , when Jesus openly rebukes Judas and tries to correct his assumptions about helping the poor. The cast sings "Light of the World" about Christ's Light and how it shines in each person. It is a film adaptation of the 1971 Off-Broadway musical Godspell (in turn based on the Gospel of Matthew), created by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Includes the hit song Day By Day. Jesus explains to the cast that those who adhere to the law of God will earn the highest place in the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist arrives, appears to each of them and sounds his horn calling them to Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. 14 May 1972 . One could argue its intent is more to simply set the story of the Gospel in a more modern vernacular, and to let individual productions fill in the details of setting, blocking, character moments, as they see fit. I don't think a producer could make either movie in today's environment. Some of her writing/composing credits are as follows: She co-wrote the long-running Off-Broadway comedy, Taboo in Revue, winner of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets Best Musical Comedy Award with fellow Godspell alum, Robin Lamont. Answer. Any last points to make about Judas, Peter? But I doubt anything, could have done with the character of Judas would have come close to the fascinating portrayal we get from Carl Anderson in, has, I think, the best musical numbers and is the most interesting character, perhaps even the main character (despite the title). After the song, the cast reminds each other to take things "Day By Day", as they remove their clown makeup, face paint, or object. A filmed version was made, and hundreds of professional and amateur productions of the show have been done. This omission was for marketing purposes and was not meant to diminish the importance of the number, as Stephen Schwartz has repeatedly stated. . Letter by David Greene to, Last edited on 14 November 2022, at 17:31, "Godspell (1973) The Gospel According to 'Godspell' Comes to Screen", "Overview: 'Godspell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Godspell_(film)&oldid=1121883547, "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" - John the Baptist, "Light of the World" - Jerry, Gilmer, Jeffrey, Robin, This page was last edited on 14 November 2022, at 17:31. Today has problems of its own.". What appeals most to me about. The community starts to attack Judas, while Jesus tells them to stop, as all who live by the sword will one day die by it. For the Son of Man will come at a time when you least expect it.". Jesus: Consider the lilies of the field. But it suffuses that text with an infectious energy that sees Jesus and the disciples running, jumping, performing, and singing all around the city. Directed by David Greene, s. ". He also taught nearly all aspects of theater in both countries to children, adults and seniors. John-Michael Tebelak is credited as co-writer of . Thats a pretty directly symbolic action, and a nice complement to the purpose of New Yorks emptiness you identify at the beginning: New York empties when the disciples leave their former lives behind; it fills again when they are ready to proclaim the good news. I think his anachronistic vision of tanks and jets would make sense as an expression of that, with trippy 70s-ness filling in whatever other logical gaps remain. . Movies. Im glad you brought up Judas, because hes the part of both movies I wanted to talk about next. Im glad this comparison provided enough substance for us to examine in depth. They don't spin. A ruthless outlaw terrorizes the West in search of a former member of his gang, who's found a new life in a quiet town populated only by women. An ensemble can also be added to the production if needed. From here, the production takes place in a New York city devoid of other people. Her accusers then bow their heads and walk away. It seems as though Judas concerns tend to fall through the cracks in the moment of whatever parable is being told. Locations include the following: Vocally, the chorus is very much in the same style, but solo parts are, at times, more lyrical. ), and just thought it would look really cool. Holy Collaboration! The show opens with God's voice, as spoken by Jesus, declaring his supremacy: "My name is Known: God and King. She earned a law degree and served as a district attorney in Westchester County, New York, for many years. But the creed being . In scriptural terms, Judas seems to absorb some of the attributes and prominence of Peter. (See The Godspell Experience for details). This is something we hear Judas worry about (And theyll crush us if we go too far--. In addition to developing feature films at all the major studios, Nathan has written and/or produced more than 300 episodes of television. Filmed in late 1972, this production fleshes out the stories of each of the cast members a little bit, showing them going on about their lives in Manhattan. I think Im stealing this point from a prior conversation I had with you, but I wish, would have done more with this interesting idea. The greater textual literalism helps this, but the quirkiness and energy of much of what it happens in, seems like a reasonable translation of how Jesus and his disciples might have been regarded in their own place and time (at least until the authorities started worrying about them). was conceived as a more traditional story focusing on the conflict between Jesus and Judas. "Then the man they called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests, and said "What will you give me to betray Him to you?" [2], The show features eight non-Biblical characters, who sing and act out the parables: Gilmer (silly, a great storyteller); Robin (a tomboy); Herb (goofy and entertaining); Jeffrey (happy and excited); Joanne (eager and enthusiastic); Lamar (clumsy and unintentionally funny); Peggy (shy and loyal); and Sonia (dramatic with a put-on sensuality). Godspell. The Gospels according to '60s hippie counterculture in a film version of the stage musical. Especially of the film.This update ofand variation onthe Gospel according to St. Matthew is less a celebration of the life and teachings of Christ than it is a celebration of theater, music . It's a very thoughtful, nuanced performance. [19] The cast consisted of Bartley Braverman, Scotch Byerley, Baillie Gerstein, Tony Hoty, Maggie Hyatt, Doris Jamin, Irving Lee, Dean Pitchford, John-Ann Washingson and Lynne Thigpen. They grow increasingly more irritated with each other, sing in contradiction, and eventually run out of words. www.stephenschwartz.com official site I think the script and Ted Neeleys performance complement each other nicely to that end. more like what we expect a Jesus movie to look like: e.g.. . Fans of Jesus will be glad to hear it. The film opens with youthful city dwellers from various walks of life dropping their activities to follow John the Baptist (David Haskell from the original New York production). As a younger man I was drawn more to, for its sheer optimism and idealism, and was more forgiving of its dramatic inconsistencies. In the decades following the film's release, many directors have chosen to use the lyrics from the original film version, sometimes to replace the "Day by Day" reprise, "Tower of Babble", like the prologue, or adding it the end of the musical as an additional scene depicting the Resurrection. The "Finale" begins, loud and in B-minor, with Jesus wailing, "Oh, God, I'm bleeding," and the community answers: "Oh, God, You're bleeding." The film stars David Haskell as Judas/John the Baptist and Victor Garber as Jesus. Green, Stanley. It was directed by Don Scardino, with Steven M. Alper as musical director and Doug Besterman as assistant musical director, and with new musical arrangements by Steven M. Alper and Doug Besterman. All Rights Reserved. The cast is clearly having a great time playing around in the water, and David Haskell is the perfect blend of mysterious and joyous. Godspell Junior contains much of the first act and very little of the second. The woman answers: "No one, sir." The show ran from August 6, 2020, until September 20, 2020. The show is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew, interspersed with music mostly set to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ appearing briefly near the end. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Godspell (DVD, 2000, Closed Caption Multiple Languages) at the best online prices at eBay! Artist: Original Off-Off-Broadway Cast. Sonia Manzano had a lucky show business star hanging over her, and had no reason to return to college. The film adaptation of the religious musical Godspell composed Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebleak attempts to revitalize Christianity by expressing the teachings of Christ as expressed in the Gospel of Matthew in contemporary terms. Braha lived in the Los Angeles area. During this song, Judas foretells his upcoming betrayal of Jesus. For instance, sometimes cast members are thought to be 'hippies' or 'flower children'. Now, if that's how God clothes the grass, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown unto the fire, will He not all the more clothe *you*? Over his long career, Lansbury built up extensive credits producing musicals and plays, films, and television shows. Godspell, the second musical of the early '70s to be based on the life of Jesus Christ (following Jesus Christ Superstar, which hit the record racks, but not the stage first), was something of a sleeper, opening off-off-Broadway in May 1971, with an original cast album that belatedly became a big success in 1972 after "Day By Day" was released as a single and hit the Top Ten. Upon dying, Lazarus is rewarded with Heaven, while the rich man is in Hell. (Junkyard and freeway overpass scenes), Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, Riverside Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, Hell Gate Bridge Arcs, New York City, New York, USA Godspell was revived off-Broadway at the York Theatre from August 2 to October 7, 2000. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 67% based on reviews from 15 critics. Notable replacements include: Corbin Bleu as Jesus (Broadway 2011),[11] Hannah Elless (Broadway 2011), Sonia Manzano (Broadway 1976), and Patti Mariano (Broadway 1976). She signed with him and in her first audition was accepted into the cast of Sesame Street, where she played Maria for many years. Past that point in the film, Judas seems already on the path to betrayal and were never quite shown a moment in which he decides to do this. Musical. I wouldnt say these are any sort of leftovers from a theatrical production; as I mentioned, a director of. Although he had started out acting and sometimes directed, his primary role was as a producer or manager, often in partnership with Edgar Lansbury. The hippie clothing that the cast wears in the play has caused some controversy. Over the frames and film are played thumbnails of the actors, then credit cards and finally a credit scroll. . Tap . Filter by . This production featured Leonardo Miggiorin, Beto Sargentelli, Gabriela Medvedovski, Matheus Severo, Artur Volpi, Juliana Peppi, Rafael Pucca, Nathlia Borges, Mariana Nunes, Fernanda Cascardo, Pri Esteves, Pedro Navarro e Adler Henrique. Godspell. Yet I tell you - Solomon in all his splendor was not attired like one of these. , weirdly enough, despite varying the number of disciples, moving the setting to the New York of 1973, etc., sticks closer to the actual text here (in this case, the Gospel of Matthew). READ MORE: The Godspell Experienceoffers a full chapter on the movie, as well colorful behind-the-scenes stories on the show. Gadsden, AL 35904. . Jesus thanks the audience for coming and announces a 10-minute intermission. As a result, Godspell toured South Africa for two years and opened doors to all races on both sides of the footlights. [31] In his "Notes on the Script" (1999), Stephen Schwartz wrote, "There are often misconceptions about the concept of the clown analogy in Godspell. Fans of the show are often curious about what happened to those people over the past four decades. Reviewer William Ruhlmann explains that by having a larger budget than had been available for the stage, Schwartz was able to expand the line-up by adding key studio personnel such as lead guitarist Hugh McCracken (on "Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord)"), keyboardist Paul Shaffer, bass player Steve Manes, a horn section, and six strings. With Jesus as the drill sergeant, they perform the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He tells her: "Then nor shall I. In movie-musicals, the characters' songs are not literal narratives but rather symbolize interior journeys. For the musical's album, see. They sing ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") as he leads them into a fountain where they are (metaphorically) baptized. This production used the revised 1993 lyrics and is included on its cast recording, along with a cover by John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting as a bonus track. The women of the cast sing "Long Live God", and the men join in with "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" in counterpoint. All right, easier question: Favorite musical number from each. SYNOPSIS: The Gospel According to St. Matthew is presented in a series of skits and songs, with Jesus and his . Schwartz's score incorporated a variety of musical genres, including pop, folk rock, gospel, and vaudeville. Godspell. Structured through parables primarily sung but also enacted . In 1982 he founded a successful business supplying materials for costumes. Revival. He married actress Kathleen Murray, who died a few years before Godspell opened. (Prepare Ye), Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York, USA (All for the Best), The Cloisters Museum, West 193rd Street, Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, Times Square, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA The Washington, D.C. production of Godspell, at Ford's Theater, ran from 1972 into 1973. a more compelling story, with much more interesting conflict and characters, but not as much scriptural authenticity (which probably wasnt its goal in the first place anyway). That being said, I think Jesus characterization in. [citation needed] Various bands have covered songs from the film/musical. "Prologue: Tower Of Babel" was omitted, and "Learn Your Lessons Well" and "We Beseech Thee" were reduced to minor interludes. Judas returns to betray Jesus, but has a moment where he cannot bring himself to do it. Godspell hadn't been playing for long after its opening in 1971 before dreams of a movie adaptation rose for the producers. on my high school stage eight years ago, its possible Ill never be quite far enough away from the show to view it objectively. The Godspell Movie. Gordon wrote the politically satirical book Rotten to the Core, which lampooned the mayoral administration of New Yorks Ed Koch. He then beckons them to "Prepare Ye, The Way of the Lord!" is that, at the end, when people return, the disciples carry the body of Jesus into the world. She is married and has two grown children. The concept was derived by John-Michael Tebelak from a book by Harvey Cox, a professor at Harvard Divinity School, entitled Feast of Fools."[32]. This London production featured Jacquie-Ann Carr, Julie Covington, David Essex, Neil Fitzwiliam, Jeremy Irons, Verity-Anne Meldrum, Deryk Parkin, Tom Saffery, Gay Soper, and Marti Webb. . Literally dozens of well known movie scenes have been shot here including: Ransom, One Fine Day, Tommy Boy, Bullets over Broadway and Hair. The Lindbergs challenged the ban in the Supreme Court and won their case. Godspell Film Analysis 606 Words | 3 Pages. Meanwhile, is a bit more relaxed in its literalism, but was filmed beautifully--thanks in part to the efforts of the great (, ) cinematographer Douglas Slocombe, perhaps best known for his work on. It was directed by John Michael Tebelak, with Steve Reinhardt as musical director, costumes by Susan Tsu, lighting by Spencer Mosse, and sound by Robert Minor. In response, John the Baptist enters blowing a shofar to call the community to order. www.heartmath.com. It's one of the more heavily criticised Jesus films as it has not dated at all well, but the musical still remains possible and it's attempts to reinvigorate Jesus . It can be interpreted that either the singing of "Prepare Ye" in the finale or the curtain call, where all including Jesus return to the stage, represents the resurrection. Notably, in "All Good Gifts", whereas Lamar Alford had used a dramatic tenor voice, Merrell Jackson uses a lighter voice and falsetto for the high ornament, which creates a joyous effect. s anachronisms dont bother me that much, except for the jets and tanks. In 1976 they had a son, Brian, the first Godspell child. "Godspell" is a 1970 musical that opened Off Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since. "By My Side", written by Carnegie Mellon students Jay Hamburger and Peggy Gordon, was kept from the original score. [5], Godspell received generally positive reviews in 1973. does an excellent job humanizing him while remaining within the bounds of what scripture tells us of his life. We need more musical films! Now, if you dont mind, Id like to address some of the intentional metafictional/anachronistic conceits of each film. Faso helped take the Rocky Horror Show from Los Angeles to Broadway in her role as assistant director. Godspell - Columbia Tristar Buy Godspell DVD. , won me over from the start, and perfectly establishes the character of its singer (while also treating us to some scenic desert beauty): . A sixteen second film of a busy street is shown, and then the right and bottom of the frame is frozen in a sideways capital L. This then becomes the frame for the next iteration of the film, which in turn leaves its right and bottom edges as a frame for the next film. Peggy Gordon was a member of the original Godspell cast and she also wrote the music for By My Side, a song in the show. She is currently an award-winning novelist. (Bless the Lord), Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts - Columbus Avenue & 61st Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA Godspell is a musical composed by Stephen Schwartz with book by John-Michael Tebelak. In it, Herod is more of a smooth lounge-singer type, and his number is more an expression of his glamour and wealth than of his excess. With the exception of LaBonte, they all returned to the Promenade in January 1972. Subverted with "On the Willows". This production, which was performed in a tent in the Berkshire Theatre Group's parking lot, featured Nicholas Edwards, Tim Jones, Alex Getlin, Michael Wartella, Zach Williams, Dan Rosales, Brandon Lee, Emily Koch, Isabel Jordan, Najah Hetsberger and Kimberly Emmanuel. It received great reviews such as from O Estado de So Paulo: "Best Off-Broadway from 2016". It transferred to the Promenade Theatre three months later, and closed on June 13, 1976, after 2,124 performances at the Promenade. For example, Victor Garber played Jesus in the Toronto production . She writes childrens picture books and has begun to write young adult novels. The servant asks his master for pity in repaying the debt, and the master absolves it. All rights reserved. Kerin Blair, Bob Garrett, Michael Hoit, and Kitty Rea were understudies. She lives in New York City. Bible Films Blog: Godspell. Sure. (Katie's workplace), FAO Schwartz - 767 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA That led to her interest in law. Creators: Scott Frank. The staging of that ampitheatre at the bottom of the mountain really allows the crowd to close in on Pilate and Jesus. [34], This article is about the musical. The decision to shoot the lashes themselves in slow-motion gives us time to see everyones reaction--Marys screams, Pilates growing unease. Film adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical "Godspell" created by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.