Music: Versions and Recordings
Original off-Broadway Cast
This music from the first production features the original cast, several of whom appeared in the Carnegie-Mellon production. The recording is missing "Prologue/Tower of Babble," which Stephen Schwartz says was removed in the hopes of Godspell crossing into pop album sales. This is the version in our librettos.
Film Adaptation
A film adaptation of Godspell was released in 1973. It was site-specific and filmed throughout New York City, with several off-Broadway cast members reprising their roles. Along with minor word and key changes, the show was reorchestrated, and a new song, "Beautiful City," was added to replace "We Beseech Thee," which was deemed too theatrical to work on film
Want a rare look into Godspell's original cast?
Check out original cast member and "By My Side" writer Peggy Gordon's Youtube channel! It has clips, tributes, and quick looks into the cast members' relationships.
2001 National Tour Cast
Following a brief run off-Broadway in 2000, Godspell began a National Tour throughout the US, whose cast was recorded. In addition to new orchestrations and some lyric changes, this recording put "Beautiful City," with new lyrics, on stage.
2011 New Broadway Cast
This major Broadway revival of Godspell featured radically new orchestrations that reflected popular music of the time and the increased popularity of a cappella singing. This production uses new philosophers during "Tower of Babble," and it replaced the reprise of "Day by Day" with "Beautiful City;" "Beautiful City" is also worked into the finale. In addition, there are some key changes and minor lyric changes.