Super cute, intimate little theater + young, energetic, ridiculously talented cast = Broadway gold! I just Godspell for the first time on Sunday, and all I have to say is PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE PLAYBILL! This is one of the best times I've had in 25 years of seeing Broadway musicals. Even if you are not a Christian, you are sure to enjoy yourself at this show. Having seen it at the end of April, I was in one of the first audiences to see Corbin Bleu play Jesus. I have to say, he did a great job with it. He seemed comfortable in the role, even though it was pretty new for him. And, Yes, he can really sing. Go see it! Bring the whole family. Especially if you have kids who are High School Musical fans (they will love seeing Corbin Bleu). read more

Praises to my friend Jenna who decided to try out for the ticket lottery. Homegirl got us some of the coveted (...by some...) pillow seats that surround the main circular stage; front row seat holders, eat your heart out! I got a fine mist of Hunter Parrish's saliva all over me when he sang! (And since he's so gorgeous...did you see me wiping it off? No. No I didn't.) Admittedly, prior to seeing the show, I only knew one thing about "Godspell", and that is from watching "Wet, Hot American Summer" approximately 1,435,262 times in my short life: "Day by Day". This time, there was no viciously animated introduction by Amy Poehler, nor any booing at the end of that particular number. I found the entire production to be quick, fun, extremely engaging, and lively. Being one of the "pillow people", I and my fellow theater goers actually got to interact a bit with the cast; games of Pictionary and Charades abound! All of the actors were fantastic and, by the end, I was slightly mesmorized, already plotting to download the show's cast recording when I got home! However, the novelity of sitting on the pillows for a cumulative two+ hours wears off about 15 minutes into the show when your back starts to ache and you question sneaking off into one of the empty seats near the back of the theater. One of my fellow "pillow people" was seeing the show for her 24th time (!!!) and insisted that sitting in the front row of pillows is more fun than sitting in the back row of the pillows. Well...at least THEY got something to lean on. I, on the other hand, lost all circulation to my left leg as I tried to sit Indian-style for as long as I could. Oy... This show is absolutely worth it! I've seen a lot of great Broadway shows over the years, but this musical in particular is quite uplifting, even for a heathenistic non-religious person such as myself... ;-) read more

It's a remake of an older show, though the story line is the same. The songs and jokes were okay but seemed too forced and contrived. The vocals and performers did the best they could with what they had and seemed to have fun with the show and audience. Note - the wine at intermission isn't really wine, right? read more

Godspell - Performing Arts Near Me

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One of my good friend calls me one weekend afternoon, and this is how the conversation went: HIM: "Hey, I just won the lottery for Godspell. Wanna go?" ME: "Sure. What time is the play?" HIM: "2:30 matinee. And Hunter Parrish and Telly Leung are in it!" ME: "Awesome. Pick up some McDonald's and we can stroll back to the theater after". Now, I am not overly proud of the McDonald's piece but had a craving for a Big Mac and fries. Oh, and please read my review on ONE particular McDonald's on 9th Avenue that I think everyone should avoid. Ok, back to Godspell. I am sooooo glad I went (and not ashamed to say I went back again!). This show not only has a very talented cast, but just for how simple the set and props are, they deliver a very entertaining show. Hunter Parrish (some of you may know from Weeds) delivers a very young, energetic and vibrant Jesus. Telly Leung (from Glee), Wallace Smith (you may remember him from American Idiot and Lion King) and the rest of the cast are outstanding. This is definitely a MUST SEE! read more

This play was absolutely beautiful! While it is one of my favorite play in the world, I still have a pretty critical eye, especially since I love the movie so much. This is very different from the movie. But that is why I enjoy the play so much. Casts and crew have the option to take so many artistic risks. And this production took a whole bunch. There were of course artistic choices that I was not a huge fan of, but there were more artistic choices that I loved so much! I laughed, I cried, I sang along. I recommend this to anyone with an open mind. It may not be your religion, but if you just watch the play is full of beautiful songs (sung by and EXTREMELY talented cast), funny stories, and it teaches us to be kind to one another. The theater is really intimate (circle in the square theater) and the acting is amazing. To think that these young adults put 100% (because it is obvious that is 100% both times that I have seen the show) in the amount of shows that are preformed. Even the understudies were great! I am a spiritual person, so I found this to be very moving on a whole other level. If you are also a spiritual person, I think that this play could potentially change your life. The theological discussion that I had following the play were some of the best that I've had. I had tears in my eyes by the second song. I cannot wait to see it again (an I plan on doing the lottery because I want those floor seats so bad!) I am signing up for yelp! just so that I can give this a fantastic review. read more

A friend of mine had an extra ticket and she invited me to go with her. I am so glad that I went! I happen to like musicals and the cast here are for the most part triple threats. Hunter Parrish plays a mean Jesus Christ and he can sing to boot. Lots of attitude and talent. The production is pretty minimal, but it works fine in the small circular theater. I liked it so much, I might go again. If you have any friends coming into NYC, take them to this show. read more

I fell into a deep sleep during the second half of this show. The first half was entertaining, but it was more like ten mini episodes about each of the commandments crammed into two hours. If you are into singing, dancing and cheesy jokes, this play will satisfy your showtime needs. read more

Oh my GODSPELL! This was the BEST thing to do on a Sunday instead of going to church. Yes, I lured Mara G. away from her favorite pew, to the front row of this great musical on Sunday 10/30/11. All I can really say is it was my first time seeing this play. I know it has been around for YEARS, but it was MY first time. I loved this play. I really loved every single second of this play. They even offered a "communion" during intermission. This musical foray into the King James Bible is definitely Useful. Funny. Cool. They were filming the audience for TV commercials (or something) during this performance. And Mara G. and I had our temporary tattoos plastered on our right cheeks to "get noticed" so I might be somewhere in the crowd on some TV commercial or another. If I didn't wind up on the cutting room floor. See it! It's all I can say. SEE IT!!! read more

I bought a pair of tickets as a Christmas gift for my sister and by default got to go. I knew the music but wasn't really sure how the show would play out. The music and production were different from the original but thats what made it easier to relate to. (For me at least.) Injected with jokes and references from pop culture, cute audience interaction and a cast of beautiful voices presenting a fantastic production...i'm beyond happy that I got to watch. Btw, Row K isn't so bad. Not only do you save some money but you get a better view of the theater. Yes, there might be a chandelier in your way but you'll be able to see the theater as a whole. The stage. The audience. The band sprinkled amongst the audience. (Look! the guitar players are in the audience!) Best part of the show? Something that will probably not happen again. Telly Leung singing to his choral teacher in the audience... Next best? Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. Would I watch it again? Totally. read more

The show is a blast and it is only in previews. Yes, the theater is intimate and staged in the round. Yes, the songs are great and there are several amazing voices in the cast. And yes, there are some great devices and uses of the space. But for me the amazing energy and creativity of this production is what pushes it over the top and makes it a highly enjoyable show. They are having fun and it is certainly fun to be in the audience. read more

Being a trained working musical theatre person I am this is one musical to which I am über partial! That aside I tried to be very impartial. the cast is amazing with standouts like Telly Leung! The vocal arrangements are the best thing ever!!! Bravo and he should win an award! The staging was clever and I loved the stage and all the tricks that came from it! Hunter Parrish did well...he needs help with his upper range but Thank the Lord he only goes up there twice the whole show... You cna tell the entire cast is genuinely excited to be there performing this work and that makes the energy like nothing else on Broadway. Mix that with a great score and 95% great singing and you have a great show! I do have to say that I kept asking myself why this all was happening as the concept wasn't very clear but like I said this is one of my favorite pieces...so I guess I forgave it a little bit...although I am still wondering. Overall it was a great, fun evening out! I say go and if you figure out the WHY let me know!! Deliciously Living, Michael read more

I took off one star for one reason: this show is not for everyone. I think you need to have a certain sense of humor and quick-wit to appreciate it. I know plenty of people who wouldn't 'get it'. I got it, and I loved it! We saw Corbin Bleu in his opening night as Jesus. He has an amazing energy: a radiant smile and his tone of voice was so smooth and relaxing. it made you want to listen to him (I guess kind of like the character he was portraying!). My daughter was a fan of his from his HSM days (and was awestruck by the other young and hip actors in the cast). A few of the pop-culture references went over her head, but there was plenty of comedic one-liners for everyone in the crowd to enjoy. What was also impressive was how up-to-date the pop-culture references were (as current as Tebow becoming a Jet). The cast looked like they truly enjoyed performing. And being so close to the stage, you really can see the emotions. There are very few props, but they are not needed to get the point across, And there is not a bad seat in the house; just watch out because a cast member may be lurking behind you. I know it is not one of the top musicals on Broadway right now. But the intimacy and positivity make it well worth the price. read more

Freaking Amazing. I laughed. I cried. I tried to sing. My boyfriend put his hand over my mouth to stop me. In a word- GO. read more

small, intimate theater in the round. not a bad seat in the house so spring for the cheapest tickets (wish we had). brilliant cast spends every minute onstage in song, dance, lots of laughs and a palatable dose of religion. super witty and engaging. read more

Godspell - at pee break - Performing Arts Near Me

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In these difficult times, GODSPELL is a blast of great theater, inspiration, humor and relevance. It touches the audience - from old to young, people of all religions, backgrounds and styles. I sat in back of a 76 year old fundamentalist and in front of a young Weeds fan - both loved it - and actually laughed together during the intermission. GODSPELL is what theater is about - connecting us to our humanity, raising issues and entertaining us to our bones. The cast is awesome, the stage is inventive, the music rocks and the story is timeless. Go See Godspell!!!! read more

I made the mistake of doing the lottery for this show. First of all everyone who enters the lottery basically wins it because so few people want to see it. Usually shows give you front row tickets or good tickets if you win the lottery. At Godspel, they make you sit on the floor in a cramped area with 5 other people. It was very demeaning. The cushions they made me sit on had huge moldy stains--they have probably never been washed since the inception of the show. This was the worst musical I have ever seen. I could not understand 75% of the dialogue and the stories were really hard to follow. This musical is very different. The actors continually change roles because the musical tells several scenes from the bible that all have different characters. This means that one specific actor may be a sheep herder one scene and I roman soldier the next..There is no character introduction, plot, or any sense of development throughout the musical. The actors do impressions, change their voice from high to low, and sing parts of contemporary songs. Usually when I see musicals I leave with 1 or 2 songs stuck in my head. I cannot even remember 1 song in the musical. I only remember small jokes they cracked here and there about Herman Cain and other musicals. When I went the house was 30% empty. I honestly felt bad for the actors. They were very talented and great at performing. I know that this musical was supposed to be radial and new age...but its lack of structure just didnt cut it for me. read more

I can't believe we saw this in 'preview' performances. The cast has great voices. This was my first time seeing the show, and my mother (who is a big fan-- and from out of town) insisted that we see it. I'm so glad that she did. Funny and moving to the point that I looked over and mom was crying. Thanks, Godspell for a great show! read more

I want to go back! I did not know that much about Godspell before going, besides that it was a revival. The theatre was perfect and displayed the true talents of all the actors and actresses. The preformance was amazing, and I can't stop listening to the soundtrack. A lot of fun! read more

First off I loved the Circle in the Square theatre. Really cool and intimate theatre with not a bad seat in the house. We were able to get 2nd row seats and they were fabulous. I had never seen the play before nor did I know very much about it but our whole group loved it. The dialogue was very timely with great references to what is going on in the news/entertainment world. The singing was really great as well. All the stars came out after the performance to sign autographs and take pictures which was really cool as I am a huge Weeds fan and got a pic with Hunter Parrish. I would definitely recommend! read more

I strongly dislike this show. However, I'm giving it 4 stars because I think they did an excellent job with this production. It's not trying to be wicked, it's trying to be fun and it succeeds. read more

I'd recommend this production of GODSPELL! Didn't know the show at all; definitely worth seeing. Some really funny moments, and some cool surprises and effects! I don't want to give too much away, but some of the visuals are truly stunning, and the cast is talented beyond belief! The second act was especially good and really hit it outta the park - couldn't help but get emotional. Check it out! read more

This is a modern day revival of an "old" Broadway hit depicting the life and message of Jesus Christ. The music is as timeless as Christs message but, it took me a few numbers to get used to the way His teachings were being presented in today's vernacular. The first act left me no more or less touched than when I came into the theater but, the second act blew me away. The entire second act was prayerful, reverent and very powerful. The Circle in the Square theater is a unique venue and the directors take every advantage of it by making the audience part of the play. read more

This performance is so much fun. The actors do a great job at getting the audience involved. High energy performance and a fun night out.

I had an absolute blast. Disclaimer: this show was the motivating factor for this particular trip to NY and I saw it twice in one week but I enjoyed it way more than I even thought I would. I'd skip the lotto seats, the pillows looked frustrating. Also forget the "every seat's a good seat" thing. While it probably is true (I thought my first seat was the best seat in the house, then I thought my second seat was the best in the house, both first row but from different views), I think you'll enjoy it so much more sitting in the first row. You're literally right up against the stage and there are parts (during the show) where cast members will sit on the edge of the stage and quietly talk to the people right in front of them. The production feels low rent. It's not your big Phantom of the Opera or Lion King set and costumes. But the whole thing feels more accessible and like you're part of what's going on rather than just a spectator no one acknowledges who might as well be watching something on a screen. The cast is great at making eye contact and smiling at individual people in the audience. They hang out a bit during intermission. The songs are bouncy and fun through the first act and half of the second act. Then it gets more serious and dark. Someone complained to me on another website that Hunter Parrish's (Jesus) voice cracked during the last song. Um, yeah. It's an emotional song. He's on the cross and dying. To me, it ADDS to the performance; it's not a sign that he can't handle the vocals. On a related note, another reviewer mentioned the actor playing Jesus forgot his lines at some point. I read that review a few days after it was posted and I'm fairly certain that was an understudy for that performance as Hunter Parrish was out sick for several shows around that time. Not that the understudy shouldn't know the part inside and out, just sayin'. Also, just a heads up. The show starts abruptly without any warning. So be prepared for that and in your seat. The cast makes liberal use of the aisles, doors, and even railings throughout the show. I have no idea how people don't get tripped, bumped into, and stepped on. Or maybe they do... read more

Myself and my wife saw this show on Saturday 8pm 1/14/2012. We never heard of GodSpell before that day, but we went based on people standing in line at TKTS booth. This show was a pleasant surprise. It's basically the story of Jesus Christ in some what musical comedic format. Telly Leung was an obvious superstar. I think he started to play RENT on piano; which would have been very enjoyable but I guess it's the wrong show. The actor playing Jesus, forgot his lines a few times, the director had to remind him of his lines. No place to hide on this very open round stage. This is a round theater with only about 13 rows of seats. So any seat is a good seat. They served free shots of wine on stage during intermission. read more

I saw nine shows on my trip to NYC, and GODSPELL and MEMPHIS tied as the best of the best. GODSPELL was like a rock concert mixed with an improvisational comedy show--just very funny and very cool. The cast has some amazing voices, and having the band members placed throughout the audience really puts the audience in the middle of things. A really thrilling night, great for all ages. read more

Saw Godspell last night and it was phenomenal! The songs remain as beautiful as I remember them and the talented new cast adds its own fresh spin on a classic show. It was almost as much fun watching the audience reaction as it was the action on stage, as it's obvious that so many people have a special place in their heart for this show. Really glad I saw it and can't wait for the new cast album to come out! read more

I came with my 3 buds, ironically we sat in front of a group of nuns in habits. I don't know who had more fun, us or the nuns! It was awesome having the band in the audience, the show was surprisingly hilarious but also very moving. read more

Godspell is a timeless show and yet continues to evolve and grow with each new production. Back on Broadway after 30+ years - you will be treated to a classic with a fresh twist. Circle in the Square Theatre provides for a uniquely intimate audience experience for a Broadway house. Lighting is magnificent and dazzling and the young cast seems to effortlessly tell the parables thru dialogue and with an updated energized score of the classic tunes. Beautifully staged, brilliantly lit and well acted - it will delight those who have seen it before, and those who are seeing it for the first time alike! read more

I brought some friends to Godspell and we were amazed how a revival can keep the integrity of the original show yet be updated to fit into todays messages. The cast was energetic and so confortable in the roll that made the audience be pulled into the show. The interaction with the staging and sharing of wine at intermission on stage with the cast was a great treat. We are looking forward to seeing the show again. read more