Local players tackle revised ‘Godpsell’

Friday, June 7, 2002 | 11:54 a.m.

What: "Godspell."

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, through June 29.

Where: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, on West Charleston Boulevard.

Tickets: $7, $8, $10.

Information: 594-PLAY or supersummertheater.com.

The hippies have been replaced by contemporary figures. The Superman "S" on the front of Jesus' T-shirt no longer exists.

But more than 30 years after its original production, the rock musical "Godspell" is still delivering its frolicking message of spirituality and kindness in a chaotic world.

Wednesday through Saturday the community theater company Super Summer Theatre will present the musical outdoors at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

Told through Biblical parables, music and dance, the story portrays Jesus and his last days on Earth as he preaches love, forgiveness and redemption to those encumbered by modern-day greed and hostility.

Representing the mood of the times, "Godspell" was conceived by John-Michael Tebelak and first opened off-Broadway in 1971. With lyrics and music written by Stephen Schwartz, the movie "Godspell" was released in 1973.

By the time it became a Broadway show in 1976, songs such as "Day By Day" and "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" had become popular melodies.

In 2000 and 2001 the revived "Godspell" toured nationally.

"It's a story with a lot of positive messages about spirituality, hope, how to treat others as you would want people to treat you," Phil Shelburne, director of the Super Summer Theatre production, said.

"Not every production is the same," Shelburne added. " 'Godspell' was really written for the Vietnam era. It had a specific message for that time. In 1999 Schwartz updated the music and the script."

"This (production) is not your average 'Godspell.' This is pretty contemporary in the presentation and the style of the show."

Super Summer Theatre is a community theater group comprised of local professional, amateur and student actors. Past productions have included "The Wiz," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Little Shop of Horrors."

Shelburne chose to produce "Godspell" because of its positive spirit. "It's just a fun story with a very profound message."