I think the main "controversy" was when they take Jesus' body down from the fence. I think the Christian community then said the play didn't show the resurrection of Christ, but it was like they took his body and that was it. I was about 9 year old at the time, but that's what I remember the "controversy" to be.
@Lockemeister Actually the main controversy was that we took Jesus down off the cross, metaphorically speaking, and put him in an urban, abandoned child's playground to make him and his followers childlike, innocent clowns. John Michael's reason was simple, he wanted to explore the content of Jesus's teaching free from Church dogma and ritual. Although Matthew's gospel did include the resurrection, Mark's didn't so we decided to place the emphasis on Jesus' life, not his afterlife.
@Alchemyfreak990 I'm thinking it's 1971. The film came out a couple of years later, and starred much of the Broadway cast. Imagine something like this causing much controversy today!
WHOA...Wait a minute @ 0:14 the BIG S! THATS JESUS? I thought it was MARY GROSS or Joanne Gleason wandered into the wrong theatre on her way to INTO THE WOODS! & whats up with that big hindu mole? ewe I dont like this video anymore...I retract all my earlier praise! (just kiddin) love it!...except the creepy jesus...OK! OK! I LOVE IT ALL!
THANK YOU for posting this OLD GEM W/ Baba WaWa & thank you for saying NO (to So Afr) and thank God they chose this song for their appearance. Not, just because of that BIG BEAUTIFUL voice, but, because this is one of the most beautiful songs ever to come out American Theatre
Ah Lamar Alford. I always said that he was so wonderfully out of place. Out of place because his voice belongs in a totally different genre, but he's so great that it adds to the uniqueness of the original Godspell. Hearing his song and hearing his booming voice in the background was always something that I remembered fondly from the original album.
@Basssinger86 You're prescient! I was literally thinking today about the experience of being on stage with Lamar and hearing the vibrationally rich sound of his live. There are no words to express how glorious his voice was. I'll just say that there were times during All Good Gifts I almost forgot to sing my harmony part because listening to him was a slice of heaven.
@larkluster...my comment was based on your statement...We knew his dream was to go to Europe and be an opera star. In a more modern decade that could have happened; but, how many black male opera stars were there in the 70s?...you asked...Simon went to Europe and built a solid career...for the most part outside of Europe and Iowa not many people know who Simon is...that's the only way to have dealt with the SA government at the time...when Queen played Sun City, they had one demand...mixed
@MrSoulauctioneer "For the most part outside of Europe and Iowa not many people know who Simon is," -- Exactly! Lamar knew this so his choice was to return to school and mentor a whole new generation, which he did. THAT and be a source of inspiration to so many here, including his fellow cast mates in Godspell.
@MrSoulauctioneer Simon helped break down racial barriers for black men but he had to go to Europe to establish a career that would have been impossible in America, at that time. Lamar knew he'd have to do the same but wanted to live here for so many reasons; so, his career took a different path. But, because of Lamar, when South Africa wanted to do Godspell, we denied them the rights unless both the cast and the audience were integrated. They said no. We said no. Then... they agreed.
Robin is sooo beautifull and what a voice... my God its so emotional, beautiful, everything, pure and meaningfull.....Improve your relationship with the lord! Amen
Lamar was a friend and a mentor at Morehouse bet 79-82. We took several classes together. I was in the shows he directed. Dean Butcher essentially put Lamar in charge. Many memories. With his can-do joy, he brought in a militant Duane Jones, the star of "Night of the Living Dead" to speak. A coup back then that's lost in an age of Denzels and Will Smiths. "Audition for everything" was his mantra. He became Dramatist-in-Residence in 82. He was a good man who knew how to live. RIP my brother.
@rdw7300 Wonderful to read your words. We adored him. ADORED him! And, you're so right about his can-do joy! We knew his dream was to go to Europe and be an opera star. In a more modern decade that could have happened; but, how many black male opera stars were there in the 70s? So, when he returned to school to learn, teach and direct we knew he would pass on the fervor of his joy-drenched dreams to the next generation.
I actually started crying in happiness the other night watching Telly Leung of the revival cast singing All Good Gifts. I find this show so moving though I am not interested in the subject matter. That's really a beautiful thing. I will be exploring more of your channel for sure.
@larkluster That would be nice. You tube is the only way I can see these things as I am poor and far away from Broadway so I was so thankful that was posted. LOL If I saw it live i'd probably be a total wreck.
Thanks for sharing this! I was born just after this show came out and learned the musical when my high school did it. I made the mistake of not auditioning though I can sing. By My Side was always the one I would've wanted to sing had I done the show. What a beautiful song. What's so crazy about this show is it just makes me happy.
I love this musical. The songs are great. I also like the movie. The world was changing. Why is it blasphemous ? Listen to Barbara's interview. The fact something was directed towards young people who saw and liked it - that annoyed alot of people. When people get annoyed they start using labels. I grew up in NYC in the early 70's and this movie has scenes that make you remember why we have always loved the city.
@TsWade2 It depends on the point of view? If you see exploring the mythology of Jesus through a clown show as insulting to your particular Church, then yes! But, it was never our purpose to mock! It was our purpose to strip away all the dogma and ritual to see the essence of this person and why his story would have endured and the answer was simple... love!
I can't work out who you are from the comments. Were you in the film? Which character were you? I watched it last night (again) on youtube but the first section has been removed by WMG / Sony. Looks like I'll have to get a DVD after all :)
@McPrfctday I'm Peggy Gordon, composer of By My Side and the one sitting next to Jeffrey at the end of Day by Day. No, I wasn't in the film. A wicked case of tonsillitis and resulting surgery took me out of shooting; so, Katie Hanley, who'd been a Robin clown replacement filled in for me! You can see more of the original cast on video clips from our 10th anniversary reunion shoot on my youtube channel!
@larkluster Well, it's an honour to 'meet' you! You might be pleased to hear that I consider "By My Side" one of the most surprisingly beautiful 'musical' songs I've ever heard. Surprising because I came to Godspell late (a couple of years ago the school I work at put on the show... You can read a review if you like. Search "county press Sandown high Godspell"). But I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have heard the song in the 70s as a child :) And thankyou for such an awesome song!!
@larkluster Well, it's an honour to 'meet' you! You might be pleased to hear that I consider "By My Side" one of the most surprisingly beautiful 'musical' songs I've ever heard. Surprising because I came to Godspell late (a couple of years ago the school I work at put on the show... You can read a review if you like. Search "county press Sandown high Godspell"). But I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have heard the song in the 70s as a child :) And thankyou for such an awesome song!!
@larkluster Well, it's an honour to 'meet' you! You might be pleased to hear that I consider "By My Side" one of the most surprisingly beautiful 'musical' songs I've ever heard. Surprising because I came to Godspell late (a couple of years ago the school I work at put on the show... You can read a review if you like. Search "county press Sandown high Godspell"). But I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have heard the song in the 70s as a child :) And thankyou for such an awesome song!!
God bless the Godspell casts. Thank you for keeping this show alive for 40 plus years! Thank you for the joy you have given the world. I have worn out several versions of the show on vinyl before CD's came along.
@mje2k Then you'll be thrilled to know that Sony Music just released, last week, the 40th anniversary, digitally remastered double CD of the original cast recording AND the movie soundtrack!
@blbeachgoer2 Several of us continued acting careers through the 1980s until marriage and children intervened. Gilmer is a teacher; Robin a novelist, Joanne works at a health oriented facility, Steve Nathan went on to Exec. produce many successful tv shows, currently Bones. Herby owns a successful costume shop. I write songs for film and theater as well as screenplays and plays. We lost Lamar and Jeffrey to AIDS and David to a brain tumor. Peggy Gordon
I saw the original cast of 'Godspell' at the Nixon Theatre in Pittsburgh. Let's have some wine' - and the cast came through the audience passing out dixie cups of wine!! I am still in LOVE with the show! I have the Godspell DVD with Victor Garber as Jesus - and Merrill Jackson.. BY FAR!!!! My absolute favorite! I have spent days, watching it over and over again. I find new meaning in so many things - being brought up in a Bible Believing family and church. Regardless - Jesus saves.
@LOEYRN We were never in Pittsburgh, only New York, and for a few months, LA. The company you saw was the first national touring company. They were wonderful!
This is heartbreakingly beautiful. I was in an early London UK professional cast in the 70's, basically the same staging as this version. Remarkable to 'see' our version of the show again.
@GodspellFreak Yes! We found some Sony archive photos that were mis-labled (I corrected them); but, yes we were all together. We did a lot of tv shows in New York that opening summer, but it was our two hour performance on the Today Show that really got the box office phones ringing!
@larkluster Love watching you guys on a stage, rather then just the DVD. Iv'e seen the play 4 times, but nobodyt has done it quit the way all of you did. Hope all is well with all of you.
@larkluster Went to your page. Though there are at least 3 clips marked "original cast" Lamar was not in either of them. Clearly, they are NOT the original cast, as the signature song that Lamar sung with the Original Cast is being sung by someone else.
@Hyphenated08 Those clips are from our 10th anniversary reunion shoot in 1981. Lamar, Robin, Joanne and Sonia were in New York and were unable to do this in LA, where it was shot; so, four actors who'd understudied them in our original production filled in: Bob Garrett, Patti Mariano (who did Robin's role in both the Washington, D.C. and S.F. companies), Marley Sims and Jeannie Lange, respectively. The rest of us were from the original cast! Peggy Gordon
@Hyphenated08 See the Grammy award clip under Favorites on my channel. Ironically, Jeffrey and I were absent from that shoot (I was still in LA) and I think Jeff was sick. Understudies Bob Garrett and Liz Lathrum filled in!
@Hyphenated08 We just found some of the most amazing still photos of our performance on The Today Show. There's one of him that's just quintessential... his childlike goodness and infinite capacity to love is what always shone through. Yes, he had the voice of God but it was his openheartedness when he sang that makes it difficult to listen to our cast album of All Good Gifts. We miss him so!
@swimmer1103 It was early in July, 1971 a few months after we opened May 17th. It was an amazing event for us. We were actually on the show for the full two hours doing so many numbers from the show!
I think the main "controversy" was when they take Jesus' body down from the fence. I think the Christian community then said the play didn't show the resurrection of Christ, but it was like they took his body and that was it. I was about 9 year old at the time, but that's what I remember the "controversy" to be.
Lockemeister 2 weeks ago
@Lockemeister Actually the main controversy was that we took Jesus down off the cross, metaphorically speaking, and put him in an urban, abandoned child's playground to make him and his followers childlike, innocent clowns. John Michael's reason was simple, he wanted to explore the content of Jesus's teaching free from Church dogma and ritual. Although Matthew's gospel did include the resurrection, Mark's didn't so we decided to place the emphasis on Jesus' life, not his afterlife.
larkluster 2 weeks ago
Wow! There's half of the movie's cast in this!!
baronessdouglass 2 weeks ago
What year was this?
Alchemyfreak990 1 month ago
@Alchemyfreak990 I'm thinking it's 1971. The film came out a couple of years later, and starred much of the Broadway cast. Imagine something like this causing much controversy today!
chasrusso 1 month ago
This is great! I saw this movie during Christmas. Thanks for posting. Best Regards
cabbie655 2 months ago
And Joanne Jonas got married,had a child or two and moved to the woods somewhere in California?
Anaris10 2 months ago
@Anaris10 One son, and she lives in Northern California, yes!
larkluster 2 months ago
I LOVE LAMAR'S VOICE!!!!!
Maxkustrap 3 months ago
Lamar is kinda cute
SongsJerome 3 months ago
@SongsJerome Lamar was truly ADORABLE, in every sense of the word!
larkluster 3 months ago
@larkluster I know right
SongsJerome 3 months ago
That is AWESOME!!!!
SongsJerome 3 months ago
WHOA...Wait a minute @ 0:14 the BIG S! THATS JESUS? I thought it was MARY GROSS or Joanne Gleason wandered into the wrong theatre on her way to INTO THE WOODS! & whats up with that big hindu mole? ewe I dont like this video anymore...I retract all my earlier praise! (just kiddin) love it!...except the creepy jesus...OK! OK! I LOVE IT ALL!
comactortony 3 months ago
THANK YOU for posting this OLD GEM W/ Baba WaWa & thank you for saying NO (to So Afr) and thank God they chose this song for their appearance. Not, just because of that BIG BEAUTIFUL voice, but, because this is one of the most beautiful songs ever to come out American Theatre
comactortony 3 months ago
Also just to add, this video is totally priceless!!! :)
Basssinger86 3 months ago
Ah Lamar Alford. I always said that he was so wonderfully out of place. Out of place because his voice belongs in a totally different genre, but he's so great that it adds to the uniqueness of the original Godspell. Hearing his song and hearing his booming voice in the background was always something that I remembered fondly from the original album.
Basssinger86 3 months ago
@Basssinger86 You're prescient! I was literally thinking today about the experience of being on stage with Lamar and hearing the vibrationally rich sound of his live. There are no words to express how glorious his voice was. I'll just say that there were times during All Good Gifts I almost forgot to sing my harmony part because listening to him was a slice of heaven.
larkluster 3 months ago 2
@larkluster...my comment was based on your statement...We knew his dream was to go to Europe and be an opera star. In a more modern decade that could have happened; but, how many black male opera stars were there in the 70s?...you asked...Simon went to Europe and built a solid career...for the most part outside of Europe and Iowa not many people know who Simon is...that's the only way to have dealt with the SA government at the time...when Queen played Sun City, they had one demand...mixed
MrSoulauctioneer 3 months ago
@MrSoulauctioneer "For the most part outside of Europe and Iowa not many people know who Simon is," -- Exactly! Lamar knew this so his choice was to return to school and mentor a whole new generation, which he did. THAT and be a source of inspiration to so many here, including his fellow cast mates in Godspell.
larkluster 3 months ago
@larkluster
glad noone told Simon Estes that he couldnt make it in the opera world
MrSoulauctioneer 3 months ago
@MrSoulauctioneer Simon helped break down racial barriers for black men but he had to go to Europe to establish a career that would have been impossible in America, at that time. Lamar knew he'd have to do the same but wanted to live here for so many reasons; so, his career took a different path. But, because of Lamar, when South Africa wanted to do Godspell, we denied them the rights unless both the cast and the audience were integrated. They said no. We said no. Then... they agreed.
larkluster 3 months ago
omg, is that baba wawa?
dragonboy718 4 months ago
Robin is sooo beautifull and what a voice... my God its so emotional, beautiful, everything, pure and meaningfull.....Improve your relationship with the lord! Amen
jjs499 4 months ago
Lamar was a friend and a mentor at Morehouse bet 79-82. We took several classes together. I was in the shows he directed. Dean Butcher essentially put Lamar in charge. Many memories. With his can-do joy, he brought in a militant Duane Jones, the star of "Night of the Living Dead" to speak. A coup back then that's lost in an age of Denzels and Will Smiths. "Audition for everything" was his mantra. He became Dramatist-in-Residence in 82. He was a good man who knew how to live. RIP my brother.
rdw7300 4 months ago
@rdw7300 Wonderful to read your words. We adored him. ADORED him! And, you're so right about his can-do joy! We knew his dream was to go to Europe and be an opera star. In a more modern decade that could have happened; but, how many black male opera stars were there in the 70s? So, when he returned to school to learn, teach and direct we knew he would pass on the fervor of his joy-drenched dreams to the next generation.
larkluster 4 months ago
I sure the revival cast will impress us all!
lacrosse257 4 months ago
@lacrosse257 They certainly impressed me and my highly critical friend last night!
UandMeKid 2 months ago
I actually started crying in happiness the other night watching Telly Leung of the revival cast singing All Good Gifts. I find this show so moving though I am not interested in the subject matter. That's really a beautiful thing. I will be exploring more of your channel for sure.
mkupgrl1 4 months ago
@mkupgrl1 I'll share your comment with Telly! He'll love to hear that!
larkluster 4 months ago
@larkluster That would be nice. You tube is the only way I can see these things as I am poor and far away from Broadway so I was so thankful that was posted. LOL If I saw it live i'd probably be a total wreck.
mkupgrl1 4 months ago
Thanks for sharing this! I was born just after this show came out and learned the musical when my high school did it. I made the mistake of not auditioning though I can sing. By My Side was always the one I would've wanted to sing had I done the show. What a beautiful song. What's so crazy about this show is it just makes me happy.
mkupgrl1 4 months ago
Comment removed
29Euphoria 4 months ago
I love this musical. The songs are great. I also like the movie. The world was changing. Why is it blasphemous ? Listen to Barbara's interview. The fact something was directed towards young people who saw and liked it - that annoyed alot of people. When people get annoyed they start using labels. I grew up in NYC in the early 70's and this movie has scenes that make you remember why we have always loved the city.
29Euphoria 4 months ago
Is Godspell really blasphemous?
TsWade2 5 months ago
@TsWade2 It depends on the point of view? If you see exploring the mythology of Jesus through a clown show as insulting to your particular Church, then yes! But, it was never our purpose to mock! It was our purpose to strip away all the dogma and ritual to see the essence of this person and why his story would have endured and the answer was simple... love!
larkluster 5 months ago
@TsWade2 No.
goatlovesllama 3 months ago
I can't work out who you are from the comments. Were you in the film? Which character were you? I watched it last night (again) on youtube but the first section has been removed by WMG / Sony. Looks like I'll have to get a DVD after all :)
McPrfctday 6 months ago
@McPrfctday I'm Peggy Gordon, composer of By My Side and the one sitting next to Jeffrey at the end of Day by Day. No, I wasn't in the film. A wicked case of tonsillitis and resulting surgery took me out of shooting; so, Katie Hanley, who'd been a Robin clown replacement filled in for me! You can see more of the original cast on video clips from our 10th anniversary reunion shoot on my youtube channel!
larkluster 6 months ago 4
@larkluster Well, it's an honour to 'meet' you! You might be pleased to hear that I consider "By My Side" one of the most surprisingly beautiful 'musical' songs I've ever heard. Surprising because I came to Godspell late (a couple of years ago the school I work at put on the show... You can read a review if you like. Search "county press Sandown high Godspell"). But I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have heard the song in the 70s as a child :) And thankyou for such an awesome song!!
McPrfctday 6 months ago
@larkluster Well, it's an honour to 'meet' you! You might be pleased to hear that I consider "By My Side" one of the most surprisingly beautiful 'musical' songs I've ever heard. Surprising because I came to Godspell late (a couple of years ago the school I work at put on the show... You can read a review if you like. Search "county press Sandown high Godspell"). But I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have heard the song in the 70s as a child :) And thankyou for such an awesome song!!
McPrfctday 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@larkluster Well, it's an honour to 'meet' you! You might be pleased to hear that I consider "By My Side" one of the most surprisingly beautiful 'musical' songs I've ever heard. Surprising because I came to Godspell late (a couple of years ago the school I work at put on the show... You can read a review if you like. Search "county press Sandown high Godspell"). But I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have heard the song in the 70s as a child :) And thankyou for such an awesome song!!
McPrfctday 6 months ago
God bless the Godspell casts. Thank you for keeping this show alive for 40 plus years! Thank you for the joy you have given the world. I have worn out several versions of the show on vinyl before CD's came along.
mje2k 6 months ago
@mje2k Then you'll be thrilled to know that Sony Music just released, last week, the 40th anniversary, digitally remastered double CD of the original cast recording AND the movie soundtrack!
larkluster 6 months ago
omg they do NOT look the same O_o
punkprincess123451 6 months ago
I know Sonia was on Sesame Street. Does anyone know what became of the rest of the cast? I know some of them were in the movie.
blbeachgoer2 6 months ago
@blbeachgoer2 Several of us continued acting careers through the 1980s until marriage and children intervened. Gilmer is a teacher; Robin a novelist, Joanne works at a health oriented facility, Steve Nathan went on to Exec. produce many successful tv shows, currently Bones. Herby owns a successful costume shop. I write songs for film and theater as well as screenplays and plays. We lost Lamar and Jeffrey to AIDS and David to a brain tumor. Peggy Gordon
larkluster 6 months ago
@timbor44 The month of July, 1971. We'd been open less than two months but had already recorded our cast album!
larkluster 6 months ago
I saw this at the Cherry Lane many years ago as a kid, I loved it, especially how the actors/singers interacted with the audience.
ajogg 6 months ago
The original cast of Godspell may be the most adorable group of people ever!
MarcoPolo7212 7 months ago
I saw the original cast of 'Godspell' at the Nixon Theatre in Pittsburgh. Let's have some wine' - and the cast came through the audience passing out dixie cups of wine!! I am still in LOVE with the show! I have the Godspell DVD with Victor Garber as Jesus - and Merrill Jackson.. BY FAR!!!! My absolute favorite! I have spent days, watching it over and over again. I find new meaning in so many things - being brought up in a Bible Believing family and church. Regardless - Jesus saves.
LOEYRN 7 months ago
@LOEYRN We were never in Pittsburgh, only New York, and for a few months, LA. The company you saw was the first national touring company. They were wonderful!
larkluster 7 months ago
This is heartbreakingly beautiful. I was in an early London UK professional cast in the 70's, basically the same staging as this version. Remarkable to 'see' our version of the show again.
RufferUK 7 months ago
@GodspellFreak Yes! We found some Sony archive photos that were mis-labled (I corrected them); but, yes we were all together. We did a lot of tv shows in New York that opening summer, but it was our two hour performance on the Today Show that really got the box office phones ringing!
larkluster 8 months ago
@larkluster Love watching you guys on a stage, rather then just the DVD. Iv'e seen the play 4 times, but nobodyt has done it quit the way all of you did. Hope all is well with all of you.
Tom6093 7 months ago
I was in one of Lamar Alford's plays at Morehouse, and worked in King Chapel with him. Gone too soon. Rest in Peace, Lamar.
Hyphenated08 1 year ago
@Hyphenated08 I wish I had more clips of him to upload. See also the clip from the Grammy awards on my channel. I loved and will love him forever!
larkluster 1 year ago
@larkluster Went to your page. Though there are at least 3 clips marked "original cast" Lamar was not in either of them. Clearly, they are NOT the original cast, as the signature song that Lamar sung with the Original Cast is being sung by someone else.
Hyphenated08 1 year ago
@Hyphenated08 Those clips are from our 10th anniversary reunion shoot in 1981. Lamar, Robin, Joanne and Sonia were in New York and were unable to do this in LA, where it was shot; so, four actors who'd understudied them in our original production filled in: Bob Garrett, Patti Mariano (who did Robin's role in both the Washington, D.C. and S.F. companies), Marley Sims and Jeannie Lange, respectively. The rest of us were from the original cast! Peggy Gordon
larkluster 1 year ago
@Hyphenated08 See the Grammy award clip under Favorites on my channel. Ironically, Jeffrey and I were absent from that shoot (I was still in LA) and I think Jeff was sick. Understudies Bob Garrett and Liz Lathrum filled in!
larkluster 1 year ago
@Hyphenated08 We just found some of the most amazing still photos of our performance on The Today Show. There's one of him that's just quintessential... his childlike goodness and infinite capacity to love is what always shone through. Yes, he had the voice of God but it was his openheartedness when he sang that makes it difficult to listen to our cast album of All Good Gifts. We miss him so!
larkluster 8 months ago
Thanks for the post. Lamar Alford was a good friend 30 years ago. RIP Lamar.
rdw7300 1 year ago 2
Sonia Manzano went on to be "Maria" on SESAME STREET.
ITCJon 1 year ago 7
Wow, Jesus is scary as hell in this video
edelweissjess 1 year ago
This is so cool!
arfies 1 year ago
Robin is so adorable
jgmes2001 2 years ago 8
Comment removed
swimmer1103 2 years ago 4
@swimmer1103 You're welcome, sweetie! Hope you're enjoying your cute little purse! Give your mom a kiss! xxoo Peggy
larkluster 1 year ago
@larkluster ok hope to see u soon
swimmer1103 1 year ago
@larkluster hope to see you soon.
swimmer1103 1 year ago
@larkluster when did you guys go on the todays show? what was the date?
swimmer1103 1 year ago
@swimmer1103 It was early in July, 1971 a few months after we opened May 17th. It was an amazing event for us. We were actually on the show for the full two hours doing so many numbers from the show!
larkluster 1 year ago
@swimmer1103 - Your mother is amazing. I've loved her voice for years....
cphillips556 1 year ago
@swimmer1103 Wow, I know you must be very proud of your mom. She has a beautiful voice. It sad some cast member have passed on from the movie.
hz11287 1 year ago