Godspell The Musical

[cougarobgon]

My daughter is wanting to participate in Godspell the musical at her high school this coming year. Up until she mentioned it to us, my wife and I had never heard of it. Other LDS parents are not allowing their kids to participate because it portrays the life of Christ as found in Mathew in an irreverant manner.

I did a quick google search and found some reviews, but I cannot get a real feel for the irreverance.

Anyone here seen it before? What do you think?

[TripletDaddy]

I have never heard of it, but I must say that I am pretty surprised that any public school is doing a play that centers around the life of the Savior as described in Matthew.

I would be more concerned if they were going to Life of Brian, as described by Python, Monty.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

I have never heard of it, but I must say that I am pretty surprised that any public school is doing a play that centers around the life of the Savior as described in Matthew.

I would be more concerned if they were going to Life of Brian, as described by Python, Monty.

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When your chewin on lifes gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And, always look on the bright side of life
(whistle)
Always look on the light side of life
(whistle)

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And thats to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When your feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle
That's the thing

And, always look on the bright side of life
(whistle)
Always look on the light side of life
(whistle)

For life is quite absurd
And deaths the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bang
Forget about your sins
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance to get out

So always look on the bright side of death
(whistle)
Just before you draw your terminal breath
(whistle)

Lifes a piece of Shit
When you look at it
Lifes a laugh and deaths a joke its true
You'll see its all a show
Keep 'em laughin' as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And, always look on the bright side of life
(whistle)
Always look on the right side of life

[TripletDaddy]

I knew the Mormon Church had arrived when we received a shout out at the beginning of this tune.

[cougarobgon]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

I knew the Mormon Church had arrived when we received a shout out at the beginning of this tune.

Now that is funny. I've never seen an entire Monty Python bit, until today. Have I been missing much?

[creekster]

Godspell was sort of like a tamed down Jesus Christ Superstar. It was performed widely in the 70s in HS drama producitons (even in Utah, I believe). Many mormons in Utah found it very irreverent and I seem to recall some leaders counseling against even seeing it, let alone perfroming it (as they did when the JC Superstar album came out). By today's standards, it is not so bad, although it does treat Jesus' story without miracles and without the resurrection (this is from memory; it has been a long time since I saw it). The song Day by Day comes from this production. There was also a film in the 70s that you might be able to get on netflix to help you decide.

If it was my daughter, I would probably allow her to particiapte after discussing the issues with her.


(I would liek to point out that this post may show there are some advantages ot having old guys around)

[MikeWaters]

well, maybe if Godspell doesn't work out, they can do Equus.

[creekster]

BTW, I think the level of irreverence will depend greatly on the production/director. One of the big problems with the production back in the day was the fact that the cast dressed like filthy pinko hippies (bell bottoms, peasant shirts, etc.) and had long hair and beards that looked dirty as opposed to clean, like pictures of Jesus. Also, they used clown make up on some people (I seem to recall) and had them dancing around like a bunch of chimpanzees (not that there is anything wrong with apes). The script does not require any of this, so alot will depend on whether they are trying to push the limit or not.

[TripletDaddy]

Originally Posted by cougarobgon

Now that is funny. I've never seen an entire Monty Python bit, until today. Have I been missing much?

Yes. You have been missing everything, at least as British sketch comedy goes.

Life of Brian: lampoon of organized religion
Holy Grail: lampoon of Arthurian Legend.
Meaning of Life: lampoon of man's progression, life's journey

All are brilliant, some more brilliant than others.

While Holy Grail is quoted to death, it is still one of the greatest comedic efforts of all time. I am seriously shocked you have never seen that one.

If you enjoyed that clip from Life of Brian, you will love the entire movie...and you will likely enjoy Holy Grail, as well.

Start with Holy Grail, move on from there. Run, run, run....don't silly walk...to your local video store.

[creekster]

Triplet is correct, you have been missing out on Python. Here is my favorite scene from Life of Brian:



The scene shows a surprised Brian openign his window in the morning to see he has been followed by a crowd that thinks he is the messiah.

Btw, if you watch a few Life of Brian clips from Youtube and like them you will almost certainly not be offended by Godpsell.