More information about the Gospels:
There are four gospels that Godspell itself was based on: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John which are the first four books of the New Testament. Each one tells the story of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. However, each of them are told/written from a different perspective for those who’d rather read fast paced or slow.
Mark is the shortest and most fast-paced, almost like it wants us to feel the urgency of Jesus’ message. Matthew leans into structure and teaching, especially with the Sermon on the Mount story, and it often presents Jesus as a kind of new Moses. Luke is the most detailed and inclusive that highlights compassion, healing, and the people society tends to overlook. John is the most spiritual and poetic of the four because focusing less on parables and more on the meaning behind who Jesus is. Even though they come from different perspectives, all four Gospels work together to share Jesus’s teachings, his relationships, and the community he builds.
What’s interesting is how these differences connect directly to Godspell. The show pulls from all four Gospels, but it especially uses the parable storytelling style in Matthew and Luke. The play takes these ancient lessons and turns them into something playful and theatrical. That’s the same way Jesus taught the disciples. The fast shifts in mood and pacing in Godspell replicates Mark’s Gospel. A lot of the scenes jump quickly from lesson to lesson with an energy that keeps the audience engaged. As far as the more emotional moments that are tied to forgiveness and community, they echo the tone of John.
All together, the Godspell takes the teachings from each Gospel and puts them in a modern, theatrical form so the audience can experience them the way the characters do.
Personal Connections/Background:
Before Godspell, I’ve heard about the four Gospels but never knew what they were about. Usually I’d hear them being used as Bible quotes like for example, someone would say “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:38). It pops up in everyday conversation with peers who have a religious background/beliefs. Personally, I come from a Christian household so the faith of trusting, believing, and worshiping a God or Jesus became second nature. My mother enrolled me into various Bible study schools; one of my family members actually owns a church in Maryland where everyone could come together as a community. At the time, being a kid in church was the longest day of my life. Everyday like clockwork became waking up at the crack of dawn and getting out of service by 8pm. The entirety of my days would be spent in a church where I could hardly stay awake or go without playing on a mobile device. Even though I was part of the Bible study group, I feel as if I didn’t learn anything about Jesus/God other than to believe that he was a real historical figure. The only times I enjoyed the services were when the choir would sing and communal grape juice and crackers would be passed around to represent the blood/body of Jesus. Now that I’m an adult who can make choices for myself, I remain non affiliated to religion. I do believe in Jesus and a higher power, but I do not consider myself religious because I do not strictly follow every rule in the Bible or practice any of it. I still don’t have a grasp of the entirety of the Bible as there is so much to unpack. One day I may revisit Christianity and reconsider my beliefs.
Class Relations to Godspell in General:
This semester, I’ve noticed that a lot of what I’m learning connects directly to Godspell. In Acting Styles, we’ve been diving into Shakespeare and Greek texts, which has pushed me to work with heightened language and bold physical choices. That same kind of commitment shows up in Godspell, especially in the parables. The stories are simple on the surface, but they need a clear intention behind every action. Working with classical material has helped me approach those moments with more confidence and clarity.
Theatre History gives me a wider view of how performance has evolved. We look at everything from Ancient Greek theatre to kabuki, and I’m starting to see how much theatre relies on ritual and community. Godspell feels like its own kind of modern ritual. The ensemble builds the world together, just like early forms of theatre that were meant to teach, celebrate, or guide people through shared experiences. That connection makes the show feel bigger than just a musical. It truly feels like it belongs to a long tradition of storytelling.
Principles of Arts Administration class plays a role in this too believe it or not. Reading about what’s happening in the theatre industry today reminds me that a show doesn’t just exist for theatre, but for a community of people who are curious. Godspell speaks to the audience we have now. The marketing of the show pulls people into a production.
My Private Voice lessons tie in naturally because the music in Godspell demands flexibility and control. Some songs sit in a comfortable place emotionally and others stretch me. The work I do one-on-one includes breath, technique, and expression that shows up immediately in rehearsal. It helps me stay grounded vocally so I can focus on storytelling and being healthy.
And then there’s my Professional Identity and Practice class, which connects to the heart of the show. Although it was an eight work course, I was able to explore who I’m becoming and how I want to step into adulthood. Godspell itself is all about growth. The themes line up with my own life in a way that feels honest because I feel more connected to the message of the show.
All of these classes come together and shape the way I approach Godspell. They influence how I think, how I work, and how I show up in the room, making the experience feel more meaningful overall.