Godspell - Union Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
To celebrate the show’s 40th Anniversary, the Union Theatre is presenting the legendary pop musical Godspell – from April 13 to May 7, 2011.
Based upon the gospel according to St Matthew, Godspell includes the numbers Day By Day, Prepare Ye Thee Way Of The Lord, All Good Gifts and Beautiful City.
Although re-imagined for today’s edgy youth and their parents, it retains its simple message of love and joy.
Godspell is directed and staged by Michael Strassen, with musical direction by Michael Bradley. The two have previously worked together at the Union Theatre on Assassins, which recently won Best Production at the Off-West End Awards.
The cast includes Madalena Alberto (as Sonia), Jill Armour (Gilmer), Daryl Armstrong (Herb), Jeremy Batt (Jeffrey), Davis Brooks (Judas), Billy Cullum (Jesus), Natalie Green (Robin), Sophie Isaacs (Joanne), Caroline Hubbard (Peggy) and Iwan Lewis (Lamar).
Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, and has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It premiered off Broadway on May 17, 1971 and the following November opened in London at the Roundhouse Theatre, where the cast included Johanna Cassidy, David Essex, Jeremy Irons and Marti Webb. Following a successful run, the production transferred to the West End’s Wyndhams Theatre in January 1972.
The anniversary production is produced by Regan De Wynter, with Associate Producer Paul Callen. Musical Supervisor is Iain Vince-Gatt and lighting is by Steve Miller.
Tickets: £16, £13 concessions – available from the box office on 020 7261 9876 or at www.ticketsource.co.uk/uniontheatre
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee at 3pm.
Short and Sweet, a production that showcases a selection of new comedy writers from Britain and America, continues at the Union Theatre until April 9, 2011.