Search - Stephen Schwartz :: Godspell (2000) / New O.C.R.

MIXED BLESSING

R. Penola | NYC, NY United States | 06/03/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As much as I LOVED the sparkling, expertly updated production that this recording represents, the Cd itself is a mixed bag for GODSPELL fans. It features perhaps the best assembly of voices I have yet heard performing these songs; however, the hip, techno-pop arrangements do not translate with the same electricity they had in person; it does not have the same you-could-play-it-forever-and-ever listenability as the original cast recording and the film soundtrack. It has a harder edge, and the arrangements of Light of the World and the Finale in particular are heavy-handed. Stephen Schwartz' revisited lyrics for the song Beautiful City, which was written for the film, scan oddly in this version, a ballad now placed as a set-up for the last supper. And Tower Of Babel, while wonderful to have on the recording, again places new lyrics (to represent updated philosophers) into the already-written-for-other-lyrics music -- it feels like a misfit. However, for younger audiences just getting into the infinite pleasures of this pop classic theatre piece, you could do much worse than this CD."

Worth owning!

ddhyoung | Palestine, TX United States | 04/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I read all the worst reviews about this CD before buying it and I must disagree with them. I have been in Godspell and am currently directing it and this CD is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a recording that wasn't 20-30 years old but still kept the show accessible to the masses and this version is it. I also own the 2001 Touring as well as the original Broadway and Movie Soundtrack. This recording is actually quite good. The things that I like best is the band and the arrangements of the songs. They are fresh and new but still use an orchestration that can be reproduced by a community theatre. The 2001 was so far out there and "techno" that it is next to impossible to duplicate that in a smaller theatre without major sequencing. This CD feels new and updated without destroying the music that Schwartz wrote. I like it a lot. It is perfect for a director trying to get a feel for the music and wanting someonething new at the same time."

The Most Accessible Recording of Godspell

psyges | Indiana, PA United States | 06/22/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike the spirited but dated original cast recording and the surprising and innovative touring cast, I find this CD to be a comfortable medium. The singing is exceptional, and the Prologue is a great addition to the original without the touring cast's techno style- a style that strikes a sour note for many. The original cast CD was released without the prologue to make it more appealing as a pop CD (as is noted in the script by the author), and I think that makes a major statement about the music. In the show, each character/song seems to have been given its own style, and while this device works in some shows, their is no cohesion between each song in this one. It is like a buffet of musical styles bookended by the Prologue/Prepare Ye and the Finale. For the kind of show "Godspell" is, however, I do not find this to be a terrible fault.If you are a fan of contemporary music theater who takes joy in musical motifs and cohesive structure, you may find the music of this show a bit juvenile.If you just want a great album with some beautiful music, important messages, and a big big heart- this is for you. Individual songs themselves are fantastic, and possess many powerful moments. This show has a great deal of merit, and I highly recommend anyone new to the show to start with this CD."