Godspell plays at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre August 8 – September 7 and features members of the musical’s original New York production

The much-beloved musical Godspell, one of the nation’s longest-running productions, opens August 8 at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre and runs through September 7. Based upon the gospel of Matthew and its parables, Godspell was a major catalyst for the creation of today’s modern Christian music movement and spawned many songs, including the ever-popular “Day by Day.” Godspell’s original soundtrack sold over a million copies.

Godspell is directed by Gilmer McCormick in partnership with choreographer and music supervisor Stephen Reinhardt, both of the original production that opened in New York in the early 1970s. The musical was subsequently performed all over the world, and was blessed by Pope Paul VI for its messages of love and spirituality.

“There is no re-interpretation (of the Bible),” said Reinhardt. “What it does is take the parables off of the poster and put them into people – it’s life in action.”

“It’s about a way to illuminate the scriptures, about a different way of thinking,” added McCormick. “It’s an attempt to humanize the Godhead – God loves everyone, despite their differences and individual foibles.”

Godspell creator John-Michael Tebelek says he was inspired to produce the musical when he was searched before he was allowed to attend an Easter Sunday service in Pittsburgh, a service that he then found to be joyless and lacking in passion. After that experience he said he wanted to “get Jesus off that cross and humanize Him.” The result was the freewheeling Godspell, which was performed largely with unknown actors and actresses and allowed room for individual improvisation and spontaneity.

Both McCormick and Reinhardt say that Godspell changed the lives of many of its performers over the years, including their own. “We’ve been living this show for the last 38 years,” said Reinhardt. “People have to be peeled inside out to do this show. You have to be humble and deflate the ego process.”

“All the (human) weaknesses are in the parables,” added McCormick, “and we see how they are handled by a loving God. People go around touting their Christianity but don’t want to donate food to the local food pantry. It’s a faith journey that never stops going.”

Godspell is performed at the Ferndale Rep at 8 pm on August 7 (preview), 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30, and on September 4, 5, and 6. Matinees are performed at 2 pm on August 17, 24, and 31, and on September 7. The August 8 opening night performance is a benefit for the Redwood Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; call Stephanie at 725-3361, Extension 4505 for details. Free buses for seniors are available from Redway on August 24 and from Eureka on September 7. Tickets are $15. Please call the Rep at 707/786-5483 for more information.