Category Archives: G

Musicals staring with letter G

Gigi

Gigi tells the story of a young French girl raised to be a courtesan who instead opts to get married. This musical hit started out as a novel by the famous French author Colette and was made by Anita Loos into a non-musical stage production in 1951 before becoming an Oscar-winning musical film in 1958. It was adapted into a Broadway Musical in 1973 after the Film version won 9 Academy Awards by Lerner and Loewe, although its Broadway début failed to live up to the success of the film. After short runs in both London and New York, the stage show was surpassed by the screen version, until a new production was mounted at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and quickly became one of the biggest shows of the season.

Gigi

Frederick Loewe

Alan Jay Lerner

Alan Jay Lerner

the novel by Colette and the MGM film

Saint Subber and Edwin Lester

Joseph Hardy

Onna White

Productions
Gigi Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Uris Theatre - Opened 13 Nov 1973, closed 1 Jan 1970, 103 performances

Cast: Alfred Drake, Maria Karnilova, Daniel Massey, Agnes Moorehead, Karin Wolfe, Sandahl Berman, John Dorrin, Truman Gaige, Joe Ross, Richard Woods, Thomas Anthony, Alvin Beam, Russ Beasley, Andy Bew, Robyn Blair, Leonard John Crofoot, Judy Cummings, Gordon De Vol, Randy Di Grazio, Gregory B. Drotar, Margit Haut, Andy Keyser, Clyde Laurents, Diane Lauridsen, Merilee Magnuson, Kelley Maxwell, Jean McLaughlin, Vickie Patik, Susan Plantt, Joel Pressman, Thomas Stanton, Marie Tillmans, Sallie True

Gigi Original London

Original London Production

Lyric Theatre - Opened 17 Sep 1985, closed 1 Apr 1986

Gigi London Revival

London Revival

Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park - Opened 6 Aug 2008, closed 13 Sep 2008



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

In Belle-Epoque Paris, Honoré Lachaille is a elderly gentlemen with very few cares in the world and plenty of money to spend. He reflects on his womanizing past and pauses to “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.” His nephew, Gaston, is just as wealthy and also has an eye for the ladies, but he is growing tired of his charmed life as “It’s a Bore.” He begins spending time with Honoré’s former lover, the eccentric Madame Alvarez, who he calls Mamita, in an effort to get closer to her beautiful granddaughter Gigi.

Mamita sends Gigi to her Aunt Alicia’s finishing school to become a high-class courtesan, just as the women in their family have always done. Gigi finds her lessons difficult and does not understand the meaning of love or why Paris seems obsessed with it. She enjoys spending time with Gaston, but views their relationship as platonic. Alicia and Mamita concoct a plan to set Gigi up as Gaston’s mistress, an arrangement Gigi remains blissfully unaware of. She continues her lessons, but is clearly still an awkward young girl.

Gaston soon falls in love with Gigi, but she says she does not want to become anyone’s mistress only to be tossed aside when a prettier girl comes along. Gaston is shocked that she thinks of him this way, but is unable to convince her that he will change his ways. Gigi, though, has a change of heart and realises she wants to be with Gaston, even if only as his mistress.

Gaston takes Gigi out to dinner for the first time in one of Paris’ most exclusive restaurants. For the first time, he notices that Gigi is no longer the awkward teenager and has evolved into a beautiful and elegant woman. He decides that he does not want her to be only his mistress, and proposes marriage, which she excitedly accepts.

Songs

Act I

  • Thank Heaven for Little Girls – Honore Lachailles
  • It’s a Bore – Honore Lachailles and Gaston Lachailles
  • The Earth and Other Minor Things – Gigi
  • Paris Is Paris Again – Honore Lachailles and Ensemble
  • She’s Not Thinking of Me – Gaston Lachailles
  • It’s a Bore (Reprise) – Honore Lachailles, Gaston Lachailles, Manuel and Aunt Alicia
  • The Night They Invented Champagne – Gigi, Gaston Lachailles and Mamita
  • I Remember It Well – Honore Lachailles and Mamita
  • I Never Want to Go Home Again – Gigi and Ensemble

Act II

  • Gigi – Gaston Lachailles
  • The Contract – Aunt Alicia, Mamita, Maitre Duclos and Maitre Du Fresne
  • I’m Glad I’m Not Young Anymore – Honore Lachailles
  • In This Wide,Wide World – Gigi
  • Thank Heaven for Little Girls (Reprise) – Honore Lachailles
Awards

1974 Tony Awards: Best Original Score. Nominated for:  Best Actor in a Musical Alfred Drake, Best Scenic Design Scenic Design by Oliver Smith, Best Costume Design Costume Design by Oliver Messel.

Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

Gypsy

Gypsy features a score by Jule Styne with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents. The musical is often referred to as one of the greatest musicals of the classic Broadway period, and its phenomenal Overture is recognisable to all theatre fans. The show is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, in which Rose is the show business mother who pushes her children into the limelight. The character of Rose is one of the most sought after roles in musical theatre, and numerous productions have highlighted the best Broadway stars including Ethel Merman, Patti luPone, Bernadette Peters and Tyne Daley.

Gypsy

Jule Styne

Stephen Sondheim

Arthur Laurents

the Memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee

David Merrick & Leland Hayward

Jerome Robbins

Jerome Robbins

Productions
Gypsy Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Broadway Theatre, The Imperial Theatre - Opened 21 May 1959, closed 25 Mar 1961

Cast: Ethel Merman (Rose), Sandra Church (Louise), Lane Bradbury (June), Jack Klugman (Herbie).

Gypsy Original London

Original London Production

Piccadilly Theatre - Opened 29 May 1973, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Angela Lansbury,  Zan Charisse, Barry Ingham, Debbie Bowen and Bonnie Langford

Gypsy 1st Broadway Revival

1974 Broadway Revival

Winter Garden Theatre - Opened 1 Sep 1974, closed 1 Jan 1975

Cast:  Angela Lansbury, Rex Robbins, Maureen Moore, Mary Louise Wilson

Gypsy 2nd Broadway Revival

1989 Broadway Revival

Marquis Theatre - Opened 1 Nov 1979, closed 28 Jul 1991

Cast: Tyne Daley (Rose), (Crista Moore) Louise, Jonathan Hadary (Herbie)

Gypsy 2003 Revival

2003 Broadway Revival

Schubert Theatre - Opened 1 May 2003, closed 30 May 2004

Cast: Bernadette Peters,  John Dossett, Tammy Blanchard, Kate Reinders, David Burtka

Gypsy 2008 Revival

2008 Broadway Revival

St James Theatre - Opened 27 Mar 2008, closed 11 Feb 2009

Cast: Patti LuPone (Rose), Laura Benanti (Louise), Leigh Ann Larking (June), Boyd Gaines (Herbie)

Gypsy  100x150

Gypsy 2015 London Revival

Savoy Theatre - Opened 28 Mar 2015, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Imelda Staunton as Rose, Peter Davison as Herbie, Lara Pulver as Louise and Gemma Sutton as June.



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

Formidable stage mother pushes her daughters to succeed as one accidentally becomes a stripper making her Mama question her motives and life.

Add your own Twitter style synopsis (140 characters only!) in the comments box


In the early 1920’s Rose and her two daughters Baby June and Louise play the vaudeville circuit, pushed by Rose’s ambitions and aspirations for her daughter. Rose is a fierce stage mother who pushes her children, in particular June who acts as the centrepiece for each act. Every act features the same song under a different disguise. Rose wants the girls to travel to Broadway and dreams that the act can really take off, but her father refuses to help her out financially. She meets an old theatre agent Herbie and uses her charm to win him as their manager. As the girls get older, their act rarely changes and they become a travelling troupe. They eventually get to perform to Mr Goldstone, a huge vaudeville manager of the Orpheum circuit. Rose rejects Herbie’s proposal of marriage, putting all of her energies into the act, that continues to stay the same despite the growing ages of the girls. Louise and June are unhappy with their lives and often fantasize about what it would be like if ‘Momma Was Married’ and they led a normal life. Tulsa, a chorus boy from the act shows Louise his own dancing skills and persuades her to run away with him. She leaves a note for her mother that the two have eloped. Rose is furious, but turns her fortunes around as she promises to make Louise a star instead.

As the vaudeville industry continues to fade away, Louise is now a lot older and still forced to perform in an act similar to Baby June’s. Rose and Herbie continue to try and sell the act, but with few venues left they are reduced to a burlesque house in Kansas. Whilst Rose is offended, Louise looks on the positive side that they will get paid for two weeks. Louise shares a dressing room with three strippers who teach her how to get a gimmick in order to succeed. Herbie proposes to Rose again and she accepts, and she promises to close the act and lead a normal life. As a stripper drops out, Rose seizes her opportunity, forcing Louise back into the spotlight. Herbie is disgusted at Rose’s behaviour and walks out on her forever. Louise reluctantly agrees and tries not to strip, but her teasing drives the audience wild and she becomes highly successful. She continues to get more successful, and becomes a burlesque star, rejecting help from her mother. Rose realises that June, Herbie and now Louise have left her and her life is now meaningless. She asks what it was all for, delivering the biggest number in the show ‘Rose’s Turn’. She fantasizes about her own success and realises that she did it all for herself. She tries to reconcile with Louise, but to no avail.

Songs

Act I

  • Overture
  • Let Me Entertain You
  • Some People
  • Small World
  • Baby June And Her Newsboys
  • Mr. Goldstone, I Love You
  • Farm Sequence
  • Little Lamb
  • You’ll Never Get Away From Me
  • Dainty June And Her Farmboys
  • If Mama Was Married
  • Broadway
  • All I Need Is The Girl
  • Seattle To LA
  • Everything’s Coming Up Roses

Act II

  • Madame Rose’s Toreadorables
  • Together Wherever We Go
  • You Gotta Have A Gimmick
  • Let Me Entertain You (reprise)
  • Rose’s Turn

Cut Songs

  • Mama’s Talkin’ Soft
  • Smile, Girls
  • Three Wishes for Christmas
  • Who Needs Him?
Awards

1960

  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Musical Book by Arthur Laurents; Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Music by Jule Styne; Produced by Leland Hayward [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Actress in a Musical Ethel Merman [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Featured Actor in a Musical Jack Klugman [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Featured Actress in a Musical Sandra Church [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Scenic Design (Musical) Scenic Design by Jo Mielziner [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Costume Design Costume Design by Raoul Pène Du Bois [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Direction of a Musical Jerome Robbins [nominee]
  • 1960 Tony Award® Best Conductor and Musical Director Milton Rosenstock [nominee]

1975

  • 1975 Tony Award® Best Actress in a Musical Angela Lansbury [winner]
  • 1975 Tony Award® Best Featured Actress in a Musical Zan Charisse [nominee]
  • 1975 Tony Award® Best Direction of a Musical Arthur Laurents [nominee]
  • 1975 Theatre World Award Zan Charisse [winner] John Sheridan [winner]
  • 1975 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actress in a Musical Angela Lansbury [winner]
  • 1975 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Bonnie Langford [nominee]
  • 1975 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical Arthur Laurents [winner]

1990

  • 1990 Tony Award® Best Actress in a Musical Tyne Daly [winner]
  • 1990 Tony Award® Best Featured Actor in a Musical Jonathan Hadary [nominee]
  • 1990 Tony Award® Best Featured Actress in a Musical Crista Moore [nominee]
  • 1990 Tony Award® Best Costume Design Costume Design by Theoni V. Aldredge [nominee]
  • 1990 Tony Award® Best Revival Produced by Barry & Fran Weissler, Kathy Levin, Barry Brown [winner]
  • 1990 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actress in a Musical Tyne Daly [winner]
  • 1990 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Jonathan Hadary [nominee]
  • 1990 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Crista Moore [nominee]
  • 1990 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival Produced by Barry & Fran Weissler, Kathy Levin, Barry Brown; Produced in association with Tokyo Broadcasting System Intl., Inc., PACE Theatrical Group, Inc. [winner]
  • 1990 Theatre World Award Robert Lambert [winner] Crista Moore [winner]

2003

  • 2003 Tony Award® Best Revival of a Musical Produced by Robert Fox, Ron Kastner, Roger Marino, Michael Watt, Harvey Weinstein, WWLC [nominee]
  • 2003 Tony Award® Best Actress in a Musical Bernadette Peters [nominee]
  • 2003 Tony Award® Best Featured Actor in a Musical John Dossett [nominee]
  • 2003 Tony Award® Best Featured Actress in a Musical Tammy Blanchard [nominee]
  • 2003 Theatre World Award Tammy Blanchard [winner]
  • 2003 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical Produced by Robert Fox, Ron Kastner, Roger Marino, Michael Watt, Harvey Weinstein, WWLC [nominee]
  • 2003 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actress in a Musical Bernadette Peters [nominee]
  • 2003 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical John Dossett [nominee]
Licensing

UK: Music Scope UK

USA: Tams-Witmark

 

 

Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is a musical featuring music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. The book is based on Damon Runyon’s tales of Broadway, and uses characters from across his work. The original production in 1950 was one of the most successful shows of the decade, and numerous revivals have been mounted all over the world. The show was particularly popular in London, and the first successful revival was mounted at the National Theatre directed by Richard Eyre. The show is a popular choice for amateur groups because of the popular story and fun songs.

Guys and Dolls Original Poster

Frank Loesser

Frank Loesser

Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows

short stories by Damon Runyon

Cy Feuer & Ernest Martin

George S. Kaufman

Michael Kidd

Productions
Guys and Dolls Original Broadway

Guys and Dolls - Original Broadway

46th Street Theatre - Opened 24 Nov 1950, closed 1 Jan 1970, 1200 performances

Cast: Robert Alda, Sam Levene, Isabel Bigley, and Vivian Blaine.

Guys and Dolls Original London

Guys and Dolls - Original London

London Coliseum - Opened 28 May 1953, closed 1 Jan 1970, 555 performances

Guys and Dolls 1st Broadway Revival

Guys and Dolls - First Broadway Revival

The Broadway Theatre - Opened 11 Jul 1976, closed 1 Feb 1977

Guys and Dolls National Revival

Guys and Dolls - National Theatre Revival

Royal National Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre - Opened 9 Mar 1982, closed 1 Apr 1986

Cast: Bob Hoskins (Nathan Detroit), Julia McKenzie (Adelaide), Ian Charleson (Sky) and Julie Covingtonas (Sarah)

Guys and Dolls 2nd Broadway Revival

Guys and Dolls - 2nd Broadway Revival

Martin Beck Theatre - Opened 14 Apr 1992, closed 8 Jan 1995

Cast: Nathan Lane

Guys and Dolls 2nd London Revival

Guys and Dolls - 2nd London Revival

Piccadilly Theatre - Opened 2 Jun 2005, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Ewan McGreggor, Douglas Hodge, Jenna Russell

Guys and Dolls 3rd Broadway Revival

Guys and Dolls - 3rd Broadway Revival

Nederlander - Opened 1 Mar 2009, closed 14 Jun 2009, 121 performances

Cast: Craig Bierko, Lauren Graham, Oliver Platt



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Runyon Land opens the show setting up the hustle and bustle of 1950s New York’s Broadway. Three gangsters open the show singing “Fugue for Tin Horns”, as they bet on the outcome of the daily races. They are interrupted by the arrival of the Save-a-Soul Mission led by Sarah Brown who call the gambling sinners to “Follow the Fold”. Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Benny Southstreet are awaiting the news of their employer Nathan Detroit to deliver the goods on an illegal crap game held around the city. They are desperately looking for a new host venue, (“The Oldest Establishment”) and are hoping Nathan comes up trumps. Nathan sets a bet with Sky Masterson that he can’t find a Doll to take to Havana with him and chooses Sarah Brown as the subject. He is determined to win her affection.

Meeting her at the mission he offers her dinner in Havana in return for twelve genuine sinners to boost her flailing mission that is threatened with closure. He tells her that “I’ll Know” when he falls in love, kissing her and getting slapped. Nathan visits the Hot Box nightclub to watch his long suffering fiance of 14 years Adelaide perform with her girls (“A Bushel and a Peck”). She asks him when will they be getting married and is angry that Nathan is still involved with gambling. She consults a medical book that tells her her constant cold is brought on by her need to be married, (“Adelaide’s Lament”).

The boys watch Sky continue to pester Sarah, noting that guys will do anything for the girls they love, (“Guys and Dolls”). Sarah is put under pressure by General Cartwright who demands that they bring in more sinners to the mission. Sarah promises 12 genuine sinners,, implicitly agreeing to Sky’s bet. Nathan watches the mission parade past the town, after he has agreed to elope with Adelaide and faints when he sees Sarah isn’t with them meaning he has lost his bet.

In Havana, Sky treats Sarah to a fun evening, and she drinks cocktails without knowing they are alcoholic. She kisses Sky and feels happy for the first time, (“If I Were a Bell”) and Sky realises he does have feelings for her. He takes her back to New York and on the street admits that “I’ve Never Been in Love Before”. As the police siren sounds, the gamblers run out of the mission where Nathan has been holding the crap grame. Sarah assumes Sky only took her to Havana to get her out of the way of gambling activities and she leaves angrily.

Adelaide continues to perform at the Hot Box (“Take Back Your Mink”) and as Nathan doesn’t show up for their elopement she consults her book again, (“Adelaide’s Second Lament”). At the Mission Sarah confesses to her grandfather Arvide that she is in love with Sky but can’t forgive him for fooling her. Her urges Sarah to follow her heart (“More I Cannot Wish You”). Sky arrives and promises her the sinners for the mission but she ignores him.

Nathan directs Sky to the sewers where the crap game is underway. Sky bets every sinner $1,000 against their souls, saying if they loose they have to attend the mission for him, (“Luck Be a Lady”). Sky wins and the sinners head towards the revival meeting. Adelaide stops Nathan and asks how much more she has to take (“Sue Me”) but he convinces her that he love her.

Everyone arrives at the mission and Nicely invents a story to get everyone confessing, “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat”. The police arrive and Sarah steps in to save them all, providing them with an alibi. Nathan confesses to her that it was he who arranged the bet with Sky and that Sky has only ever looked out for her feelings. Sarah runs into Adelaide and they share tips about resolving their pre-marital problems, “Marry the Man Today”. Some time later, Nathan prepares to marry Adelaide at the mission, just as Sky and Sarah have been married and Sky leads the mission band.

Songs
Act I
  • Opening
  • Overture
  • Runyonland
  • Fugue for Tinhorns
  • Follow the Fold
  • The Oldest Established
  • I’ll Know
  • A Bushel and a Peck
  • Adelaide’s Lament
  • Guys and Dolls
  • If I Were a Bell
  • My Time of Day
  • I’ve Never Been in Love Before
Act II
  • Entr’acte
  • Take Back Your Mink
  • More I Cannot Wish You
  • The Crapshooters’ Dance
  • Luck Be a Lady
  • Sue Me
  • Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the boat
  • Marry the Man Today
  • Finale
Awards

Between the years 1951 – 1992 Guys and Dolls has won a total of 15 Tony Awards!

In 1956 the Movie won Golden Globe awards for

  • Best Picture – Musical/Comedy
  • Best Actress – Musical/Comedy – Jean Simmons

There were 4 nominations for Academy Awards

Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International

Grease

Grease is one of the coolest musicals to ever grace the West End and Broadway stage. Featuring a score by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the musical is named for the 1950s working class youth subculture in the USA who were known as ‘greasers’. Set in a fictional High School, the show follows a group of boys and girls in their senior year as they deal with all sorts of teenage angst, from drive ins to burger bars and teenage pregnancy. The show is one of the most performed musicals in the world and was made famous by the 1978 movie starring Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.

Grease

by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Kenneth Waissman & Maxine Fox

Tom Moore

Patricia Birch

Productions
Grease Original Broadway

Original Broadway Production

Eden Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre, Royale Theatre, Majestic Theatre. - Opened 14 Feb 1972, closed 1 Apr 1980, 3388 performances

Cast: Barry Bostwick 

Grease Original London

Original London Production

New London Theatre - Opened 1 Jun 1974, closed 1 Jan 1970

Cast: Richard Gere, Patrick Swazee, Paul Nichols and Elaine Paige

Grease 1st Broadway Revival

First Broadway Revival

Eugene O'Neill Theatre - Opened 11 May 1994, closed 25 Jan 1998

Cast: Brooke Shields and Rosie O’Donnell played Rizzo; Hunter Foster played Rodger; Megan Mullally played Marty

Grease 1st London Revival

First London Revival

Cambridge Theatre, Dominion Theatre - Opened 1 Oct 1996, closed 1 Dec 1999

Cast: Shane Ritchie (Kinickie), Sally Anne Triplett (Rizzo).

Grease Piccadilly 2007

Second London Revival

Piccadilly Theatre - Opened 1 Aug 2007, closed 1 Apr 2011

Cast: Danny Bayne and Susan McFadden

Grease 2nd Broadway Revival

Second Broadway Revival

Brooks Atkinson Theatre - Opened 19 Aug 2007, closed 4 Jan 2009

Cast: Max Crumm and Laura Osnes



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

Twitter Synopsis:

High School drama on a summer night leads to an unlikely couple who break the social mold, proving that PVC always helps win your man. 

Add your own Twitter style synopsis (140 characters only!) in the comments box


It’s 1959 and a new school year for seniors at Rydell High School. After an eventful summer, the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies settle back into their school routine and parody their school’s Alma Mater. They sit at opposite sides of the dining hall, whilst they hear about everyone’s successful summer romances. New girl at school Sandy Dumbrowski is pulled into the pack of Pink Ladies who quiz her about her summer romance with a mysterious man. Whilst she tells the girls about their emotional connection, Danny Zuko tells his side of the story to the Burger Palace Boys, focusing much more on the physical. Danny and Sandy soon bump into each other in the corridor, and whilst Sandy is excited to see Danny, he brushes her off trying to be cool. Doody entertains the school with his new guitar, giving a concert in the bathrooms.

Marty hosts a pajama party to initiate Sandy into the Pink Ladies. They talk about wine, cigarettes and try to pierce Sandy’s ears. Marty tells the girls she is in love with a Marine named ‘Freddy’. The boys meanwhile tease Kenickie about his new broken down car, nicknaming it ‘Greased Lightning’.

At school Sandy is recruited to join the cheerleaders by class president Patty Simcox. Danny tries to apologise to Sandy but she refuses to speak to him, wishing they hadn’t met. Rizzo teases Danny about picking a real life ‘Sandra Dee’. The gang decide that they will always stay together, even after High School ends.

The High School Hop opens Act II and the kids from Rydell High are partying in the school gym. Sandy stays at home feeling sorry for herself, singing about it raining on prom night. The dance is hosted by their favourite DJ Vince Fontaine who leads a hand jive competition amongst the couples. Danny and Rizzo are supposed to dance together, but Danny dances with Cha Cha from a rival school, causing much upset. They win the contest and Rizzo and Kenickie dance together. Sandy hears about Cha Cha and feels betrayed.

At the Burger Palace the gang run into Frenchie who has dropped out of Rydell High and now also Beauty School. Danny takes up the track team in order to win back Sandy, but she is not impressed. Cha Cha’s boyfriend’s gang have challenged the Burger Palace Boys to a rumble, but Danny is too focused on winning Sandy back. He invites her to the drive in movie, but moves too fast for her and ends up being alone once again. Jan hosts a party in her basement and the group listen to each other sing and wonder about life after High School. Rizzo reveals that she may be pregnant, and tells Kenickie that he is not the father. She struggles to find sympathy, saying ‘There are Worse Things I Could Do’. Sandy also questions what she can do to fit in, and the girls come up with a plan.

Sandy is transformed into a greasers ideal woman, with leather pants and big hair. Danny is astounded at the change and the two are finally together. Rizzo finds out she isn’t pregnant after all, and the gang are all happy as they rush towards their final days in High School.

Songs

ACT I

  • Rydell Alma Mater
  • Rydell Alma Mater (Parody)
  • Summer Nights
  • Those Magic Changes
  • Crossover Into Greased Lightnin’
  • Greased Lightnin’
  • Rizzo’s Entrance and Chaser (Instrumental)
  • Rydell’s Flight Song
  • Mooning
  • Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee
  • We Go Together

ACT II

  • Shakin At The High School Hop
  • Freddy My Love
  • It’s Raining On Prom Night
  • Into High School Hop (Scene Change #3)
  • High School Hop (Underscore)
  • Miss Lynch’s Entrance
  • Vince Fontaine’s Entrance
  • Born To Hand-Jive
  • Crossover Out Of High School Hop
  • Beauty School Dropout
  • Beauty School Dropout (Reprise)
  • Into Alone At The Drive-In Movie (Scene Change #4)
  • Alone At The Drive-In Movie
  • Rock `N’ Roll Party Queen
  • There Are Worse Things I Could Do
  • Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee (reprise)
  • Out Of Sandra Dee (Scene Change #5)
  • All Choked Up
  • We Go Together
  • Crossover
  • Finale
  • Bows and Exit Music
  • House Exit Music

SONGS ADDED FOR THE MOVIE

  • Grease
  • Hopelessly Devoted To You
  • Sandy
  • You’re The One That I Want
  • Blue Moon
  • Hound Dog
  • Tears On My Pillow
  • Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Here To Stay
  • Love Is A Many Spendored Thing
  • Grease (Reprise)

New Broadway Cast

  • Since I Don’t Have You
  • Grease Megamix
Awards

1972 Drama Desk Awards: Oustanding Choreography, Outstanding Costume Design, Theatre World Award

The show has been nominated for 11 Tony Awards, but has won none.

Licensing

UK: Samuel French

USA: Samuel French

 

 

Godspell

Godspell  is written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak. Originally opening as an Off-Broadway show in 1971, the musical went on to develop a cult following all over the world and is now frequently performed by various amateur groups. It has enjoyed numerous revivals, including a 2011 revival which played on Broadway from October 13, 2011 to June 24, 2012. The show is based on a series of parables from the Gospel of Matthew and Luke that are told with modern music, using lyrics from traditional hymns and scriptures. The show also deals with the Passion of the Christ towards the end of the show.

Godspell Original Poster

Stephen Schwartz

Stephen Schwartz

John-Michael Tebelak

the Gospels of Matthew and Luke

Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan, and Joseph Beruh

John-Michael Tebelak

Productions
Godspell Original Off Broadway

Original Off-Broadway Production

Cherry Lane Theatre - Opened 17 May 1971, closed 13 Jun 1976

Godspell Original London

Original London Production

Roundhouse Camden, Wyndham's Theatre - Opened 17 Nov 1971, closed 1 Jan 1970

Godspell 1st Broadway Revival

First Broadway Production

Broadhurst Theatre, Plymouth Theatre, Ambassadors Theatre - Opened 22 Jun 1976, closed 4 Sep 1977

Godspell 2nd Broadway

Off-Broadway Revival

York Theatre - Opened 2 Aug 2000, closed 7 Oct 2000

Godspell 3rd Broadway Revival

Broadway Revival

Circle in the Square Theatre - Opened 13 Oct 2011, closed 24 Jun 2012



What was your favourite production? Add your thoughts in the comments box

Synopsis

The Voice of God calls together a group of philosophers from throughout the ages, who sing their various ideas in contrast to one another in “Tower of Babble (Prologue).” Finally, John the Baptist calls their meeting to order with “Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord)” and baptises them all.

Jesus arrives to be baptised, but John says Jesus should be baptising him. Jesus explains that his mission is to “Save the People.” He begins telling parables, encouraging them all to lead better lives, and the company act these stories out. He teaches the value of forgiveness and they sing “Day by Day.”

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows his followers that they must love their enemies regardless of their personal beliefs. He explains that those who are rich on earth will be poor in Heaven and vice-versa, and that no man can serve both God and money. He encourages them to take heed of his parables (“Learn Your Lessons Well”). The group are learning to follow him, singing “Bless the Lord.”

When the group begins to question why good people are sometimes not given justice on earth, he replies that it is “All for the Best,” as they will be rewarded in Heaven (“All Good Gifts”). He reminds them of their capacity for good and how they can change society. They agree that Christ is the “Light of the World.” At the interval, the cast join the audience to share wine and bread.

The cast reprise “Learn Your Lessons Well” to encourage the audience to listen again. One member of the group encourages them to give up their obsessions with material things in “Turn Back, O Man.” Some members of the community begin to question Jesus’ teachings, but he is resolute and teaches them that the greatest commandment is to “love your neighbour as yourself.”

Some in the group come forward to accuse a woman of adultery, but Jesus responds that “he who is without sin” should “cast the first stone.” As he sends her away forgiven, she asks him to stay with her (“By My Side”). The whole community reflects on their “Beautiful City.” Soon, they gather for the Last Supper, after Judas betrays Jesus, and sets actions in motion that will lead to crucified, symbolically on an electric fence shaped like a cross. The company lead Jesus, now dead, in a procession to a reprise of “Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord).”

Songs
  • Prologue
  • Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
  • Save the People
  • Day by Day
  • Learn Your Lessons Well
  • Bless the Lord
  • All For The Best
  • All Good Gifts
  • Light Of The World
  • Turn Back, O Man
  • Alas For You
  • By My Side
  • We Beseech Thee
  • On The Willows
  • Finale
Licensing

UK: Josef Weinberger

USA: Musical Theatre International