Brother Raymond Pert gave the sibling assignment this week. "In honor of the upcoming production by the Sixth Street Theater of the musical "Godspell" write a post explaining what your spiritual experience has been with "Godspell" and, if possible, how that experience is similar and/or different from your spiritual experience with "Jesus Christ Superstar"." You can find RP's here and Silver Valley Girl's amazing timeline of experiences with these musicals is here.
I have never seen either one of these musicals on stage. Both of the films came out in 1973. I must have been under a rock when I was graduating from high school and spending my first semester at college, because I just don't remember seeing either movie. I love the music from both musicals. All I can remember is that the music seems a bit hip for someone who grew up in a traditional church. I was used to singing " Faith of our Fathers" and "Holy, Holy, Holy" in church. These upbeat rock songs about Jesus just seemed too cool for singing in worship. I do remember most of my new friends I met in college were Catholic and attended St. Augie's close to where we were living on campus. At that time Catholics were experimenting with guitar/folk type songs during worship. I really did like that type of music, but again, it just didn't seem like church to me.The songs in both musicals have stayed with me. I just don't remember how and when I learned them. I believe we may have had albums of the musicals at home. Can you believe how vague I am? I am afraid I can't even tell you if they influenced me spiritually.
I can reflect on the fact that in 1973 I was used to a church service that was scripted and there was an order to things . I'm afraid if the church choir at the United Church in Kellogg broke out in "Day by Day" or " I Don't Know How to Love Him" it may have sent some waves of concern through the congregation. Even today I still love traditional church hymns as part of a Sunday worship service.I hope I will have a delayed spiritual experience in November. I have the opportunity to see a production of "Godspell " with my sister and her husband as part of the cast at the 6th Street Theater in Wallace, Idaho. Instead of continuing to sound vague I will plug the musical and encourage all of you in the area to attend:
"Godspell"
Showtimes: Nov. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7 p.m.
Nov. 9, 15, 16, 23 at 2 p.m.
Call 1-877-SIXTHST for reservations.
Tickets are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults.
Sixth Street Theater
212 Sixth Street
Wallace, Idaho
Just to prove that I do have some connection with these musicals, I have posted my favorite song from the two musicals for you to enjoy. Maybe I should sign up for Netflix and watch these two movies.
