Godspell presented by Classics in the Library June 4, 2006

After 35 years, the musical Godspell still holds its fresh, energetic appeal in portraying the Gospel according to St. Matthew. Students under the direction of Naomi Marrow, with musical direction by Nancy Lanier, will present two free productions of this classic play at the Williamsburg Library Theatre on Saturday, June 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m. Reservations are not needed, but free advance tickets will be distributed at the Williamsburg Library Youth Services desk beginning Monday, May 22. There is a limit of four tickets per family. The Williamsburg Library is located at 515 Scotland Street. This production is part of the Williamsburg Regional Library's Classics In the Library series.

Godspell is one of the most successful musicals in history. It presents a whimsical view of Jesus, whose followers and disciples re-enact parables and scenes from Jesus' life with great energy. The rock musical was an immediate hit when it opened in the spring of 1971 at an off-Broadway theatre. Several songs from the show, including Day by Day, became hits. The show, written by then-college student John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz went on to win rave reviews and a Grammy Award for Best Score.

Schwartz would later win three other Grammy Awards and three Academy Awards for the popular musical Pippin, and animated films Pocahontas and Prince of Egypt. His latest work is the Tony award-winning musical Wicked.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of programs.