Godspell: tickets now on sale to American Express Cardholders

Tickets are now on sale to American Express cardholers for the Broadway revival of the rock musical Godspell, opening on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 23 Oct 2008, following previews from 29 Sep, and currently selling tickets through to 29 Mar 2009.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on 23 Aug 2008.

The musical stars Tony Award nominee Gavin Creel (Modern Millie), playing the title role of 'Jesus,' starring alongside 'American Idol' finalist Diana DeGarmo

They will be joined by Uzo Aduba, Andrew Arrington, Sara Chase, Celisse Henderson, Joshua Henry as 'Judas', Morgan James, David Josefsberg, Telly Leung, Kyle Post, Dana Steingold, Maria Thayer and Daniel Torres).

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz ('Wicked,' 'Pippin,' 'The Magic Show') and book by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell reunites the creative team of the critically-acclaimed 2006 Paper Mill Playhouse conception in a completely new production, marking the Broadway debut of director Daniel Goldstein.

The new production of Godspell will feature choreography by Christopher Gattelli ('Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me') scenic design by David Korins ('Passing Strange', 'Bridge and Tunnel'), costumes by Miranda Hoffman ('Well'), lighting by Ben Stanton ('Altar Boyz') and sound by Randy Hanson.

Godspell embraces the 21st century in this new production of one of the longest-running Off-Broadway musicals. Using improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate the parables, Godspell brings these lessons to life through the grand tradition of musical theatre.

The score, by Academy and Grammy Award winner and six time Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), features recognizable songs, such as "Day by Day", that have become staples of both the American musical theatre and popular culture alike. With a book by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell is based upon "The Gospel of Matthew."

This new production of Godspell will mark the first Broadway revival of the American musical since its run ended thirty years ago.

Godspell opened off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre on 13 May 1971 and in August of 1971 moved to the larger Promenade Theatre where it ran for 2,124 performances making it one of the longest running Off-Broadway musicals in history.

After five years of sold-out audiences Off-Broadway, Godspell made its Broadway debut on 22 Jun 1976 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show moved to the Plymouth and the Ambassador before closing on 4 Sep 1977 after 527 performances. In all, the musical achieved more than 2,600 performances both on Broadway and off.