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For Fans of the Musical Godspell

—It Was “All For the Best”—
Read About Godspell’s Historic Journey

Defying Gravity includes Godspell historyHow did Godspell grow from an idea to an international hit musical? Find out in Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked

Defying Gravity takes readers into the creative world of the award-winning Broadway and film composer Stephen Schwartz who wrote Godspell's score at age 23. The book features many never-before-told stories about Godspell.

FOR GODSPELL FANS AND PERFORMERS

  • Author Carol de Giere spent over eighty hours interviewing Stephen Schwartz in addition to interviewing his colleages, friends, cast members, and family, including all the original Godspell cast members who are still living: Peggy Gordon, Robin Lamont, Gilmer McCormick, Sonia Manzano, Joanne Jonas, and Stephen Nathan. In the book, you'll find many quotes and stories.
  • In Defying Gravity, find out what John-Michael Tebelak was thinking when he conceived the musical.
  • Learn about the influences on the script and the score in over 50 pages about Godspell
  • Enjoy photos of the original Godspell cast performing scenes from the show.

Where to Buy Defying Gravity the Book

PRAISE FOR DEFYING GRAVITY from a Famous Godspell Fan

"Stephen Schwartz is one of my favorite writers. His Godspell was the first professional production I ever saw and it inspired me to become a writer.  In Defying Gravity, Carol de Giere pulls back the curtain and gives us a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of the musical theater's greatest wizards.  Enjoy!" —Stephen Flaherty, Tony Award-winning composer of Ragtime, Seussical, & Once On This Island

Have you ever wondered how Godspell got started?

In Chaper 4 of Defying Gravity you will read how John-Michael Tebelak conceived the show and how the first college cast (1970) responded to the idea of clowning around with parables. (Yes, at first they thought he was crazy until they experienced how much joy the show created for audiences.)

In Chapter 5 you will find the story behind Stephen Schwartz's new Godspell score for the Cherry Lane Theatre production in 1971.

Defying Gravity: Godspell at Cherry Lane, Chapter Five.

Special section in the book: "Godspell Song Stories"

This very special section starting on page 457 features stories about each of Godspell's songs:

  • 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,
  • as well as Beautiful City.

Defying Gravity is more than a Stephen Schwartz biography. One of its best features is the account of Godspell's history: nearly 50 pages covering the fascinating development of Godspell from early 1970 through 1971.

Where to Buy Defying Gravity the Book

Godspell CDs

How full is your Godspell CD collection?

Godspell Original Cast Recording

Original Cast Recording. Arista, 1973. Includes original hit song "Day by Day" sung by Robin Lamont. Buy Godspell [new browser window] Sung by the original cast members David Haskell, Peggy Gordon, Robin Lamont, Gilmer McCormick, Sonia Manzano, Jeffrey Mylett, Stephen Nathan, Herbie Braha, Joanne Jonas, and Lamar Alford.
 
2. Godspell Soundtrack
Godspell Movie Soundtrack, Bmg/Arista; 1973. Available from Amazon.com and other sources. Buy Godspell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [new browser window] Includes Beautiful City but leaves off We Beseech Thee
 

3. Godspell - 2000 Cast Recording

This CD includes the prologue and some script passages Buy or hear clips from Godspell 2000 Cast Album .
 

4. Godspell - 2001 Touring Cast Recording

DRG, 2001. Buy or hear clips from Godspell - 2001 National Touring Cast [new browser window]. [new browser window]
  • Includes: Prologue, Beautiful City, and all the other songs

Also available at itunes if you have their software: GODSPELL Godspell - 2001 National Touring Cast Recording

 

Official website for Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked (musical theatre biography)

Buy it online:

USA
Defying Gravity at Amazon.com - Best price $16.47
Barnes and Noble
CANADA
Amazon.com.ca
UK
Amazon.co.uk
Dresscircle.com
FRANCE
Amazon.fr
GERMANY
Amazon.de
AUSTRALIA
Dymocks
Booktopia.com.au
JAPAN
Amazon.co.jp

OR BUY IT LOCALLY

Your local bookseller will be able to order the book from their usual wholesaler. ISBN: 978-1557837455. Retail $24.95 US price.

(United States)