Script Status & Clarification

There was some concern that I was changing the script from the original text, and let me assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. I value the text of the script above all things, and as both an actor and director I seek to present the material as originally conceived by the playwright.

That said, Godspell is a special case. The script as-written is a transcription of what was originally developed as a semi-improvisational piece. I have seen it presented a variety of ways, ranging from a word-for-word exact presentation of the core script, to minor contextual changes, to complete re-adaptations of particular sections. Some worked. Some didn't

That said, when I stated that I'm retyping the script, I am doing it for two reasons: to clarify and isolate the original text (essentially removing ALL stage directions and blocking); and to clean up and streamline the text for the purposes of our production (remove character names and assign color names, and format the script for easier duplication, readability, and use).

That's it. Nothing exotic. No rewriting of John-Michael Tebelak's wonderful script.

That said, I've finished entering the first act and will probably complete the second act over the coming weekend. I will print it out and review it for mistakes (and have a second or third set of eyes do the same), and then I'll format it for ease of use on stage. After that, I'll start developing my "paper" blocking, using a model of the set and colored plastic game pieces, to get a sense of the necessary "mechanical" components of the blocking. I'll review those, and they will get entered into the script as well, proofed, and then that will be our base script for rehearsals.

As a side bar, I always create a copy of the script and music that my performers can tear the crap out of, marking, hilighting, etc. to their heart's content. The notion of "marking in soft pencil" in librettos or songbooks that must be returned is retarded and doesn't acknowledge the need for an actor to "consume" and "personalize" their script. I take those scripts and tuck them away, untouched, until it is time to send them back. I do the same for the charts as well, as I expect my musicians and music directors to interact with the sheet music.

That's just my two cents on the subject.

More to come this weekend, including a couple of new costume designs and a first pass at a ground plan. Also, I meet tonight with the ETC Board to discuss opening night in The Square and the High Street extended run.

- Sean