"Godspell" Comes To Atlantic Co. With Local Stephen Schwartz Tie-In

MARGATE, NJ — Things come full circle for the technical director of Fool Moon Theatre Company's upcoming production of "Godspell" - Joseph Lazarus has a personal connection with both of the show's creators.

"Godspell," a musical based on the Gospel of Matthew, was originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz.

“I lit Stephen Schwartz’s production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ back at Mineola High School,”
Lazarus said in a press release. “He was very talented then, but nobody knew he would become a Broadway heavyweight.”

Schwartz also wrote other hit musicals “Pippin” and “Wicked” and contributed lyrics to the successful films “Pocahontas,” “The Prince of Egypt,” and “Enchanted.” Schwartz has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards, and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.

Lazarus followed Schwartz to Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama where they worked on the original version of “Pippin.” “At the time, the University wouldn’t allow student productions onto the main stage, so we had to put it up in what was no better than the student cafeteria,” Lazarus said, shaking his head. “It was called “Pippin, Pippin” originally. It wasn’t easy making a show in a cafeteria look polished.” The show went on to become a Broadway hit that won a Tony Award for the lead Ben Vereen.

Lazarus also shares a connection with Tebelak: they were roommates their freshman year at Carnegie Mellon. Both were passionate about theatre but split ways after the first year - Lazarus to work with Schwartz, Tebelak to develop "Godspell" for his master's thesis. Though he never completed the coursework, Tebelak directed "Gospell" off-Broadway and on Broadway, was named Most Promising Director of 1971 by the New York Drama Desk. “John-Michael died young, at age 36,” Lazarus said.

After college, Lazarus served as technical director for several professional productions of "Godspell," starting at Lakewood Musical Playhouse, Barnesville, Pa. then Buck’s County Playhouse, and then the national tour. Lazarus didn’t hesitate and spent three years traveling the country with the show. “Once we had a month of one-night performances. We’d travel 350 miles to a new town. We’d get out of the buses and work 8 hours to set the stage, props, sound, and lights then go into rehearsals. Then showtime!” Lazarus said with a smile. “I loved it.”

Lazarus worked in New York after the tour, then made his way to the Jersey Shore to work in casinos. “The casinos were steady work, plus I got to live near the beach,” he said. He retired several years ago after more than 30 years at Tropicana Atlantic City, where he lit singers, showgirls and big-name stars.

For the past dozen years, Lazarus has worked with Fool Moon Theatre Company, most recently with its production of “Proof” in May. He will be working on the upcoming productions of “Almost, Maine,” and the Christmas Extravaganza.

“We are so lucky to have Joe work with us,” Paul Herron, Fool Moon co-founder, said. “He is a thorough professional and always gives our productions a sparkle rarely seen in community theater.”

Lazarus is enjoying the new version of "Godspell." Though it’s a small production and isn’t traveling outside of Margate, it still means a lot to him. “I love the show. We need to take care of each other, show our humanity to our fellow man and woman. That’s what this show is about.”

Fool Moon Theatre Company’s production of "Godspell" will be performed on July 22, 23, 24 and Aug. 5, 6 and 7 at the Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Avenue, Margate. The entrance is on Thurlow Avenue. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets prices are $35 regular admission, $30 for seniors and $25 for children 12 and younger.
Advance tickets are on Eventbrite. Cash and check will be accepted for tickets at the door. For group sales, text 609-457-0603.

Those who had tickets for the July 29, 30 and 31 performances will have their tickets honored for next weekend or can get a full refund. Email foolmoontheatre@gmail.com for more information.