This was not only a magnanimous act on his part as a composer but, as I mentioned earlier, we were somewhat reserved toward him at Edgar's home. As Stephen generously said to me, he had tried to write something to fill that spot but couldn't write anything better. "By My Side" was the only song from the La Mama production that was kept in the new show. It was heaven-pure, blissful, joyful, exuberant heaven-to learn these songs, to learn our individual harmony parts and then sing them in the context of the show. But when we began to rehearse at The Cherry Lane Theater (and, yes, there was a piano brought downstage), we sat around on stage and began to sing. So, we were protective of the old and a little reserved toward the new. With a few exceptions, previously, the music had largely been all group numbers. It was not only different, but there was so much more of it! Also, unlike the original music, he had provided a lead singer for each song. In truth, the show was an absolutely raw, wildflower without strong structure but plenty of genuine heart and soul - an exuberant diamond in the rough.Īfter La Mama, when Stephen Schwartz was brought in, he provided additional music: "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For The Best," "Light of the World," "Alas For You," "We Beseech Thee," "Long Live God " and then, eventually for the film, Beautiful City."Īs I recently told Stephen, we were stunned when we first heard his music at Edgar Lansbury's home. The other was Jeffrey Mylett's song, "The Raven and The Swan." One was "By My Side." I had played "By My Side" for Gilmer, and it was her idea to bring it in for John-Michael to hear and consider for Godspell. When the show moved to La Mama, without John-Michael's friend, Duane Bolick, as composer, the improvisatory underscoring was dropped and two new songs were added. The songs (with lyrics from traditional hymns) were: "Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord," "Save the People," "Day by Day," "Bless the Lord," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back 'O Man" (which was a ballad), "On The Willows" and what was then called, seriously, "Oh God, I'm Busted!" The original music, written by a good friend of John-Michael Tebelak for the Carnegie production of GODSPELL, was largely improvisatory. Godspell's Musical Transition by Peggy Gordon She wrote the following article for an issue of The Schwartz Scene newsletter. Hear "By My Side" on Godspell CDs or the movie: Godspell She currently lives in New York City and is a writer, composer, lyricist, singer, and dancer. She attended Carnegie Mellon University in the 1960s with many of Godspell's other cast members as well as composer Stephen Schwartz.
She was one of the original cast members for the 1971 Cherry Lane production as the "Peggy" clown, and continued to perform in the show for many years. Peggy Gordon's music for "By My Side" is included in every production and recording of Godspell. The Godspell Experience by Stephen Schwartz biographer Carol de GiereĬomment about The Godspell Experience from Peggy Gordon: “I feel privileged to contribute to a book that is the most factually accurate, definitive account of the making of ‘Godspell.’ Fans of the musical will find a treasure trove of information that is nothing short of inspirational.” – Peggy Gordon, composer of “By My Side” and original Godspell cast member About Peggy Gordon Read about the history of Godspell based on interviews with Stephen Schwartz and the original cast members Peggy Gordon and others.
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